It’s been a while since I had a chance to photograph or even just go to a show. Several months in fact, and I’m glad that this was my first show back for the season. One of my favorite things about Young the Giant, outside of their music of course, is the fact that the band is entirely comprised of people of color, something that is very rare in the pop/rock scene. The lead singer, Sameer Gadhia, has a special low-key magnetism that just draws your eyes without you even noticing. In the end, Young the Giant has a special place in my heart because their tour with Fitz and the Tantrums was the first major show that I ever shot. Just over four years later, I’ve come full circle, and the music is just as good as it was then.
On the evening of July 25, music fans gathered at The Agora in Cleveland, Ohio to see Hawaiian-born singer-songwriter Eli Smart and Indie-Pop sensation Declan Mckenna on tour. As the stage was set for the night, you could feel the anticipation in the air, with attendees eagerly awaiting the musicians to take the stage. The Agora, known for its historic significance, was the perfect venue for this show, promising an evening that would be memorable for years to come.
To kick off the show, rising artist Eli Smart took the stage. He was joined by a group of talented musicians and his close friends, including singer Jordan Paul, drummer Hampster, and Eli’s skilled grandmother Denise Kaufman, former member of Ace of Cups, on bass guitar. Right away, Eli and his band emitted a bright and sunny energy into the venue, and the crowd soaked it up instantly. Each tune on the setlist had a cheery vibe, with many having influence from Smart’s home, Kauai. Much of his music is described as a gentle “warm breeze in your hair,” and having experienced his live performance, I can confidently say that this description fits perfectly.
Throughout the set, each of the musicians on stage radiated a different aura. Eli felt very grounded, yet excited as he sang, while Jordan was dancing and jumping around. Hampster was intensely captivated by the beat, and Denise seemed entranced by her bass-line, throwing herself into the vibrations of each song. As this was my first time seeing Eli Smart live, I caught myself getting stuck watching each of the band members as they dove into their music.The feeling of joy and brightness that each of them spread was something I do not experience often from a band. Their performance was fascinating, and it surely caught the attention of everyone in the venue. It was evident that this gathering of talents wasn’t just a performance; it was a celebration of friendship, passion, and the universal language of music.
In a world where live performances often come and go, this performance left a mark. So, whether you’re a dedicated music fan or simply someone looking for something new to listen to, make sure to keep an eye on Eli Smart’s journey – it’s bound to be an extraordinary one. Don’t miss out on this talented upcoming artist. Be sure to follow Eli on Instagram @smarticuss, and check out his most recent song “Fiesta 99.9FM” on your favorite streaming platform!
After a short turn-around, the crowd awaited Declan Mckenna’s entrance. The chatter in the room was loud and filled with excitement, with conversations about each other’s favorite songs and how far everyone had traveled to see the show. People scurried through the pit, searching for their friends and running back to their spots with their newly purchased Delcan merch. As this was all happening, a playlist of songs was playing quietly in the background, setting the ambience of the room. Suddenly, the volume was turned up, and “Dancing Queen” by ABBA blasted through the speakers. The crowd knew what this meant, and screams rang out. Everyone began singing and dancing along to the music, and having fun with the people around them. Towards the end of the song, in a blackout, Declan Mckenna and his band appeared on the stage.
For the first song of the set, Mckenna played “The Kids Don’t Wanna Come Home,” a crowd favorite. With a venue full of devoted fans, sounds of people singing along to the song bounced off of the walls. It was a great song to open with, since it has both high energy moments and more mellow phases throughout it. Moving through his set, he played songs from all of his biggest releases, including many from his last album Zeros and a bunch of his released singles.
Towards the end of the show, Declan played his most popular song, “Brazil.” Everyone in the crowd knew all the words- the venue erupted with loud singing and crazy dancing. Fans were singing to each other and making memories with complete strangers, which was very touching to see. After “Brazil,” Declan played his newly released single “Sympathy.” The moment that this single was released, everyone here at Almost Famous fell in love with it, so having it on the setlist was very exciting. Declan wanted the crowd to participate during this song, having them sing the recurring phrase in the song,“you don’t need to be clever.” He also brought out Eli Smart and his whole band onto stage to sing along. This song was filled with such joy that it must be ingrained in the brains of everyone who was there.
