Taking the stage at Chain Reaction in Anaheim on Friday night to debut his latest band Ashland High, former Metro Station vocalist and guitarist Trace Cyrus revealed that this performance would be his first in over two years.

Though Ashland High’s style of music has similarities to Cyrus’ previous band, which called it quits in early 2010, it’s the lyrics and stage presence that sets Cyrus’ solo effort apart from it. With a mix of pop, electro and dubstep, there’s a unique quality to Ashland High’s sound, which was only enhanced when Cyrus, along with a full band, performed live. With the opening dance track, Cyrus jumped onto the stage with enthusiasm, yelling “Who’s ready to party?”

Click here for a photo slideshow of Ashland High’s performance here.

The densely-packed room screamed at the sight of the singer and with that, the accompanying guitarist, drummer, and keys player began to play the first number, which is off Ashland High’s debut album “Geronimo,” which is available for free download on the band’s website. The ecstatic Cyrus interacted with the crowd at every moment he could – leaning into the mob before him, while throwing in a couple of jumps and dance moves.

Following the first track, Cyrus took off his sweatshirt and later in the set, his tank top was removed, revealing his heavily tattooed torso. He threw the pieces of clothing into the audience where a couple of very lucky fans walked away with a personal souvenir.  Cyrus makes the importance of his fans known as he held to his word to meet every fan in the room, “Even if they have to kick me out of here, I won’t leave until I get a chance to say ‘Hi’ to each and every one of you,” he said.

During the transition between “Sippin’ on Sunshine” and “One Night,” Cyrus also voiced his appreciation for those fans that stuck with him over the past few years. “I’ve been through a lot recently and to step out on this stage and see all of you guys here, I truly can’t express how much that means to me,” he said sincerely.

The grateful remarks only continued throughout the performance and heightened the genuine connection between Ashland High and its fans. Cyrus’ fiancé, Brenda Song, showed up to support her man along with several members of the pop act’s family including father Billy Ray Cyrus, mother Tish Cyrus and sister Brandi Cyrus.

From beginning to end, fans danced and sang along to every song. “I’ve never felt happier than doing this, what I love,” Cyrus said before singing the final song. “So, I just want to thank you guys for making my dreams come true.”  With that, Cyrus pointed up to the ceiling, then bowed his head humbly in a gesture of thankfulness and brought the evening to a close.

Article by Cassie Rossel, for OrangeCounty.com. Photos by David Hall, for OrangeCounty.com.

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