Upon arriving out of the cold weather and into the Sylvee for BABYMETAL’s world tour stop in Madison, WI. I saw an already packed venue that came out plenty early in excitement for the show. The line for BABYMETAL merchandise was extra long compared to many past shows at the venue. The line stretched across the venue and even wrapped around. BABYMETAL had a great assortment of items in the merch booth to choose from. Fans were very excited for this show, BABYMETAL has such a strong and dedicated fan base around here, its no wonder the show sold out so quickly.
The night started out with Scene Queen opening up the show for BABYMETAL. Scene Queen had a set full of energy and as singer Hannah Rose Collins better known as Scene Queen ran around the stage singing. Full of energy performing her punkish rock songs totally got the crowd even more pumped up for the headliners BABYMETAL. At one point Scene Queen mentioned when she first started out she was asked to create a list of bands she dreamt of touring with, she said that BABYMETAL was at the top of that list. So this tour was like a dream come true for her.
The BABYMETAL World Tour 2024 at The Sylvee in Madison, Wisconsin, was a thrilling and high-energy event that fans will surely remember. The night showcased the Japanese metal idols in top form, blending their signature style of heavy metal with vibrant J-pop influences, all while maintaining the spectacle that has made BABYMETAL one of the most unique and exciting bands on the global scene.
The Sylvee, a relatively intimate venue with a fantastic sound system and a great atmosphere, proved to be the perfect setting for this highly anticipated show. With a capacity of around 2,500, the venue allowed fans to experience BABYMETAL up close, amplifying the band’s larger-than-life presence.
Performance Highlights: BABYMETAL’s set was a mix of their most beloved tracks, from the aggressive “Gimme Chocolate!!” and “Karate” to newer material from their 2024 album. I was definitely excited to hear “Karate” live finally. The last time I saw them it was not on the setlist. The crowd was fully engaged, singing along and getting swept up in the infectious energy of the band. The members—Su-Metal (vocals) Moametal, and Momometal (dancing/backup vocals), supported by a group of talented musicians known as the Kami Band—delivered a flawless performance, with tight choreography and incredible musicianship.
One of the standout moments was the seamless blend of Japanese culture with Western metal. As always, BABYMETAL showcased their ability to balance technical metal and catchy melodies, creating a unique blend of headbang-worthy riffs and infectious hooks. Songs like “Metal Resistance” and “Pa Pa Ya!!” energized the crowd with their driving beats and memorable choruses, while the newer tracks injected a fresh vibe into the set.
Visuals & Production: BABYMETAL’s stage production was spectacular. The backdrop featured elaborate visuals, with LED screens displaying vibrant imagery that matched the band’s thematic and cultural aesthetic. The light show was perfectly timed, highlighting the band’s fast-paced choreography and punctuating the intensity of the music.
Audience Engagement: One of the most exciting parts of the show was BABYMETAL’s connection with the crowd. Despite the language barrier, the front ladies enthusiasm and energy were infectious, and they frequently engaged with the audience, encouraging sing-alongs, chants, and applause. The crowd reciprocated with enthusiasm, creating an atmosphere of mutual respect and admiration between the band and fans.
The show ended with an encore of Su-Metal, Moameta and Momometal standing on separate platforms on the edge of the stage waving large BABYMETAL flags with stars and stripes filling there logo. They then went into an awesome live performance of their hit “Road of Resistance” which ended the night.
Conclusion: Overall, the BABYMETAL World Tour 2024 stop at The Sylvee was an unforgettable experience for the Madison audience. With their flawless performance, incredible visuals, and powerful stage presence, BABYMETAL proved why they are a global phenomenon in the world of metal. For those in the crowd, it was a night of pure adrenaline and joy—one that only BABYMETAL could deliver. Fans left the venue buzzing, already looking forward to the next time the band returns. I would of loved to hear another hour of BABYMETAL performing, but happy with what we got. Such a unique experience being able to see this band here in the US. I definitely recommend checking out BABYMETAL and any chance to see them live. Even if you do not know the music the whole experience is just amazing and will totally make you a fan.
Check out www.babymetal.com for upcoming tour dates, merchandise and more!