At the very end of the night, Declan and his band played “British Bombs,” a song protesting against the British arms trade. It seemed impossible for the energy in the venue to rise any more, but it did. You could feel both the joy from people loving the song, but also the anger that came with its meaning. During the bridge and the choruses of the song, everyone was yelling the lyrics, pulling from deep inside themselves. It showed the anger that the younger generation has towards violence and corruption, and that they want to push back against it. It was very moving to see and be a part of.
Declan Mckenna puts on an outstanding show that expels feelings of energy, joy, rage, sadness, and love. The artist’s genuine connection with the audience created an atmosphere that resonated with both long-time fans and newcomers alike, urging them to let go for one night and have fun. Declan McKenna’s concert showed the power that music has to unite, leaving a lasting impact that will continue to resonate with attendees long after the last chord.
After seeing this show, I would highly recommend listening to both Eli Smart and Declan Mckenna. The two artists made perfect sense touring together, and they both brought a bright energy to The Agora. If you are on the look-out for some new music, these are the artists that deserve your attention.
Review by Ella Donovan along with photos by Madalyn Schaller, if reposting please credit @livefromthepitt412.
Four Chord Music Festival is something all Pittsburgh emo and pop punk fans look forward to every year. This year is the 9th time the festival was held and this year’s dates were August 12th and 13th at Wild Things Park. While I only got to experience and photograph the first day of the festival, I can confidently say that the second day was nothing less than incredible because of how amazing the first day was. However, due to rain and tornado warnings, a few artists’ sets got cut short and myself and others left since it seemed like the rest of the first night would be canceled. The rest of the night in fact went on, but Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness’ set was cut and Taking Back Sunday and Yellowcard had shortened sets.
Kicking off the festival was Old Neon, who is based in Pittsburgh. They were the perfect way to start the day with high energy and being one of the most entertaining bands I’ve seen. Everything about their set was incredible, the music and stage presence quickly got the crowd excited for what else was to come. They really got the audience into it when they called the festival Warped Tour, which instantly set the mood for the entire day.
Keep Flying was one of the most unique due to them being the only band to have a saxophone and trombone. Their set was full of incredible music that definitely stood out from the rest. The members constantly moved around the stage and built up anticipation from the crowd. Henry Menzel (vocals/guitar) even threw some of his bracelets into the crowd for fans to keep.
Patent Pending started off with a bang that never let up and the crowd was absolutely loving it. During the first song Joe Ragosta (vocals) jumped off stage and crowd surfed, all while keeping attention to his music. After that, I instantly realized why the festival makes sure to have the band there every year. The remainder of their set was flooding with pure joy as they did what they love most. From running across stage to playing incredible riffs, the band won over everyone’s hearts.
Houston Calls was one of the more wholesome bands of the day who never seemed to stop smiling. While this was only their third show together since their reunion, they still clearly knew what they were doing and easily kept the crowd entertained. Their set was fun and lively, making them another band that stands out.
Mest’s set is when everything really started to come to life. At this point, there were more people on the festival grounds and more people were getting in their set spots for the remainder of the day. The band consistently ran across the stage and jumped around, keeping everything interesting for everyone’s viewing pleasure. Out of all the bands, they were definitely one of the ones that gave off the biggest Warped Tour vibes. In the middle of the set, they brought two kids out and sang “Wheels On The Bus” for them.
Eternal Boy is another Pittsburgh based band, including Rishi Bahl who has a lot to do with the festival. They had an upbeat set including a cover of Taylor Swift’s “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together”. From that moment on, everyone seemed to be even more into the band, giving them the love that they truly deserved.
Magnolia Park was arguably one of the best performances of the day. They never had a single dull moment and had a perfect understanding of how to put on a show. While their music was different from the rest with rap influences, they were one of the bands that got the biggest reaction. They played Fall Out Boy’s “Sugar We’re Goin’ Down” as well as several other incredible tracks. It’s very easy to say that they became one of my new favorite bands after seeing them.
