The “Bobby Liebling meme” phenomenon began in 2023, when a particular image of the Pentagram frontman went viral on the internet. During a performance, Bobby Liebling made a facial expression that was both perplexed and exaggerated, resembling a moment of confusion or surprise. Fans and internet users quickly turned the image into a meme, remixing it with humorous captions, reactions, and even context from unrelated events. The meme was embraced by metal fans, with many circulating the image as a fun inside joke about the eccentricity of the underground metal scene and the unpredictability of live performances.
Liebling, who has been a central figure in Pentagram since its formation in the early 1970s, didn’t shy away from the meme’s newfound popularity. Instead, he and the band have leaned into it, with Pentagram incorporating the image into their tour posters, merchandise, and social media content. By doing so, they playfully acknowledge the meme while also embracing the fun side of internet culture — a move that many fans appreciate.
In fact, the meme has become a unique form of publicity for the band, giving them an extra level of visibility. With memes continuing to be a major part of pop culture, Pentagram’s ability to tap into this trend shows the band’s self-awareness and ability to adapt to the digital age while maintaining their long-standing legacy in the metal community.
Pentagram’s US Tour Dates:
As part of the meme’s success, Pentagram has decided to have a bit of fun and promote their upcoming US Tour with the now-iconic Bobby Liebling meme face. The tour will run from May 11 to May 25, 2025, with shows across various cities in the United States.
Here are the dates for Pentagram’s 2025 US Tour:
- 5/11 Austin, TX – Come And Take It Live
- 5/12 Houston, TX – Last Concert Cafe
- 5/13 San Antonio, TX – Paper Tiger
- 5/14 The Colony, TX – Lava Cantina
- 5/15 Springfield, MO – The Regency
- 5/16 Milwaukee, WI – The Rave (Milwaukee Metal Fest)
- 5/17 Flint, MI – Machine Shop
- 5/18 Syracuse, NY – Lost Horizon
- 5/19 Portland, ME – Geno’s Rock Club
- 5/20 Braintree, MA – Widowmaker Brewing
- 5/21 Baltimore, MD – Baltimore Soundstage (Maryland Deathfest pre-fest)
- 5/22 Lynchburg, VA – Super Rad Arcade
- 5/23 Summerville, SC – Trolley Pub
- 5/24 Atlanta, GA – 529
- 5/25 Nashville, TN – The Cobra
Fans can expect Pentagram to continue their classic doom metal performances, with the band’s signature heavy, fuzz-laden sound and Bobby Liebling’s unique stage presence. The inclusion of the meme face on tour posters and social media has only added to the excitement, making this tour even more memorable for fans.
About the Meme:
The meme itself became emblematic of Liebling’s distinctive on-stage persona — a mix of intensity, vulnerability, and unpredictability that is often seen in his performances. The viral image, which often is paired with humorous, exaggerated captions or out-of-context pop culture references, serves as a playful representation of the quirky side of the metal scene.
The meme also taps into the increasing overlap between music culture and online viral content, with bands like Pentagram using internet humor to bridge the gap between old-school metal fans and younger generations more accustomed to digital trends. So, while Pentagram has a long and storied history, the “Bobby Liebling meme” shows that even the most seasoned veterans of metal can have fun and engage with fans in new ways.