Miss May I Concert Review-Nile Theater Mesa, AZ 10-17-24

Review and Photos By Maxwell Williamson

Levi BentonMiss May I

Celebrating 15 years since their debut album, “Apologies Are For The Weak,” Miss May I from Dayton, OH, were ready to headline a packed Nile Theater in Mesa, AZ. This tour featured incredible support from Bloom (making their U.S. debut from Australia), the powerhouse band Traitors from Florida, and In Hearts Wake (also hailing from Australia). Each opening band’s setlist showcased their distinctive style of metal that prompted explosive responses for each band. It quickly became clear that the Nile Theater was primed for an electrifying night of live music!

As the lights dimmed, the room’s energy surged as the devoted Miss May I fans erupted into chants of “Miss May I.” The four-piece band swiftly took the stage and launched straight into their opening track, “A Dance With Aera Cura.” The audience responded with wild roars, forming a chaotic circle pit, while fans at the front of the stage jumped in sync; with their horns raised high! MMI offers a distinctive mix of powerful screams from lead vocalist Levi Benton, complemented by catchy melodic choruses from bassist Ryan Neff. Neff’s vocals were particularly impressive, especially considering his recent heavy touring schedule performing bass and vocals for metalcore legends As I Lay Dying.

Miss May I

After powering through four consecutive songs, the band paused to catch their breath and hydrate, while Benton addressed the audience. He playfully inquired if any fans had the track “Apologies Are For The Weak” as their Myspace profile song. He reminisced about how Myspace played a crucial role in the band’s early success upon the album’s release. When he asked the crowd how many had seen MMI live before, the response was nearly evenly split between first-timers and returning fans. Levi expressed gratitude to everyone for attending and warmly welcomed the newcomers into the family! He highlighted that this tour was particularly special as they performed several songs live that had never been part of their setlist before.

Following the performance of “Apologies Are For The Weak” in its entirety, the band treated fans to several beloved tracks from their later albums. The excitement among the audience remained intense from beginning to end. Energetic circle pits formed around enthusiastic two-step moshers, creating a captivating display of chaotic movement, while those who preferred not to join the pits opted to headbang and jump in harmony. The show also featured a delightful mix of crowd surfers and stage divers, including a young fan about 10 years old. LB took a moment to ask the boy for his name and introduced him to the crowd, emphasizing that this is what it’s all about and expressing joy at witnessing the youth keeping the spirit of metal vibrant and thriving!

Jerod BoydMiss May I

After an electrifying drum solo by Jerod Boyd that felt like it lasted for ages, leaving the audience in awe, the rest of the band returned to the stage. Levi expressed his gratitude to everyone for the incredible night and informed the fans that there would be no encore. Instead, they planned to conclude with a bang, performing their two biggest hits, “Relentless Chaos” and “Hey Mister.” Both songs featured incredible crowd participation, as devoted fans sang along with fervor! They definitely wrapped up the night on a high note, leaving the venue buzzing with energy! Miss May I has been at the forefront of the metalcore genre for 15 years, and their momentum shows no signs of slowing down. Make sure to catch this tour and experience their remarkable live performance!

Check out the MMI photo gallery here!

Check out the Bloom photo gallery here!

Check out the Traitors photo gallery here!

Check out the In Hearts Wake photo galler here!