Twenty One Pilots delivered one of the most dynamic and unforgettable performances of the 2026 iHeartRadio ALTer EGO Fest in Los Angeles. On a night stacked with legacy acts and contemporary heavy hitters, Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun brought a show that was equal parts spectacle, intimacy, and pure emotional resonance. From the opening chord to the final sing-along, they crafted a set that honored their own evolution while energizing a massive crowd ready to move, reflect, and lose themselves in the moment.
Playing to a packed Kia Forum, the duo’s chemistry was on full display — fluid, unpredictable, and electrifying. Their stage presence was both commanding and playful, powered by Tyler’s vulnerability and Josh’s explosive drumming. What unfolded was a performance that didn’t just play to the crowd — it engaged them, pulling the audience into every beat, lyric, and dramatic twist.
Here’s the setlist:
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Overcompensate
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The Contract
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Shy Away
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Heathens
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Next Semester
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Jumpsuit / City Walls
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Drum Show (with drum island)
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RAWFEAR (Tyler walks through the crowd)
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Ride (Tyler walking through crowd, joined by Ted Stryker of ALT 98.7 for end)
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Seven Nation Army (The White Stripes cover — with Jack White video intro)
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Stressed Out
Launching Into the Moment: “Overcompensate” to “Shy Away”
The set kicked off with “Overcompensate,” an apt opener that captured the band’s signature balance of introspective lyrics and anthemic energy. Right away, Joseph’s vocals carried both intensity and vulnerability, weaving an emotional thread through a melody that felt both urgent and expansive. The audience was immediately locked in, phones raised and voices ready.
“The Contract” followed, adding a punchier edge. Its rhythmic drive and pointed lyrics stirred movement across the arena. This was followed by fan favorite “Shy Away,” which introduced a more buoyant, pop-inflected energy. The crowd’s reaction was immediate — a mix of waiving arms, wide smiles, and full-throated sing-alongs. What struck early on was how effortlessly the band shifted from moment to moment, weaving different emotional colors into a coherent live narrative.
Darkness and Catharsis: “Heathens” to “Jumpsuit / City Walls”
As the set deepened, “Heathens” brought a darker, more cinematic tone. The atmosphere turned immersive, the lighting tight and moody, the audience rapt. Joseph’s voice was rich and controlled, carrying a sense of narrative weight that underscored the song’s brooding intensity. It was a reminder of how the band can make introspection feel communal — a mood the crowd seemed eager to inhabit.
“Next Semester” shifted gears again, adding emotional tension and lyrical complexity. The performance felt raw and immediate, punchy rhythms giving way to deeper lyrical reflection. By the time the band hit “Jumpsuit / City Walls,” the energy felt nearly orchestral — a rising wave that balanced urgency with melodic depth. The song’s layered arrangement came alive live, with each instrumental and vocal texture soaring into the rafters of the arena.
Percussive Showcase: Drum Island and the Drum Show
One of the standout moments of the night was the Drum Show featuring drum island — a visually and sonically electrifying segment that showcased Josh Dun’s percussive mastery. Elevated on a circular platform at the center of the crowd, Dun became a physical, kinetic force, his sticks a blur as he delivered precision and power with visceral intensity. The surrounding audience became part of the performance, chants and claps rising in response, turning this break into a communal heartbeat. It wasn’t just a drum solo — it was a declaration of pure energy.
Close Encounters: “RAWFEAR” and “Ride”
After the kinetic peak of the Drum Show, the band dialed the intimacy up with “RAWFEAR.” What made this performance unique was Joseph’s decision to walk through the crowd mid-song, bringing a breathtaking closeness to a show of this scale. Fans reached out, voices sang back with fuzzy harmony, and the energy became personal in a way few large-venue performances manage. The sense of connection was palpable — this was not a band playing to the crowd, but with them.
That connection continued with “Ride,” another crowd-traveled moment. Joseph navigated aisles and barriers, eventually ending up on the floor where he was joined for the final section by Ted Stryker of ALT 98.7. The audience roared with delight. Rather than a perfunctory guest appearance, Stryker’s presence felt like a hometown shout-out — a nod to the Los Angeles roots of the festival and the deep rapport between band and community.
A Tribute Turn: “Seven Nation Army”
One of the night’s most memorable surprises was the cover of “Seven Nation Army,” introduced with a video message from Jack White himself, granting permission and adding playful energy to the moment. The crowd exploded — after all, the song’s riff has become a universal chant, a sports arena staple, and a unifying force in modern rock culture.
Twenty One Pilots approached it with reverence and swagger, injecting their own flair while honoring the original’s pulse. The performance merged sing-along familiarity with fresh intensity, turning an already iconic song into a festival highlight. It was a clever, joyful twist that reminded everyone why rock covers can elevate a set when they’re done with respect and zeal.
Closing with Nostalgia and Heart: “Stressed Out”
To close the set, Twenty One Pilots brought back the anthem that skyrocketed them to mainstream acclaim: “Stressed Out.” From the first recognizable chords, the crowd erupted. This was the moment everyone had been waiting for — nostalgic, emotional, and powerful. Thousands of voices rose in unison, echoes filling the Forum as Joseph and Dun moved through the song with rhythmic precision and heartfelt delivery.
The performance wasn’t just about nostalgia; it was communal catharsis. In that room, “Wish we could turn back time” wasn’t just a lyric — it was a shared sentiment, a collective breath drawn deep before release.
Final Thoughts
Twenty One Pilots’ performance at the 2026 iHeartRadio ALTer EGO Fest was a masterful blend of spectacle, intimacy, and emotional resonance. They balanced new material with fan favorites and surprising twists, crafting a set that felt evolved but still rooted in the core elements that define their artistry: vulnerability, rhythmic adventure, and communal connection.
From the kinetic opener of “Overcompensate” to the cathartic finale of “Stressed Out,” the set was a reminder that live music — at its best — is an exchange, a shared heartbeat between performers and audience. Twenty One Pilots didn’t just play for the crowd; they moved with them, proving once again why they command stages and hearts with equal force.