I’ve always been drawn to artists who don’t just make music — they make worlds. DeathbyRomy is one of those artists. A self-made industrial pop siren with the theatrical edge of Gaga and the unfiltered bite of Manson, she doesn’t just perform. She possesses. So when I heard she was bringing her headline HOLLYWOOD FOREVER tour to Toronto’s Adelaide Hall on May 13th, I knew I had to experience it firsthand.
Before we dive into the show, let’s talk about the album that lit the fuse: HOLLYWOOD FOREVER, released April 25. More than just a collection of songs, it’s a battle cry, a searing reclamation of artistry and identity. After splitting with her label and enduring the grind of an industry that too often chews up young talent, Romy emerged sharper, louder, and more fearless. She took the reins as writer, executive producer, and sonic architect of her own universe.
The album feels like a haunted diary scorched onto synths and distortion pedals. Tracks like “LA LA LAND” stab at the glossy rot of Los Angeles with sharp lyrics and snarling energy, while “PRAY TO ME” featuring Palaye Royale bleeds gothic obsession, equal parts romance and danger. She built her career from the ground up, releasing music independently starting in 2018, she began touring with scene legends like The Used and Pierce the Veil, and in 2024, taking the global stage with Babymetal and tearing through festivals like Download and Graspop.
Heffy, an emerging alternative artist from Illinois, took the stage first, making waves with his recent musical endeavors. In 2024, he released the album Sick Sad Obsession, which received positive reviews for its standout tracks like "Beautiful Love" and "Nightfall." His 2024 EP redux further demonstrates his versatility, featuring three tracks that delve into themes of heartache and introspection. Continuing his prolific output, Heffy released the album Dolly Mithril in 2025, adding to his diverse discography. Known for his genre-blending style and emotionally charged lyrics, Heffy continues to push the boundaries of alternative music, resonating with a growing audience, bringing that energy to stage each show.
The energy at Adelaide Hall was pure electric. The crowd was a sea of fishnets, vinyl, and smudged eyeliner, buzzing in anticipation with many fans echoing Romy’s signature tear-streak makeup. When she finally took the stage, the room erupted. Drenched in blood-red and striking blue lights, backed by thunderous beats, DeathbyRomy unleashed the full force of HOLLYWOOD FOREVER live. She moved through her set like a phantom queen — graceful, snarling, vulnerable, feral. It wasn’t just a concert. It was a purge, a ritual, a celebration of defiance and individuality.
HOLLYWOOD FOREVER isn’t just an album title. It’s a manifesto. A reminder that amidst all the glitter and decay, some stars burn brightest when they make their own fire. And after witnessing her live, I can confirm, DeathbyRomy isn’t just surviving in Hollywood. She’s haunting it.
