Senses Fail and Story of the Year Close the Tour in Explosive Fashion at Riverside Municipal Auditorium
The final stop of a tour always carries a special weight, and on this night at the Riverside Municipal Auditorium, that weight felt electric. As the lights dimmed, the room buzzed with the understanding that this was it—there would be no next city, no second chance; just one last night to give it everything they had. Senses Fail and Story of the Year treated Riverside like a victory lap and a thank-you letter rolled into one.
From the opening moments of Senses Fail’s set, it was clear they were giving it their all. The band embraced the raw energy that has defined their live shows for years, mixing urgency with chaos in a way that felt both practiced and completely unhinged. Songs like "Bonecrusher," "Calling All Cars," "Can’t Be Saved," and "Lady in a Blue Dress" resonated strongly, each eliciting massive crowd movement and relentless sing-alongs. The floor felt alive, bouncing in time with every chorus as fans screamed the lyrics back, disregarding the toll it might take on their voices the following day.
Midway through the set, the night took a turn that perfectly captured the spirit of tour life. Unexpectedly, members of Story of the Year stormed the stage with a full KFC dinner setup, complete with a table, chairs, and buckets. What could have been a distraction turned into one of the most unforgettable moments of the night. The frontman of Senses Fail climbed onto the table, jumped up and down like a man possessed, and proudly wore a KFC bucket on his head as the crowd erupted in cheers. It was absurd, hilarious, and somehow perfect—a reminder that after years of touring, these bands are still having fun and continue to find ways to surprise themselves and the audience.
Senses Fail pushed through their set with intensity, drawing from their entire catalog. Tracks like "Buried a Lie," "You’re Cute When You Scream," "Wolves at the Door," and "Death by Water" showcased the band’s ability to blend aggression with vulnerability. Every scream felt intentional, and every quiet moment carried weight. The band fed off the crowd’s energy, which was returned in full force.
After a brief intermission, Story of the Year took the stage to close out the night, and from the first note, it was evident they were locked in. Their sound was massive and polished, yet retained its edge. The band tore through a set that celebrated their legacy while still sounding urgent and relevant. Songs like "Tear Me to Pieces," "War," "And the Hero Will Drown," "Anthem of Our Dying Day," "In the Shadows," "Gasoline," and "Until the Day I Die" resonated with such clarity and power that it felt as if the room might lift off its foundation.
What stood out most was how strong they sounded. Every chorus landed cleanly, and every breakdown hit with precision. The band appeared comfortable yet hungry, fully aware of how important this moment was. Riverside responded in kind, with arms raised, bodies colliding, and voices raised so loud they nearly drowned out the monitors.
As the set approached its finale, emotion filled the room. This was not just another stop; it was the end of a long journey of shared nights, buses, exhaustion, and triumphs. When "Until the Day I Die" finally rang out, the entire room sang along as if it were a promise rather than just a lyric. It felt like closure, like the last page of a chapter fans weren’t quite ready to turn.
When the lights came up, no one rushed for the exit. People stood, catching their breath—sweaty and smiling—reliving moments out loud with strangers who felt like old friends by the end of the night. That is the mark of a great tour closer—not just volume or spectacle, but connection.
The final show at the Riverside Municipal Auditorium delivered everything it needed to and more. Senses Fail brought chaos, humor, and emotional release. Story of the Year delivered a headlining set that sounded massive and confident, reinforcing why their songs have endured for so long. Together, they closed this tour the only way that made sense: loud, honest, and completely unforgettable.
