To quote Tan and Handsome front man, Chris Oberholtzer, “August Burns Red at The Golden Pony… This… This is irresponsible.” As irresponsible as putting a band like August Burns Red in a venue capped at 190 people is, it was a once in a lifetime opportunity. August Burns Red are currently on tour supporting Bullet for my Valentine and Trivium on their “Poisoned Ascendency Tour” and stopped to perform a one-off headliner at The Golden Pony in Harrisonburg, VA on 5/10/2025. They had support from local bands Tan and Handsome as well as VARA ALTA. The Golden Pony was the perfect set for a small and intimate show with the metalcore kinds August Burns Red.
Anyway, continue reading below for more photos August Burns Red and my full review of the show. Be sure to check out August Burns Red’s Official Website for music, videos, news, and tickets for all upcoming tour dates. Images are taken and provided by John Krebs, Carpe Tempus Photography, © All rights reserved.
Where to even begin with this show. Even writing this review now, a few days removed from the show, chills and shivers are still running down my spine. This was a fantastic show! It started off strong with local bands Tan and Handsome as well as VARA ALTA. Both bands did a great job warming the sub-200 person crowd and got them riled up. Attendees were moshing, jumping, and even rowing in the center of the pit. The energy was electric as we waiting for ABR to take the stage.
The lights dimmed and the familiar riff of “Chop Suey” by System of a Down started playing. The crowd started jumping and screaming along to the lyrics. As the first verse started playing, the band took the stage. Jake Luhrs grabbed the mic and as soon as “When angels deserve to” plays he screams, as did the crowd, “DIE!” They do a seamless transition between the original song and their cover. Talk about a great way to start a show!
August Burns Red did not waste anytime as they continued to play “Paramount,” “Composure,” and “Defender.” Every attendee in the crowd jumped, moshed, and screamed along to the lyrics, myself included. This was the first time I have ever photographed a show like this. There is something special about taking photos while being in the crowd, moving with their energy to capture amazing moments. I was astonished by people crowd surfing and, what could only be described as spider climbing steel beams (see the first photo to see what I mean), in such an intimate venue. I could easily reach up and touch the ceiling without even trying.
I loved watching August Burns Red react to the crowd surfing, climbing, and even screaming along in the mic along with Luhrs. This night created so many lasting memories for everyone in attendance. The crowd was the most enthusiastic I have ever seen!
August Burns Red went on and performed a strong 15 song setlist that had many highlights including “Bloodletter,” “Backfire,” “Exhumed,” “Ghosts,” and finishing everything off with “White Washed.” The setlist was stacked! It had something for everyone. One of my favorite moments was just experiencing my favorite song “Back Burner” being played in a venue like this. I could not help but bang my head with the crowd, screaming along with the lyrics.
This show officially exists in my top 5 concerts I have ever attended. I don’t think I can recommend enough going to a show like this if it is ever in your neck of the woods. I had no clue what to expect and even if I did, I still would have been blown away. You will not be disappointed! Below are more images of August Burns Red performing at The Golden Pony in Harrisonburg, VA on 5/10/2025. Images are taken and provided by John Krebs, Carpe Tempus Photography, © All rights reserved. Enjoy!!!
