Photo of Royale Lynn by King Graf
Sometimes the best concert stories start before the first song is played.
For Royale Lynn’s St. Louis July 23rd stop, the story began with an unexpected venue change. Just hours before showtime, the performance was moved from its original location at Blueberry Hill’s Duck Room to The Golden Record. A change like that could easily create challenges for both an artist and fans, but once the lights went down, the focus shifted where it belonged—the kick ass show.
The night started with performances from This Is Falling and Kingdom Collapse, who helped set the tone for the night. Both bands brought their own energy to the stage and delivered strong performances before Royale Lynn took over.
Representing the hometown scene, St. Louis-based This Is Falling opened the night at The Golden Record with a set built around hard-hitting drums, driving guitar riffs, and a metal hardcore sound that added energy to the night.
Featuring Mikey Kunstel on vocals, Isaac Etter on bass and vocals, Brett Ortwerth on guitar, and Sean Dothager on drums, the band brought a tight performance that highlighted the role each member plays in the group’s sound. The band’s set included “Straight Shot,” “Never the Blue,” “Mango,” “Apart,” and “Scorched,” giving the audience a look at the range of their music and the direction the band continues to take. As the opening act, This Is Falling provided a strong start to the evening and represented the St. Louis rock scene well.
The second supporting act of the night, Kingdom Collapse, took the stage at The Golden Record with a set that showcased the band’s recognizable sound and approach to modern rock.
Formed in San Antonio, Texas, by vocalist Jonathan Norris and bassist Aaron Smith, Kingdom Collapse’s lineup also features David Work on guitar and Gaston Flores on drums. The band signed with Mascot Records in 2025 and announced their full-length debut album Survivor, set for release on October 30, 2026. They have also spent time on the road with acts including Three Days Grace, Nothing More, and From Ashes To New, continuing to build their presence within the rock scene.
During their set at The Golden Record, the band performed a dynamic setlist including “Elevate,” “Unwritten,” “Survivor,” “Never Be Like You,” “Unbreakable,” and “Uprise.” The performance highlighted the diverse dimensions of their catalog. Drummer Gaston Flores anchored the stage alongside his bandmates, who blended driving guitar work and bass lines with Jonathan Norris’ compelling vocal delivery.
When Rachel Lynn Woodard, better known as Royale Lynn, stepped onstage, one of the first things she did was thank everyone who helped make the show happen. She also made sure to acknowledge those who adjusted to the last-minute venue change.
“It means the world to me. Thank you.”
It was a genuine moment that reflected the appreciation Royale Lynn has for everyone who helped bring the night together.
Currently on the road supporting her debut album Black Magic, Royale Lynn brought The Royale Pain In The A$$ Tour to St. Louis, a tour that launched in July and continues through autumn 2026. The performance showcased what has helped her stand out in the country rock scene—forceful vocals, emotional songwriting, and an undeniable stage presence.
The set featured songs including “Six Feet Deep” and “Greed,” highlighting the heavier and more intense side of Royale Lynn’s sound. Backed by a talented band featuring Doug McKenna on drums and Scott Buchanan on guitar and background vocals, Royale Lynn delivered a performance that balanced power and timing while maintaining the raw edge that makes live music exciting. The chemistry between the band members was evident throughout the set, anchoring the performance with tight, energetic musicianship that elevated Royale Lynn’s commanding vocals and amplified her dynamic stage presence.
The move to The Golden Record provided a different setting than originally planned, but the larger venue gave Royale Lynn the space to let her vocals and stage presence shine. The change ultimately became just another chapter in the story of the night, allowing the focus to remain on the music and the connection between the artist and those who came out to experience the show.
What stood out most was the authenticity Royale Lynn brought to the stage. She wasn’t simply moving through a setlist—she took time to acknowledge the people who helped make the night happen and showed genuine appreciation throughout the performance.
By the end of the night, the last-minute venue change had become little more than a footnote. Royale Lynn transformed an unexpected challenge into a damn good show, delivering powerful vocals backed by a seasoned band that never let the energy fade. Her heartfelt appreciation for the fans and everyone who helped make the show happen highlighted the authenticity that has become a defining characteristic of her live shows. It was a night defined not by a change of venue, but by the connection between artist and audience—and by a performance that made it clear why Royale Lynn continues to build momentum in the country rock scene. If you haven’t had the opportunity to catch a Royale Lynn show, be sure to add one to your must-see concert list. It’s a performance you won’t want to miss. | King Graf
