When I was given the chance to see Starset at The Fillmore in Detroit, Michigan, on September 6, 2024, there was no question it would be a completely unforgettable and worth the drive to Detroit. This sci-fi rock group hailing from Columbus, OH has been an absolute favorite for years with their deep lyrics which include references of space and science , electronic sound, heavy rock elements, talented female orchestral artists and powerful vocals that are all supported with incredible visual displays and costumes that make you feel like even though the world has ended in an apocalypse, you can find comfort in incredible music in another space and time. My journey to this show was not quite as exciting as the show itself.
As I arrived at the venue, the lines for both the VIP experience and General Admission were over a block long. I was early and decided to interact with the fans and see what being a fan of Starset is all about from another's perspective. If you could have seen what I saw in line, it wasn't just people who enjoy Starset's music, but it was a community of people who feel drawn in by the band and the music they produce, with the ability to be different and still belong to something special. Those who stood in line were extremely kind and passionate people with their Starset space jackets, band tees and some who took the theme to the next level with their space outfits and incredible attention to detail. Being a fan is more than what we think, it's a world of positivity for all of those who choose to immerse themselves in it and an opportunity to make friends, enjoy amazing cinematic rock music and feel confident in who you are.
Starset's team had an incredible on-theme light display set in the lobby with rotating LED lights that made you feel a part of the production. It drew me in immediately before finding where I needed to be when the Starset curtain was dropped. The venue filled quickly with fans of all ages showing that anyone can truly enjoy Starset and what they encompass. It was amazing to step onto the balcony and look below at the sea of people pouring in and beyond ready and excited for the show to begin. Fans who came alone were making friends with the people they had never met. It was an incredibly welcoming and inclusive environment.
When the large curtain that concealed the stage was pulled stage left, you could feel the energy within The Fillmore rise and the screams of excitement from the sea of fans clinging to the barrier and throughout the venue. The lights dimming completely didnt dissuade the anticipation for the experience that lies ahead, instead it jumpstarted a movement throughout the crowd that was palpable. Your heart starts to race, you feel the eagerness for the cinematic production to begin. What lies ahead, you don't know but you want the adventure to last as long as possible. Slowly in the dark, barely lit figures emerge on a second tier stage standing proud and stoically as a well-scripted sci-fi film begins on the screen behind the members of the band. As the short film comes to a halt, you are transformed into this post-apocalyptic space encounter with incredible LED light shows, unbelievable futuristic ensembles, and powerfully charged rock music with deep meanings and on-theme scientific space references that can make the crowd feel as though they are currently experiencing life in the future on a dystopian planet in a far-off galaxy.
The voice and creator of Starset (Dustin Bates) has built this sci-fi empire of cinematic rock where these songs are felt strongly from start to finish and a team of talented individuals including the band members (Ron DeChant- Bass, backing vocals, Keyboards; Brock Richards - Guitar and backing vocals; Adam Gilbert- Drums; Siobhán Cronin- Violin, Zuzana Engererova- Cello; Cory Juba- Synth, Piano and Guitar) make this entire show more of an experience than a typical rock concert. There is no shortage of stellar music, costume design, production and laser/LED light effects, or a more immersive experience at a rock concert that I have ever been witness to. From start to finish I felt the adrenaline rush, listened to the spot on vocals and musical talent on that stage and wanted it to last the entire evening, never ceasing. Every member of Starset moved with the music in their spots and around the stage and created a perfectly chaotic yet well-synchronized scene that complemented everyone else's movement. I fully appreciated the amount of hard work and choreography put into this entire show because you felt you were part of something huge, like you were going to save the world from the people trying to tear it down.
Whether you are a fan of Transmissions, Vessels, Divisions or Horizons, there were songs perfectly curated to cover all of their studio albums, with some of their heavier and wider known hits intertwined with their slower ballads. "Unbecoming" was the perfect blended song to begin the show slowly and build you up into the euphoric mix of electronic and heavier rock sounds tickling the taste buds in turn leaving you craving more. Bangers such as "Manifest", "Devolution", "Infected", "Brave New World", "Monster", "Degenerate", "My Demons" and "Toksik" , had everyone on the floor moving, banging their heads and taking it all in. "Echo", "Perfect Machine" and "Waiting on the sky to Change" took everyone on an emotional trip into the incredible vocal abilities of Dustin and the variety of powerful rock music Starset produces for their 2.9 million plus listeners a month on streaming services. This didnt even scratch the surface on the stellar setlist. Watching the crowd wave their arms with the band during "Die For You" as I also danced in the aisle was such a powerful experience on it's own. For a moment there was unity, nothing separating the crowd and a community of wonderful people coming together for the love of this cinematic rock band from Columbus.
If you happen to be near one of the many cities across North America that Starset is bringing this experience this September, run don't walk to your closest box office to get your tickets for this highly anticipated second leg of Starset Immersion: The Final Chapter. It's not just a concert, its an incredibly galactic encounter that you will regret missing if you don't rush to one of the cities and venues they are making their stop. If I could I would travel to each city just to re-live the feeling of this masterpiece, I would be there in a heartbeat. Starset Immersion: The Final Chapter is an unforgettable experience appropriate for fans of all ages, although if you have flashing light sensitivities be forewarned the light and laser show is intense at times as well as adding to the adventure.
Tour Dates:
Aug. 31—Columbus, OH @ KEMBA LIVE!
Sept. 6—Detroit, MI @ The Fillmore
Sept. 8—Montreal, QC @ MTELUS
Sept. 9—Toronto, ON @ HISTORY
Sept. 10—Philadelphia, PA @ The Fillmore
Sept. 12—Richmond, VA @ The National
Sept. 13—Silver Spring, MD @ The Fillmore
Sept. 14—Albany, NY @ Albany Capital Center
Sept. 15—Huntington, NY @ The Paramount
Sept. 17—Raleigh, NC @ The Ritz
Sept. 20—St. Paul, MN @ Myth Live
Sept. 21—Omaha, NE @ The Astro
Sept. 23—Madison, WI @ The Sylvee
Sept. 24—St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant
Sept. 25—Indianapolis, IN @ Egyptian Room
Sept. 26—Louisville, KY @ Louder Than Life
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