Rock band Papa Roach is co-headlining the “Rockzilla Tour” with Falling in Reverse. The tour makes a stop in Rio Rancho on Tuesday, Feb. 21. (Courtesy of Bryson Roatch)
Tobin Esperance is hunkered down at his Austin, Texas, home getting ready for the second leg of the “Rockzilla Tour.” It’s a moment of down time that he cherishes. Esperance, along with his band Papa Roach, is co-headlining the tour with Falling in Reverse. The tour will make a stop at the Rio Rancho Events Center on Tuesday, Feb. 21. Papa Roach released its album, “Ego Trip” in 2022. The album marks the band’s 11th studio album. Looking back at the band’s more than 25-year career, Esperance is humbled. The band broke through mainstream with its 2000 album, “Infest.” Since then, the band has charted singles such as “Last Resort,” “Cut My Life into Pieces,” “Falling Apart,” “Scars,” “Getting Away with Murder,” “She Loves Me Not” and “No Apologies.” “I’m always amazed at how we have went through all the different phases and eras,” he says. “We remained true to ourselves. The music industry has changed so much. We used to perform in record stores and then spend time putting up fliers to promote the band. It’s been a journey.” With more than two decades in the music industry, Esperance says the band’s journey has more than exceeded his expectations. “I never dreamed of it being this big or lasting this long,” he says. “I was a dreamer and knew I was going to be a musician in a band. We’re still enjoying ourselves and challenging ourselves with each step.” Though the industry has changed, he says Papa Roach has also evolved. “We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses,” he says. “We have a chemistry together that is greater than the sum of all its parts. We’re also an independent band now and we can release music the way that we want to. We’re in a great position to keep writing the chapters in our life.”
“Ego Trip” by Papa Roach
Esperance credits the band’s longevity to not only the fans, but the band’s honesty. “We’ve always worn our heart on our sleeve,” he says. “Being able to bond with our fans that way has been what keeps us going.” Esperance is looking forward to returning to New Mexico for the performance in Rio Rancho. The band has regularly toured in the state over the years and have a strong following. There’s still one New Mexico-based bucket list item on his list. “I was in Albuquerque with my now-wife and I was trying to take her on a romantic hot air balloon ride,” he says. “I remember we scheduled a flight and left our hotel room at 5:30 a.m. It was raining and I started to get nervous and chicken out. It turns out when we got there, the flight was canceled because of the rain. I was relieved because I didn’t want to seem nervous around her. I still have to make that up to her.”
‘Rockzilla Tour’ With Papa Roach, Falling in Reverse, Hollywood Undead, Escape the Fate WHEN: 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21 WHERE: Rio Rancho Event Center, 3001 Civic Circle Drive NE HOW MUCH: $54.50, plus fees, at ticketmaster. com