Concert Review: New Found Glory and Saves The Day 10th Anniversary Tour

I caught the 10th Anniversary Tour featuring pop punk legends  New Found Glory and emo punk stars  Saves The Day at Starland Ballroom in New Jersey.  It was a nostalgic night; I felt part of history in some weird way, and to be there surrounded by so many dedicated fans made it even more special.

Hellogoodbye bring power pop to punk fans

To kick off the show and keep the “old school” theme going, Hellogoodbye opened right before the headliners. Though hesitant at first to enjoy such a guilty pleasure band, we fully got into dance mode as the power pop group played fan favorites, “Shimmy Shimmy Quarter Turn,” and “Dear Jamie…” They also turned things up a notch by adding some slick sounds to their singles “Baby It’s Fact” and “Here In Your Arms.” Fans were singing and dancing everywhere, even “New Found Glory Dad” couldn’t help himself!

It was great to see Hellogoodbye expand their musicianship and bring such a fun mix to a concert like this. Keep an eye out for a new album soon!

After the mandatory delayed set change, Saves The Day came out and proceeded to melt my face off. The days of “Through Being Cool” and “Stay What You Are” just cannot be replaced. Despite the many lineup changes, I was looking forward to seeing Spencer from Hidden In Plain View (R.I.P) prove himself on drums once again. I’ve always loved what Saves The Day put out (I’m one of the few who even loved “In Reverie”) yet I was scared they would stick to playing new material that night. But I am glad to report I was WRONG! Their set list was near perfection – a live history of what was, is, and will always be Saves The Day. With every song played my jaw dropped in pure excitement.

Copyright: www.setlist.fm

It was an incredible experience to hear songs live that I thought I’d never be able to save for a private setting. Each song took me back to a place and time in my life and I have to admit it was quite emotional. I’m sure the crowd agreed with me given their reaction, except for the part where Saves The Day chose to end their set with “Kaleidoscope” instead of “You Vandal.” Next time. . .

After an even LONGER set change, New Found Glory practically tore off the roof of Starland Ballroom. I have never seen a crowd get so rowdy in such a small space in my entire life. I was afraid the floor was going to collapse at several points throughout the night. But nonetheless, NFG didn’t let us fans rest. Celebrating the 10th anniversary of their self-titled (and pretty much PERFECT album), the band played that entire collection of songs – start to finish! The stage was transformed to reflect the album and the guys played just as hard as ever before.  It was an endless joy ride to hear those songs live. Once the album celebration was over, New Found Glory returned to the stage with a new banner and new set of songs. This time a mix from their recent albums and new singles.

Copyright: www.setlist.fm

A rocktastic night of legendary proportions, this concert was one of the best I’ve ever had the pleasure of experiencing. These bands have been top favorites of mine and I felt giddy like a school girl to enjoy both on the same night. I can’t wait for the next tour!

*By Alisha, who is excited about getting New Found Glory and Saves The Day lyrics on her next tattoo

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