WORDS AND IMAGES DESH KAPUR
Papa Roach’s Rise of the Roach 2025 tour landed at the M&S Arena on Sunday and it was nothing short of a spectacle. Celebrating the 25th anniversary of their breakthrough album Infest, the Californian nu-metal legends took fans on a journey through their vast catalogue in a setlist that felt like a living, breathing history of the band’s evolution. From the raw aggression of their early days to their more melodic, experimental tracks.
The night opened in dramatic fashion, with the band silhouetted behind a white drop sheet. As the curtain fell, they launched into “Even If It Kills Me”, igniting the crowd from the very first note. Pyrotechnics erupted, smoke billowed, and laser show kicked off. Papa Roach didn’t hold back for a second—the stage felt alive with energy, as mosh pits formed instantly and devil horns shot up in unison throughout the arena.
Papa Roach’s set was a sprawling greatest hits collection, covering decades of their music and capturing the essence of each era. Tracks from Infest, like “Between Angels and Insects”, “Broken Home”, and “Blood Brothers”, were met with thunderous roars from the crowd, each one a reminder of the album’s enduring impact. Jacoby Shaddix’s vocals were as powerful as ever, effortlessly switching between his frayed, growling intensity and moments of vulnerability that the band has become known for. His ability to connect with the audience was on full display, with every word shouted back by the die-hard fans in attendance.
Jerry Horton’s guitar work was razor-sharp, delivering those iconic riffs that defined the nu-metal era, while Tobin Esperance’s basslines pulsed through the crowd like a heartbeat, providing the perfect foundation for Tony Palermo’s thunderous drumming. The band’s chemistry was undeniable—tight, polished, and in sync throughout the night.
The crowd responded with equal intensity. Mosh pits erupted all over the arena, with bodies surging forward and crowd surfers riding waves of hands across the sea of fans. The energy never faltered, with devil horns thrown up at every breakdown and chorus.
Midway through the set, the band took a moment to leave the stage, but it was far from a lull. A heartfelt video message from the band played on the big screen to talk about suicide and suicide prevention, revealing that they would be making a huge donation to the suicide prevention charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM). The message was greeted with applause and more than a few emotional moments in the crowd.
If the main set wasn’t enough, the encore sealed the deal. In a playful and nostalgic nod to their roots, Papa Roach treated the crowd to a “riff-off,” blending snippets of classic tracks from fellow nu-metal giants Korn, Limp Bizkit, and System of a Down. This nod to the genre’s heyday was both a celebration of their peers and a reminder of how integral Papa Roach was in shaping the sound of the early 2000s.
The night culminated with the explosive finale—“Last Resort”. As soon as the iconic opening riff hit, the crowd erupted. The energy in the arena was at its peak, with every fan screaming the lyrics in unison. It was the perfect way to end the night, a fitting tribute to the song that catapulted Papa Roach to superstardom and remains one of nu-metal’s most enduring anthems.
Papa Roach’s Rise of the Roach 2025 tour is more than just a nostalgic trip down memory lane; it’s a celebration of a band that has not only survived but thrived for over two decades. Their ability to evolve while staying true to their roots has earned them a fiercely loyal fanbase, and their live performance reflects the passion and energy they continue to bring to every show. The M&S Arena was transformed into a chaotic, electrifying space where fans old and new came together to celebrate a legacy built on raw emotion, powerful music, and a connection. Twenty-five years after Infest, Papa Roach proved they’re still very much at the top of their game, and if Sunday night was any indication, they’re not slowing down anytime soon.
SET LIST
1/ Even If It Kills Me
2/ Blood Brothers
3/ Dead Cell
4/ …To Be Loved
5/ Kill the Noise
6/ Getting Away With Murder
7/ California Love
(2Pac cover)
8/ Swerve
9/ Liar
10/ Forever
11/ Falling Apart
12/ PSA
13/ Leave a Light On (Talk Away the Dark)
14/ Roses on My Grave
15/ No Apologies
16/ Drum Solo
17/ Scars
18/ Help
19/ Born for Greatness
Encore:
20/ Between Angels and Insects
21/ Infest
22/ Broken Home
23/ Blind / My Own Summer (Shove It) / Break Stuff / Chop Suey
24/ Last Resort
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My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago
