Opening Night in Orlando: The Force of Nature Tour Kicks Off After Illness-related Delays

The highly anticipated Force of Nature Tour finally kicked off at the House of Blues in Orlando, after an unexpected delay due to Marianas Trench frontman Josh Ramsay being sick. Originally set to start a week prior, the band had to reschedule or cancel the first five dates, making this night all the more special. Featuring the talented Cassadee Pope and emerging artist PIAO as the openers, the debut date of the tour was packed with impressive performances.

The evening began with PIAO, a rising star who won over the crowd with her infectious energy and powerful vocals. Do not be fooled by the choreographed dances and backing tracks–PIAO veers from her electro-pop hits to play deeply emotional, stripped down piano pieces about her aging mother, anxiety surrounding her high-achieving tendencies, and a message to her deceased father, all which allowed her to showcase her Berklee-worthy vocals. Though PIAO’s sound was somewhat mismatched with the rest of the pop rock lineup, her set was impressive nonetheless, and the crowd was receptive to this emerging artist.

Next up was Cassadee Pope, whose performance brought an electrifying shift in the night. Her vocals were stunning, effortlessly moving between vulnerability and strength as she performed tracks like "Bad Decisions" and "Hereditary." The audience was especially captivated when she transitioned into a cover of “Defying Gravity” from the musical Wicked. Ending her set with a rock rendition of “Wasting All These Tears,” Pope's ability to connect with the crowd was undeniable, and her heartfelt performance made it clear why she’s such a beloved artist after all these years.

Marianas Trench is known for their theatrical live performances, and this was no exception. After building anticipation with a full playthrough of AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” to a lights-off venue, the band took to the stage and launched into the first three tracks from their newly released album, Haven. Ramsay, who still seemed to be recovering from illness, struggled initially with some of his higher range notes in “A Normal Life,” but quickly recovered after the first chorus. Regardless, the fans were immediately pulled into the world of Haven that Marianas Trench created with their symphonic sound and immersive stage design. Fan favorites like "Desperate Measures" and "Stutter" made their way into the set, ensuring longtime fans got their fill of nostalgia, while new tracks like "Into The Storm" showcased the band's evolved sound. This being the first show in Orlando in five years and the first show of the tour, the night was a special one for everyone involved.

The Force of Nature Tour’s Orlando debut was a night to remember, blending heartfelt moments with high-energy rock, and leaving everyone eager for what’s to come next. While Cassadee Pope will be breaking off to play When We Were Young Festival as Hey Monday, the tour will continue into December hitting cities across the United States and Canada. If the Orlando show is any indicator, the Force of Nature Tour is not one to miss.