Twenty One Pilots' long-awaited homecoming show is still a day away, but the Skeleton Clique began its pilgrimage to Columbus well in advance.
Members of the Clique, as the duo's fans are known, started trickling into central Ohio businesses earlier this week, ahead of the Oct. 17 sold-out concert at Ohio Stadium, the Pilots' largest-ever headlining show.
Led by a list posted on Facebook in the Twenty One Pilots Superfans group, fans been stopping at sites in and around Columbus featured in the band's music videos.
The increased foot traffic has brought a "positive commotion" to Big Fun Columbus Vintage Toys, 672 N. High St., where the Pilots filmed the video for "Lavish."
"From my estimation, a lot of people are here early treating it like a vacation
or extended break. We've had a lot of people wearing Twenty One Pilots T-shirts and hats," owner Jason Williams said.
"Some ask questions about the video being shot here. The fans are friendly, kind, patient and appreciative to be here, and we're excited to have them here."
Williams said shoppers during Twenty One Pilots' three-night stand at Nationwide Arena in 2024 brought the Short North store its biggest sales in its 13-year existence, and he's prepared for a repeat performance.
"We've ordered extra shirts, we have some extra merch. We anticipate that, if it's like the last three concerts, we'll limit the number of people in the store," he said.
The "Lavish" video also shows a Clintonville restaurant with a similar name: Lavash Cafe, located at 2985 N. High St. Co-owner Jamal Latif said calls, texts and private messages from fans prompted his Facebook post outlining Lavash's reservation policy (first-come, first-served) and other topics related to concert weekend.
"When people come to Columbus for Twenty One Pilots, it's like they're going to Mecca. They want to go visit all the different sites of the music videos," Latif said. "People like to take pictures outside Lavash and come try the food."
Previous Pilots' shows have drawn patrons to the cafe from around the globe. Latif said Lavash's crew will be ready for a possible Skeleton Clique overflow. "It's going to be all hands on deck," he said.
At Centerville Market, 13342 Center Village Road in Galena, cashier Tara Corsi was enthusiastic about the impending arrival of fans curious to see where the "Backslide" video was filmed.
"People have been in and out throughout the week. There was someone just here from Spain shopping. Previous to them was someone from California," she said.
"They ask questions about the video and I'm excited to be able to talk with them and share my experience."
Contact features and entertainment reporter Belinda M. Paschal at bpaschal@dispatch.com.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Skeleton Clique descends on Columbus for Twenty One Pilots' big show
