The amount of joy I experienced the moment I got the email saying I was approved to photograph We Came As Romans is indescribable. I’ve been following this band for about a decade now, ever since I saw them perform at the original Warped Tour in 2015. They’ve been a bucket list band of mine to photograph for years, and now I finally got to check them off my list.

If you’re not familiar with them, they’re a metalcore band from Michigan. In 2018, they lost their original lead singer, Kyle Pavone. It crushed everyone, devastating both the band and their fans. They continued on as a band, but they did not replace him. Instead, their backup vocalist, Dave Stephens, stepped up and took over vocals. At every single show that I have seen them perform, they make a point to let everyone know and remember Kyle. Kyle was the heart of the band, and everything they do now is in his name, honoring him and what he started. I got emotional editing these photos because I did not realize their bassist, Andy Glass, was wearing a shirt that said, “Kyle Forever” printed on it. It was truly a special moment being able to photograph them and hear their newest single, “Bad Luck,” performed live. 

I cannot wait for their headlining tour soon and I hope I can make it to a show. They are all such phenomenal performers on stage and some genuinely sweet people. I met them once, back in 2020, and they probably do not remember me – but, that’s okay, because for me it was a core memory. 

WCAR Forever. Kyle Forever.