Last Wednesday, July 10, the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale came alive, thanks to high-energy punk and metalcore band A DAY TO REMEMBER, who stormed the stage for their highly sought after “The Least Anticipated Album” United States Tour. With a lineup featuring SCOWL, FOUR YEAR STRONG, and THE STORY SO FAR as opening acts, the evening was a rollercoaster of intensity, a hefty amount of crowd surfers and a concert the Arizona fans will never forget.
The evening kicked off with SCOWL, a band from Santa Cruz, California known for their gritty and raw hardcore punk sound. Their set was a whirlwind of energy and powerful, socially charged lyrics. Frontwoman KAT MOSS fiercely commanded the stage, and tracks like "Bloodhound" and "Wired" were delivered with unrelenting intensity that left the crowd buzzing with anticipation. SCOWL’s set was a blistering start to the evening, full of relentless riffs and impassioned vocals that had the early arrivals headbanging and moshing.
Next was FOUR YEAR STRONG, whose melodic hardcore style and high-octane performance further amped up the crowd. Their set was a masterclass in blending catchy melodies with powerful breakdowns, and their energy was infectious. Songs like "It Must Really Suck to Be Four Year Strong Right Now" and "Wasting Time (Eternal Summer)" showcased their knack for crafting anthems that resonate with fans on deeply personal levels. The chemistry between the band members and their engagement with the audience turned their set into a celebration, complete with sing-alongs and crowd participation that elevated the night.
As THE STORY SO FAR took the stage, the mood shifted to a more introspective, yet equally electrifying vibe. Their set was a perfect mix of nostalgia and contemporary pop-punk energy. Hits like "Nerve" and "Framework" were delivered with the kind of sincerity and raw emotion that has become their trademark. The band from Walnut Creek, California has the ability to weave personal storytelling into their music creating a palpable connection with the audience. The crowd sang along with every word, making it clear that THE STORY SO FAR’s influence and impact on the genre remain as strong as ever.
Finally, it was time for the headliners. Regardless of their latest album title, every single fan inside the arena was highly anticipating them to come out. A DAY TO REMEMBER’s arrival on stage was met with thunderous applause and cheers. With a setlist that spanned their extensive discography, they wasted no time in delivering a performance that lived up to their reputation as one of the most exhilarating live acts in the scene. Their set started with a bang–literally, as they blasted confetti during the first note of their opening song “Sticks and Bricks” to the crowd that filled the entire pit.
The setlist was a well-crafted mix of new material and fan favorites from their most popular album “Homesick,” which showcased a lot of their greatest hits. Tracks like “Have Faith In Me” and “I’m Made Of Wax, Larry, What Are You Made Of?” were met with roars of excitement, demonstrating that their discography resonates deeply with fans. The production was also top-notch, with dynamic light shows and pyrotechnics enhancing the already explosive performance from start to finish.
Halfway to their set, JEREMY MCKINNON, the band’s frontman, reminded their loyal fans to safely crowdsurf. The band is infamous for having audiences in the pit that crowdsurf on top of another crowdsurfer. He then jokingly said that there’s no fun when they don’t see these kinds of stunts from their crowd but they have to keep it safe for everyone. He proceeded to thank every bouncer in front for doing their best to catch every fan in the air getting tossed.
One of the highlights of the show was the band performing their own heavy metal rendition of the song “Since U Been Gone”, an original song by KELLY CLARKSON. It was pure nostalgia when they started singing the lyrics to their version of this pop song that was made popular by the first winner of American Idol back in 2004, paired with a spectacular light show and flames that made the concert experience a little extra.
The show included a particularly electrifying performance of “All I Want” and a heartfelt performance of “If It Means a Lot to You,” which had the entire arena singing in unison. The band’s stage presence was as bold as ever, with lead vocalist JEREMY MCKINNON’s charisma and energy driving the performance to new heights. The night ended with an encore that included their iconic “It’s Complicated” and “The Downfall Of Us All”.
Overall, A DAY TO REMEMBER’s tour stop at Desert Diamond Arena was a spectacular night of punk and metalcore at its finest from start to finish. With a complementary lineup of supporting acts and a headlining performance that lived up to every expectation, it was a night of relentless energy, incredible light show and infectious melodies. For fans of the genre, it was a reminder of why live music remains one of the most powerful forms of entertainment.
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