The Killers headline and bring P’al Norte to a close on the third and final day of the massive music festival.
On the final day of the P’al Norte Festival, the energy was electric as thousands of fans poured into the grounds to catch headlining act The Killers, along with supporting acts Wallows and Pierce the Veil. The lineup promised an eclectic mix of rock, pop, and punk, and the bands did not disappoint.
The first act to take the stage of those mentioned here, was Pierce the Veil, a San Diego-based post-hardcore band. The quartet kicked off their set with “Death of an Executioner,” a fan-favorite from their 2012 album, The Jaws of Life. Lead singer Vic Fuentes commanded the stage with his soaring vocals and impressive guitar skills while the rest of the band kept the energy high with their tight rhythms and dynamic stage presence. Highlights from their set included “King for a Day,” a collaboration with Kellin Quinn of Sleeping with Sirens, and “Circles,” a haunting ballad that showcased Fuentes’ emotional range. During a post-set press conference, the band stated how much they love playing Latin America, especially Mexico as all members have Nation/Mexican roots. Pierce the Veil truly plays with emotion and rage creating an energy onstage and in the crowd that is not to be missed.
Next up was Wallows, a rising indie rock band from Los Angeles playing together since they were young teens. The trio that is Wallows took the stage with a laid-back energy but quickly won over the crowd with their infectious melodies and catchy hooks. Lead singer Dylan Minnette, best known for his acting roles in “13 Reasons Why” and “Don’t Breathe,” showed off his vocal chops with songs like “Are You Bored Yet?” and “Remember When.” The band’s tight musicianship and effortless chemistry made for a memorable set that left fans buzzing. Wallows, like Dayglow, is another example of a young band that has seen their star rise with the rise of social media platforms that let them connect directly to their fans all over the world.As the sun began to set, the anticipation for The Killers reached a fever pitch. The Las Vegas-based band took the stage at the relatively early hour of 10:30 PM to thunderous applause and launched into “Mr. Brightside,” their breakout hit from 2004. Lead singer Brandon Flowers, decked out in a Vegas lounge singer-style magenta dinner jacket, proved why he’s one of the most dynamic frontmen in rock today. He strutted around the stage, belting out hits like “Somebody Told Me” and “Human,” while the rest of the band provided a powerhouse backing with their driving rhythms and soaring guitar solos.
But the real magic of The Killers’ set came in the form of their deep cuts and unexpected covers. They closed the night with “All These Things That I’ve Done,” an anthem that has become a staple of their live shows. The Mexican fans, in an ongoing theme, sang along to every song. Flowers brought the crowd to a crescendo of voices on the anthem “Somebody Told Me.” By the time they closed out their set with “All the Things I’ve Done,” the entire festival grounds audience was jumping and singing along.
Overall, the final day of the P’al Norte Festival was a thrilling showcase of some of the best bands in rock today. From Pierce the Veil’s raw intensity, to Wallows’ infectious charm, to The Killers’ arena-sized anthems, to the entire slate of Latin music, there was something for every type of fan. It was a fitting end to a weekend filled with unforgettable performances and memories that will last a lifetime. The P’al Norte Festival has a huge menu of musical offerings, and it is as much a journey of discovery, of food, music, and culture as it is a destination for music lovers from all over.
