Animals as Leaders at The Fillmore: Celebrating Hometown Heroes and a Landmark Album

Last month, we had the privilege of attending the Animals as Leaders’ show at The Fillmore in Silver Spring, part of their Joy of Motion X tour. This tour celebrated the 10-year anniversary of their iconic album The Joy of Motion, a groundbreaking release that cemented their place as pioneers in progressive metal and instrumental music.

The night was more than just a concert—it was a homecoming. Tosin Abasi and Javier Reyes, two-thirds of Animals as Leaders, aren’t just world-renowned musicians; they’re hometown heroes. Fun fact - both grew up shopping at Chuck’s, and Javier even worked at our front counter. Seeing them perform such an influential album, just minutes away from where their musical journeys began, was an incredible moment of pride and inspiration for everyone who knows their story.

A Highlight of the Night: Physical Education

The celebration of The Joy of Motion brought many standout moments, but one that stood out for us was their performance of Physical Education. The playful, intricate lead guitar melody resonated through the venue, and the audience joined in an unexpected yet exhilarating way—singing the guitar line together in unison. It was a surreal and electrifying moment, one that perfectly captured the connection between the band and their fans.

Gear sightings

The show was not only a sonic masterclass but also a showcase of cutting-edge gear.

Matt Garstka’s Drum Setup featured a custom DW Collectors kit, combining oak, cherry, mahogany, and maple shells, paired with a DW Collectors Bronze Snare, Remo heads, and Meinl Equilibrium and Byzance cymbals. His precision and power were amplified by DW hardware, a new rack system, and Vic Firth signature sticks.

For guitars, Tosin Abasi alternated between his Abasi Larada models, the Music Man Kaizen, and a custom guitar for select tracks. Javier Reyes relied on his signature ESP model, while their tones were shaped through Fractal Axe-FX units.

Plini, the opening act, played his signature Strandberg guitar, while his bassist also used a Strandberg. Plini’s second guitarist stood out with an Aristides guitar, adding to their layered sound. Their tones were dialed in through Quad Cortex processors, reflecting their emphasis on innovation and clarity.

A Night to Remember

The Joy of Motion X tour may have come to an end, but its impact lingers. For us at Chuck Levin’s, it was a powerful reminder of the role our store plays in the journeys of local musicians turned global icons. Tosin and Javier’s connection to our store and community makes their achievements feel even more special.

As we watched these hometown heroes command the stage, we couldn’t help but feel inspired, wondering which of today’s budding musicians browsing our aisles or working behind our counters might be the next to leave their mark on the world. 

Article & Photo/Video by Emory Hensley