The Home Team was another band that instantly became a favorite after their set. Their performance was full of energy and incredible music. One thing that really stood out was John Baran’s dangerous guitar strap, which is something I found extremely unique and don’t think anyone can top that. It was easy to tell the band had pure enjoyment from the music they were sharing with the crowd due to the smiles that were constantly plastered across their faces.
Origami Angel’s set was fun and for being the only duo of the festival, they put on an incredible show. However, after only 5 songs they had to get off stage because of nearby lightning.
The Maine’s set received a lot of excitement from the crowd and we’re obviously in a lot of peoples top bands of the day. Their live show was absolutely perfect and was full of appreciation for those who came out to see them. One of the biggest highlights for their time on stage was when they brought out Adam Lazzara of Taking Back Sunday. This was an incredible moment and everyone that left due to the severe weather later on were very thankful that they technically still got to see Taking Back Sunday. Their set was cut short by a song or two, but the time they had was phenomenal.
Despite starting late due to lightning, Waterparks put in their all to give the fans exactly what they wanted. Before they went on stage and it was still on light night watch, the fans chanted the band’s name and screamed several of their songs. When everything was clear and they finally came out, they got one of the biggest reactions of the day. They had some of the most energy out of everyone and did everything they could to make it worthwhile in the very short amount of time they knew they had. Awsten Knight (vocals/guitar) did the perfect job of satisfying the fans by interacting with as many people as he could, as well as Geoff Wigington (guitar). Unfortunately only five songs with only one or two more to go, they had to stop early due to more lighting.
Very shortly after Waterparks’ set, heavy rain came in and everyone was forced to get off of the field and into the best shelter they could find. During this, many either left, waited it out a while, and many – at least in the spot I was at – screamed lyrics from two of the bands that they anticipated the most, Taking Back Sunday and Yellowcard. Unfortunately, this only lasted for so long before more people left, myself included. Thankfully for all that were absolute troopers and stayed, the festival did continue. They had to cut Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness and the other two bands had shortened sets.
Despite the tragedy of severe weather, Four Chord Music Festival was an incredible experience for everyone. I am very thankful to have gotten the opportunity to photograph the festival and to meet so many amazing people. With incredible music, extremely talented people, and activities all over the festival grounds, it was a day that everyone will remember forever.
The Roxian Theater was the place to be Sunday night as Danny Brown and JPEGMAFIA took the stage. It was a sold out night and Pittsburgh came ready to party. July 30, 2023 was the fifth stop in the duos SCARING THE HOES tour, supporting their newest album.
This was an absolutely fantastic show. The energy from the crowd was top notch, and one of the rowdiest shows I have attended. JPEG and Danny opened the show with the album opener “Lean Beef Patty.” The ground was shaking from the bouncing crowd, as the duo took control of the stage. As the night progressed, the crowd never let up. On top of songs from their newest album, the duo performed their own solo music as well.
This was an incredible night, and probably one of my favorite Roxian shows ever.
Words and photos by Tom Randall. (www.instagram.com/trandallphoto)
Yungblud, the charismatic and boundary-pushing British artist, captivated Pittsburgh at Stage AE on July 12 with his electrifying music and unapologetic rebellion. The powerful performance from both Yungblud and his opening bands left a mark on the hearts of Pittsburgh’s music fans, solidifying his position as an up-and-coming force in the industry.
To get the crowd warmed up, Miami-based pop-punk band Games We Play took the stage. Emmyn Calleiro, the charismatic multi-instrumentalist frontman, launched the set with their top song “Get a Job.” The track’s infectious energy and subtle nods to early 2000’s punk instantly sent waves of nostalgia through the crowd. The venue began to bubble with excitement as audience members began to jump and dance. As Games We Play continued their set, this energy continued to grow. To do this, Emmyn skillfully interjected the set with humor and clever sarcasm, effortlessly connecting with the crowd. His unapologetic stage presence and fearless approach of ignoring any judgment made Games We Play an absolute standout opener, especially for a crowd of devoted Yungblud fans. The night was off to an exciting start, setting the perfect tone for the next two artists to perform.
