Falling in Reverse frontman Ronnie Radke made headlines at this weekend’s Vans Warped Tour stop in Long Beach. But his time, it was all in good fun.
The singer playfully tossed inflatable mic stands into the crowd. It was a lighthearted nod to a controversial 2012 incident where he was charged with assault for throwing actual mic stands, injuring two fans.
The stunt was meant to poke fun at his past while keeping the energy high for the audience. Unlike the heavy metal stands of the past, these inflatable versions posed no danger, just a humorous moment for fans in on the joke.
The Warped Tour appearance served as a preview for Falling in Reverse’s upcoming “God Is a Weapon” tour, kicking off August 10, 2025.
The massive run will feature a stacked lineup including Slaughter to Prevail, Wage War, Hollywood Undead, Tech N9ne, Sleep Theory, and Point North, promising an explosive mix of rock, metal, and hip-hop.
Radke’s mic stand throwback may have been cheeky, but one thing’s for sure: Falling in Reverse knows how to keep fans talking and laughing along the way.
Falling in Reverse Brings Humor and High Energy to Long Beach Vans Warped Tour Stop
Falling in Reverse delivered a memorable performance at the Long Beach stop of the Vans Warped Tour. They blend their signature chaotic energy with a playful twist.
Early in the set, frontman Ronnie Radke paused the show to address the crowd, turning a potential mishap into a hilarious moment.
After calling for mic stands, Radke joked about accidentally dropping them, something he claimed never happens. But when it does, he quipped, he simply gives them away.
Instead of hurling his actual heavy mic stand into the audience, Radke opted for a far safer alternative: inflatable mic stands. The crowd erupted as the harmless props floated their way, showcasing the band’s knack for entertaining beyond just the music.
The setlist spanned 15 tracks, kicking off with “Prequel” and closing with the explosive “Watch the World Burn.”
As the band exited the stage, Queen’s “We Are the Champions” played triumphantly, capping off a performance that balanced raw intensity with lighthearted fun.
Fan-shot footage of the inflatable mic stand gag quickly circulated online, proving once again that Falling in Reverse knows how to leave a lasting impression.
Whether through crushing breakdowns or crowd-pleasing antics, their Warped Tour stop was a highlight of the day.
Ronnie Radke’s 2012 Mic Stand Incident
In 2012, Falling in Reverse frontman Ronnie Radke made headlines after an onstage outburst at the FestEvil event during Six Flags Great Adventure’s Fright Fest.
Mid-performance, Radke hurled four mic stands into the crowd, leaving two audience members injured. The incident led to his arrest, though he was later released on bail.
The fallout was swift. Kristin Siebeneicher, a spokeswoman for Six Flags, condemned Radke’s actions.
This was the first metal show that we’ve ever had and will be the last. We have no plans to host another metal show. This performer was completely reckless. He had complete disregard for the safety of his fans. His actions were totally unacceptable. It’s not the type of entertainment that we want to be producing.
Years later, Radke addressed the controversy with his signature defiance.
In a 2020 Twitter exchange, when asked how many times he had apologized, he replied, “I’ve actually never apologized for the micstand event.”
He further claimed (in a since-deleted tweet) that the injured fan received almost a million dollars for a tiny ass cut, adding that the incident helped his persona.
Radke also downplayed the severity by comparing it to other instances of performers accidentally harming spectators.
When questioned about the worst mistake he’d made during a show, Radke sarcastically referenced the incident.
I decided the fans wanted mic stands and threw them into the crowd at Six Flags, banning all bands playing there and paying 900k to the girl that got a half-inch cut on her head.
The 2012 incident remains a controversial moment in Radke’s career, a blend of reckless behavior, legal consequences, and his unapologetic rockstar image.
It’s a chapter that fans and critics still debate today, whether viewed as an act of negligence or a calculated part of his persona.
