Words & Photos by Hristina Stoimenova (@hsmusicphotography)
The night kicked off with Militarie Gun, a band that has been making waves with their gritty, post-hardcore sound. Their set was a raw and intense opening act that immediately grabbed the audience’s attention. Tracks like “Do It Faster” and “Big Disappointment” were standouts, with frontman Ian Shelton’s fervent vocals and relentless energy setting the tone for the evening. Despite being the first band on stage, Militarie Gun managed to engage the crowd fully, their aggressive yet catchy sound resonating well with the early attendees.
Following Militarie Gun, Four Year Strong took the stage and elevated the energy even further. Known for their infectious blend of pop-punk and hardcore, the band delivered a set packed with fan favorites and high-octane anthems. Opening with “Brain Pain,” Four Year Strong had the crowd singing along from the get-go. Their seamless transitions between fast-paced punk riffs and melodic choruses kept the audience hooked. Songs like “Wasting Time (Eternal Summer)” and “It Must Really Suck to Be Four Year Strong Right Now” highlighted the band’s knack for crafting catchy, memorable tunes. Their stage presence was magnetic, and their interaction with the crowd added an extra layer of excitement to their performance.
The Story So Far was next, bringing a slightly different vibe to the evening with their introspective lyrics and emotive melodies. Opening with “Empty Space,” the band quickly established a connection with the audience. Frontman Parker Cannon’s heartfelt delivery and the band’s tight instrumentation created a powerful atmosphere. Tracks like “Nerve” and “Clairvoyant” were met with enthusiastic sing-alongs, as fans immersed themselves in the band’s emotional soundscapes. The Story So Far’s performance was a perfect blend of intensity and introspection, providing a poignant lead-up to the headlining act.
When A Day To Remember finally took the stage, the anticipation reached its peak. Opening with “Sticks & Bricks,” the band exploded into their set with an energy that immediately electrified the crowd. Frontman Jeremy McKinnon’s dynamic presence and the band’s polished yet ferocious sound created an unforgettable concert experience. The setlist was a well-curated mix of new tracks from their latest album, “You’re Welcome,” and classic hits that have defined their career.
Songs like “All I Want,” “Have Faith in Me,” and “If It Means a Lot to You” were met with massive sing-alongs, as the audience passionately belted out every word. The band’s ability to blend pop-punk, metalcore, and post-hardcore elements into a cohesive and electrifying performance was on full display. McKinnon’s vocal versatility, combined with the band’s tight musicianship, ensured that each song hit with maximum impact.
A standout moment of the night was the performance of “Rescue Me,” which saw the entire venue erupt in a sea of movement and energy. The band’s synergy was evident, as they seamlessly navigated between heavy breakdowns and melodic interludes. Guitarists Kevin Skaff and Neil Westfall, along with drummer Alex Shelnutt, delivered a flawless performance that highlighted their technical prowess and chemistry.
As the night drew to a close with the anthemic “The Downfall of Us All,” A Day To Remember left the stage amidst roaring applause and cheers. The concert was a testament to the band’s enduring appeal and ability to deliver a live performance that is both powerful and emotionally resonant.
Remaining “The Least Anticipated Album Tour” dates:
June 25 – Baltimore, MD – Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena #
June 26 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center #
June 28 – Boston, MA – The Stage at Suffolk Downs #
June 29 – Bridgeport, CT – Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater #
June 30 – Gilford, NH – BankNH Pavilion #
July 2 – Raleigh, NC – Red Hat Amphitheater #
July 3 – Simpsonville, SC – CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park #
July 5 – Dallas, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory #
July 6 – Durant, OK – Choctaw Grand Theater #
July 7 – San Antonio, TX – Freeman Coliseum #
July 9 – Albuquerque, NM – Rio Rancho Events Center ^
July 10 – Glendale, AZ – Desert Diamond Arena ^
July 12 – Oakland, CA – Oakland Arena ^
July 14 – Seattle, WA – WAMU Theater ^
July 15 – Portland, OR – Alaska Airlines’ Theater of the Clouds ^
July 18 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum
July 19 – San Diego, CA – Gallagher Square at Petco Park ^
July 21 – Salt Lake City, UT – Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre ^
July 22 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre ^
July 24 – Omaha, NE – The Astro Amphitheater ^
July 25 – Chicago, IL – Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island ^
July 26 – Milwaukee, WI – Eagles Ballroom ^
July 28 – Nashville, TN – Nashville Municipal Auditorium ^
October 19 – Las Vegas, NV – When We Were Young @
October 20 – Las Vegas, NV – When We Were Young @
June 6 – July 28 with THE STORY SO FAR and FOUR YEAR STRONG
* with MILITARIE GUN
# with PAIN OF TRUTH
^ with SCOWL
@ Festival date