For the second and last opener of the night, LA-based band The Regrettes performed a high energy set. After delivering an outstanding headlining show at Hartwood Acres for the Allegheny Summer Concert Series last summer, The Regrettes left Pittsburgh fans craving for their return. The band is made-up of a group of very talented musicians, featuring Lydia Night on vocals and guitar, Drew Thomson on drums, Genessa Gariano on lead guitar, and Brooke Dickson on bass. They radiated an unwavering confidence on stage, showcasing their preparedness and genuine excitement to be playing for the crowd.
The Regrettes delivered an impressive blend of their newer and older tracks during the show. Their setlist was a mix of harder-sounding songs and lighter, more “pop” sounding ones, such as “Nowhere” and “Barely On My Mind” from their Further Joy album. This set allowed the audience to mosh, but also take occasional breaks to catch their breath. At the end of the set, the band played one of their oldest yet most beloved songs, “Seashore,” a powerful anthem of girl-power. Its impactful lyrics resonated with the crowd, even captivating those who may not have been familiar with them before. Throughout the entire performance, The Regrettes poured their hearts into the music, leaving the audience enveloped in a contagious high-energy atmosphere.
The Regrettes set the tone perfectly for the headliner of the night, Yungblud. Yungblud, or Dominic Harrison, is not your average punk rock artist. His unique blend of punk, pop, and rock, combined with his outspoken nature, makes him an icon for the younger generation. A Yungblud concert is not just a musical event, it’s an experience, a spectacle of raw emotion and rebellious spirit. On this particular night, Yungblud didn’t just perform; he owned the stage, he connected with his audience, and he made sure they had the time of their lives while being unapologetically themselves.
For his first song, he played “21st Century Liability,” from his second released album. In an instant, the crowd erupted into screams, all seeming stunned from Yungblud’s initial entrance. Stage AE was full of voices singing along to the song. It was a magical moment going from people casually chatting to a crowd of fully captivated and thrilled fans. This energy never waned. Through songs like “strawberry lipstick” and “California,” Yungblud showcased his range, both in vocal prowess and emotional depth. His performance was a rollercoaster ride of emotions, from the raw feeling in “I Love You, Will You Marry Me” to the heart-wrenching vulnerability of “Kill Somebody.”
Yungblud’s band was equally commendable. The drummer maintained the rhythm, the bassist added depth, and the keyboardist set the mood. They played off each other beautifully, creating a symphony of punk rock that was both invigorating and soul-stirring. Each of these band members also seemed to throw themselves into the emotion of each song- specifically the drummer. You could see and feel the intensity radiating off of him as he played, and how it changed depending on the emotion behind the song. The ground pulsated with the bass drum, and it immersed the crowd further into the music.
Just when you thought the concert couldn’t get any better, Yungblud invited a fan onto the stage. A young girl with bright eyes climbed onto the stage, visibly shaking with excitement. But instead of just a hug or a photo, Yungblud gave her the chance to choose the next song he played. Throughout the crowd you could hear chants of different song titles that they wanted the girl to choose, but in the end she chose the song “Medication.” Everyone was happy with her choice, and the girl now has a memory that will last a lifetime.
At the end of the night, the audience left feeling overjoyed with the blend of amazing music they had experienced. A Yungblud concert is more than just a musical event. It’s a celebration of youth, rebellion, and the power of music. It’s a place where fans are not just spectators, but active participants and friends. Yungblud didn’t just perform; he connected, he inspired, and he gave everyone a memorable night.
View the full gallery of artists below. Photos by Madalyn Schaller, along with words by Ella Donovan. If reposting please credit @livefromthepitt412 / @madalyns.photos
I’ve been to PPG Paints Arena dozens of times, but always in the seats, and certainly never anywhere near the action, whether it be a concert or sporting event. I certainly never would have thought that my first time on the floor would be for Paramore and with my camera in my hands.
