Listen Live!By Evan Leong
Photo Credit: Evan Leong
In the past two decades, few pop punk bands have been more influential than All Time Low. With tracks like iconic emo anthem “Dear Maria, Count Me In” and recent TikTok sensation “Monsters,” the band’s discography of catchy punk rock has inspired millions since their inception in 2003. The Maryland pop punkers easily sold out Sayreville’s Starland Ballroom on September 15th, despite it being the first night of a back-to-back at the same venue. Though anticipation was at an all time high, fans still left awestruck after All Time Low’s electric performance.
The show kicked off with a great set from singer-songwriter Lauran Hibberd and her band. Her energy was exactly what fans needed from a first opener. Hibberd’s set was full of smiling and dancing, and her performance of her single “Honda Civic” was fun and bustling with energy.
Photo Credit: Evan Leong
Grayscale was next on the bill. Known for upbeat instrumentals and poetic lyrics, the alternative band has been one of my favorites since my sister introduced me to their music years ago. Unsurprisingly, they put on one of the best opening performances I’ve ever seen. The Pennsylvanians opened with their latest single, “Not Afraid To Die,” which combined nostalgic 80’s synths and a driving beat with the band’s signature overdriven guitars. The song’s energy was infectious. Another highlight included the band’s hit song “In Violet,” one of my personal favorites. “Shower me in a lilac rain,” sang vocalist Collin Walsh as magenta lights washed across the stage.
Photo Credit: Evan Leong
The final supporting act was the heavily anticipated rap rock group Gym Class Heroes. Best known for chart toppers like “Cupid’s Chokehold” and “Stereo Hearts” which propelled the band into mainstream success, lead vocalist Travie McCoy and Co. put on a memorable performance. Their blend of hip-hop, punk, and pop was incredibly unique; they had fans bouncing, singing, and flipping middle fingers into the sky. To top it off, the entire crowd sang along when the band performed Travie’s solo song “Billionaire.”
Photo Credit: Evan Leong
After a seemingly endless wait, it was finally time for All Time Low to take the stage. The band opened with “Lost in Stereo,” to the delight of the crowd – a classic, it features one of the catchiest choruses the band has written. A few songs later, the audience met “Poppin’ Champagne” to a chorus of cheers and a tidal wave of crowd surfers.
Photo Credit: Evan Leong
I enjoy All Time Low’s live performances so much because of their stage presence. At one point, lead vocalist Alex Gaskarth joked about lead guitarist Jack Barakat’s inability to remember song lyrics. Then the band launched into a cover of Green Day’s “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” with Barakat singing the wrong lyrics the whole way. Between songs, the two bantered continuously; there was no shortage of laughter during these small breaks in the action. I also loved the unpredictable nature of the set. At one point, Gaskarth jumped onto the barricade and later strolled right by me as he returned to the stage. Later on, the band played “The Irony of Choking on a Lifesaver” after the audience voted for the song to be added to the setlist.
Photo Credit: Evan Leong
Finally, I can’t end this concert review without mentioning the crowd’s reaction to closing song “Dear Maria, Count Me In.” At this point, “Dear Maria” is one of the most iconic pop punk songs ever written. The crowd was nothing short of deafening. Though the venue was at capacity, every body in the building was moving. It was an explosive end to an unforgettable night.
Photo Credit: Evan Leong
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