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Dallas checks into Hotel Diablo

Machine Gun Kelly. Hotel Diablo Tour. South Side Ballroom. Dallas, Texas. June 15, 2019. Photographed for Still Reveal. Review and Photos by Colt Liles.

Written by Colt Liles

Audio MP3 of this Review:

The Southside Ballroom wasn’t left disappointed when Machine Gun Kelly left off the stage that night. I’ve been following the band since 2015 and it’s been impressive to see their growth. Everyone has pushed through the struggles together and that element seems to have helped them build a noticeable brotherhood—the chemistry, time, and effort all reflects through their performance. These guys are not only widely established artists, but I believe them to be legends. The band is pushing the envelope to what we as fans expect and want to see when we go to concerts.

The team is second to none with this full production set they gave to the experience. I’m talking digital visuals that give aesthetics, stage levels which created movement between the band members and synchronized rising lights set the tone for the show. Colson performed a few covers including a cover of “Oasis,” and also sat down to play the drums trading Rook places for a special cover of “Shout at the Devil,” giving a little melodic Nostalgia to the listeners. Recently, Machine Gun Kelly collaborated with YUNGBLUD and Travis Barker releasing a single with an honest and catchy-melody called “I Think I’m Okay.” YUNGBLUD mentioned in a recent interview with ALT 98.7 FM that the message of the newly released song is about embracing our insecurities.

The “last song” of the night was one of my personal favorites. As the song “27” started to play the fans lit up the sky with lights from their lighters and phones. The band also paid a heartfelt tribute with pictures that flashed up on the digital visual boards showcasing artists Chester Bennington, Mac Miller, Nipsey Hussle, and many other artists that left us too soon. After the show at the South Side Ballroom, we all gathered at the back side of the building in hopes of seeing the band—upon their exit from the building to the tour bus Colson and Rook stopped by to sign autographs, take pictures, and connect with fans. They left a life long memory for one lucky supporter. After the young fan met Colson he shortly ran off to find Rook for her—later Machine Gun Kelly posted the interaction.

—Machine Gun Kelly thanks his crowd for letting him be him through it all:

“Flaws are what makes you perfect, just remember that. I know you may look in the mirror sometimes and not know what the f*** is going on or want to be somebody else but just be you man—that’s the coolest thing you can ever f**king do is just be you.”

“So thank y’all for letting me be me. Lace-up.” —Colson Baker

Every show seems to be a little different on this tour keeping the hearts of the fans racing. Anything from personal connections on stage to having a pop-up “I Think I’m Okay” performance on top of the tour bus after the show with featuring artist YUNGBLUD has been seen across the different shows. There are still so many chances to check into the Hotel Diablo Tour coming up. If you haven't already I highly recommend heading over to machinegunkelly.com to see if the tour is coming to a state near you.