Genesis Owusu kicked the night off with an electrifying performance. Working with limited space and an entire stage full of gear behind him, Owusu immediately caught my attention by coming out on the shoulders of some hidden figures that exploded into a “handful” of backup dancers (see the photo gallery below to understand the “hand” pun). I was only in the room for his first three songs so I missed my favorite song of his, but I highly recommend checking out “Wutd” which has quickly become one of my top songs of the summer!
Next up for the night was Bloc Party, another band that I had never heard of prior to this show. Bloc Party, a four-piece alt/indie band from London, England, was a great addition to the lineup. They played a good variety of their music from the mid-2000s up to just last year, sharing a similar timeless style like Paramore.
From the moment she stepped on stage, Hayley Williams exuded electrifying energy, captivating the crowd with her dynamic stage presence and powerful vocals that resonated throughout the venue.With a mix of charm and fierceness, Williams commanded the attention of the predominantly young audience, many of whom were experiencing the magic of a live Paramore performance for the first time. And they were not disappointed. Paramore delivered a tight, punchy, and irresistibly danceable rock ‘n roll experience, fueled by the thunderous drumming of Zac Farro.
Although I only heard three of their songs on June 11th, I had the absolute pleasure and privilege of catching them only a week later at Bonnaroo in Manchester, Tennessee. If their Bonnaroo set was anything like their Pittsburgh set, I am confident in saying that the Pittsburgh crowd had a blast.
Both days, whether I personally witnessed three or thirty songs, Hayley Williams and Paramore delivered a performance that reminded everyone why they venture out of their homes — to experience the uplifting power of music, to dance with abandon, and to be blown away by a band and its extraordinary frontwoman.
The first annual WonderWorks Music Festival at Hartwood Acres park was a hit.
I mean, it was hot, I had a major allergy attack, and I was so tired that I literally sat down on the ground and fell asleep at one point. But it was a major hit.
As far as logistics go, this was a pretty well thought out festival:
Parking was arguably the best experience I’ve ever had at a festival. You could pay $$ to park on-site, or $ to park off-site and take a free shuttle. I opted for the shuttle service option, which meant parking at the Pittsburgh Mills Mall and riding a school bus for about 25 minutes, then being dropped off a short distance from the gates. The ride home was even better, with short wait times for the shuttle and no fighting traffic to leave the park.
They had shade areas, a few cooling fans, and free water refilling stations throughout the grounds. It was a brutally hot weekend, but the festival did a lot to make sure guests were cool and hydrated.
Wait times for security, food, drinks, restrooms, and merch were all relatively short. The festival was well-staffed and well-stocked when it comes to refreshments. Maybe I just picked the right times to visit these areas, but lines looked pretty short throughout both days! I also felt that the pricing on refreshments was reasonable for what you received.
The selection of music was a good variety of older and newer artists, and while there was a decent amount of overlap earlier in the day, the stages were close enough together that you could still pretty easily split your time. Additionally, I noticed almost no sound bleed from stage to stage, which was surprising considering how close together they were.
Instead of VIP taking up the full width of the front of the stage, it was split in half and went deeper into the crowd. This allowed GA guests the same opportunity to make it to the very front row if they wanted to make that effort!
There were a couple items that could be improved on for next year:
Stage 3, the smallest stage, had some major sound issues that ended up delaying sets and leaving guests (and bands) irritated. The bands handled it gracefully though, and the show went on! I was bummed to miss out on a couple sets after I had already committed to a spot in the pit at this stage, as there was no designated space for media.
Perhaps more of a personal planning problem, but the medical tent didn’t have any solutions for allergies. With this festival being outdoors in a park in late spring/early summer, I would have expected they carry some type of allergy relief. I caught wind of a surprisingly large number of people who ended up having unexpected allergy issues on day 2 and no way to fix them aside from going home.
The setup for stage 2 was a bit goofy to me. The stage was at the top of a steep hill, and as you went away from the stage it went downhill. I understand from a sound perspective why this choice was made, but the setup was very unforgiving to just about everyone past the first few rows after the ground started sloping down. This setup did allow more people to sit and hang out in the back though, which I would have certainly enjoyed if I wasn’t working. 🙂
Some bands from the lineup:
Hozier
Jason Mraz and His Superband
The Head and the Heart
Mt Joy
The Revivalists
Coin
X Ambassadors
Stephen Sanchez
The Airborne Toxic Event
Matt Maeson
Wilderado
Andy Frasco & the UN
The Aces
The Blue Stones
Smallpools
almost monday
Daisy the Great
Michigander
The Heavy Heavy
Ruby Waters
Jess Williamson
Ax and the Hatchetmen
The Vindys
Abby Holiday
Kahone Concept
The Roof
Overall, WonderWorks had a great first year and I think they have great potential for their festival next year. I am looking forward to seeing what elements stay, what changes, and what new items they add in for next time! Check out my photo gallery below:
On May 22, 2023, Chicago-based power pop band Beach Bunny stopped for a show at Stage AE in Pittsburgh, PA on a quick three-show East Coast run. Joining them was PUP, a Canadian punk rock band from Toronto, and opener Pool Kids from Tallahassee, Florida.
To start off the show, Pool Kids delivered a captivating set in which the crowd was fully attentive. They have played various shows in the Pittsburgh area in the past, so there were pockets of hardcore fans sprinkled among the giant crowd. The energy that Pool Kids brought to this show was perfect- it warmed the crowd up and helped build on their excitement. I am sure many of the audience members are going to be long-time fans after this show, I know I am!
Next to rush the stage was PUP. I had originally not known much about this band, so I was not sure what to expect. The moment they began their first song, Morbid Stuff, I knew I was hooked. The crowd instantly began to move, leading to a large mosh pit forming in the center of the room. At this point, I was towards the back-right of the venue. I knew I did not want to miss out on this pit, so I began to make my way through the people to jump in. Everyone was having a blast, and even though the mosh pit was intense, all of the participants were looking out for each other. Additionally, the band members all made a quick announcement after seeing the pits form just to remind everyone to be vigilant and caring for one another, but to still go crazy. This showed the care that PUP has for their fanbase. As they continued through their set, they also gave moments in between songs for people to catch their breath.
PUP’s music awoke a feeling of intensity in myself, and was helpful in moving unresolved feelings that I didn’t even know were there. I was surprised by this, especially since I had not known their songs until that night. After talking with a few long-time fans of the band, they said the same kinds of things- PUP writes songs that are not only relatable, but powerful to the listener.
Last to take the stage was Beach Bunny. For years both Madalyn and I have been listening to their music, and to see their growth has been so exciting. Back in 2018, we had the chance to see them play at the Mr. Roboto Project, one of the beloved smaller venues in Pittsburgh. Opening for Beach Bunny was Field Medic and local band String Machine, who we have loved for many years. It was such a stacked lineup, and getting to see the development of Beach Bunny as performers has been huge. In just a few years, they went from playing in a 200 capacity room to a 5,500 capacity venue. Lead singer Lili Trifilio has a stronger sense of confidence now, which greatly translates into her lyrics which are both personal to herself and relatable to many of the young people in our world today. Her voice carried beautifully through Stage AE, with thousands of fans singing along in the background. I was so excited for them because I have seen how difficult the earlier years as a band can be. Now they are on the other side of it and continuing to play bigger and better gigs. Beach Bunny’s well-deserved recognition stems from their ability to convey important messages, particularly to young women, all while consistently creating melodically captivating hits.
Words by Ella Donovan along with photos by Madalyn Schaller. If reposting, please credit @livefromthepitt412 / @madalyns.photos
The Used and Piece The Veil are currently on a massive co-headliner tour with support from Don Broco and DeathbyRomy. ‘The Creative Control Tour’ took place at The Skyline Stage in Philadelphia, PA on 06/09/23. The show was phenomenal and an unforgettable night
The Used played old favorites such as “Pretty Handsome Awkward” and “The Bird & The Worm”. As well as new songs including “Giving Up” and “Fuck You” off their new album, ‘Toxic Positivity’. Not to mention, the band had a beautiful stage presentation made up of pink flowers.
Piece The Veil were the last to play but kept the party going by performing new songs off their latest album, The Jaws of Life. The band slowly closed out the night with a bang performing their hit songs “King For a Day” and “Caraphernelia” while confetti flooded the air.
Photos by Abigail McNatt Review by Chris “Oberrated” Ober
Through the fire and brimstone, the show must go on! Ok, ok, maybe not full scale fire and brimstone, but it was a day where the air quality was declared troublesome and many were advised to stay inside. However that didn’t stop the legions of music fans to show out for All Time Low’s “Tell Me I’m Alive” tour at Stage AE featuring Mayday Parade and Games We Play!
First on the chopping block was the sex icons themselves (but mostly the lead Emmyn, idk, I’m just saying what I know, I don’t make the rules) hailing from Miami. This was my second time seeing Games We Play and to my memory, they were damn good both times. Mixing a fun and energetic vibe to start the show and get the crowd moving, Emmyn also has that entertainment factor to him to work the crowd and get smiles on faces. After surveying the crowd for goers who have heard of them before, Games We Play was honored to see that they had multi-time viewers of their band which paid the respect back by singing along to just about every song and moving to the music as if we weren’t just getting the party started.
The next band needs no introduction. It was the legends that are Mayday Parade. As they entered the stage, they were met by a roaring crowd of all ages who continue to keep emo music alive and well in 2023. From the very start, this night went from concert to karaoke/sing-a-long because the entire crowd was in sync with Mayday as each song played and concluded. I also SWEAR when I listened close enough, I could hear tears falling on the pavement as Mayday Parade played their piano rendition of “Miserable at Best.” At the end of the set and my fifth time watching a Mayday Parade set, it is always awesome to see this band still making magic on stage after all these years.
Speaking of years in the game, let’s talk about the headliner of the night and the legacy band themselves, All…Time…Low! All Time Low will forever hold a special place in my heart. When they bursted onto the scene in the 2000s, this was the peak time in my life where music was my everything and molded my every moment, especially pop punk music. Growing up with the albums “Put Up or Shut Up” and “So Wrong, It’s Right,” at those times you really do not think about the future and if a band will remain in your life in your older years, or if you’ll even still be as invested in music. Yet here I am practically 20 years later watching this band rip the stage at breakneck speed playing music 20 years old and 3 months old, all of it never faltering in quality.
The tour was aptly named after their album, “Tell Me I’m Alive” that blessed our earholes just 3 short months ago. The 9th studio album from the legacy band explores themes and feelings felt during a time where loneliness and helplessness were prevalent. As for me, this album is nothing but bangers from the killer vocals put forth by Alex in songs like “Calm Down” and “Lost Along the Way” to the iconic sound we know and love in “Sleepwalking” and unironically the matching track to the album, “Tell Me I’m Alive.”
While on the topic of title tracks, All Time Low’s set started in an unconventional way, as some may see it, with Alex opening it up on piano with “Tell Me I’m Alive.” What began with the crowd roaring and singing along with a serenading Alex quickly turned into a raucous crowd as the final minute of the track approached and the patented fast pop-punk vibe took over. With this opening, I was assured that this set was going to be as memorable and fun as ever.
As always the power duo of Alex and Jack practically put on an equally entertaining show talking to the crowd and cracking jokes as they did making them move with the music. An extra special kudos goes to All Time Low for playing their entire set in the conditions of the air quality warning because it was very clearly making an impact on the band as the night went on, but as it is always said, “the show must go on” and All Time Low made sure to keep the energy at an all time high and give us every song we know and love. All leading up to their finale featuring “Weightless,” “Monsters,” and “Dear Maria, Count Me In.”
The music of the 2000s is alive and well in All Time Low, Mayday Parade, and emo music as a whole. Especially when newcomers like Games We Play are in the scene very much carrying the banner forward. I can’t advise you enough that if you see these bands with a ticket available in the coming years, buy it. These guys continue to create memorable nights to remain in the brain for years and even lifetimes.
