In an atmosphere filled with 2000s nostalgia, the indie/alternative rock band TAKING BACK SUNDAY gathered all the elder emos from all corners of the Valley for their highly-anticipated stop at The Van Buren in Phoenix, Arizona on Wednesday, May 29th. With the crowd buzzing and excitement palpable, the night was set for an unforgettable journey through two decades of emo excellence, plus hits from their new album “152,” complemented by the spirited opening act, CITIZEN.
The show was kickstarted by CITIZEN, who’s been around for a while, with their hit song “I Want to Kill You.” They also performed some of their classics, including “The Night I Drove Alone” and “Blue Sunday”, both crowd favorites which gathered massive sing-alongs from the crowd. MAT KEREKES, the frontman, checked on the crowd in the middle of their set and asked the audience for their fans to make noise, and they did not disappoint as many diehard listeners were in attendance.
As the strobe lights dimmed and the crowd burst into cheers with excitement, TAKING BACK SUNDAY band members appeared on stage to the melody of "Cute Without the 'E' (Cut From the Team)” with a slow tempo introduction. Instantly, the venue was transported back to the early 2000s; a time when emo anthems ruled the airwaves and hearts of listeners. ADAM LAZZARA, with his trademark microphone swings and dynamic stage presence, had the crowd in the palm of his hands.
The band's performance was nothing short of electrifying as they performed every song in their arsenal showcasing their illustrious music career. Hits like "A Decade Under Influence" and "You're So Last Summer" connected deeply with the band’s longtime and new listeners of all ages, who sang their hearts out, their voices merging with LAZZARA’s in a powerful unison of nostalgia and emotion.
Throughout the night, TAKING BACK SUNDAY exhibited not only their musical prowess but also their undeniable connection with the audience. Between songs, LAZZARA engaged in conversations, sharing personal anecdotes and reflections to their Arizona fan base that underscored the enduring relevance of their music. This interaction added an intimate touch to the evening, making it feel like a gathering of old friends reminiscing about shared experiences. He even joked about how bands tease the crowd by pretending to leave and end the show but will eventually come back to perform one last song. He reassured the audience that they will never do that and will just perform every song right away.
The band's chemistry was noticeable, with JOHN NOLAN and EDDIE REYES delivering tight guitar work that perfectly complemented LAZZARA’s impassioned vocals. Drummer MARK O’CONNELL and bassist SHAUN COOPER provided a solid rhythmic foundation, driving each song forward with great energy.
The night drew to a close with an encore that was electric, featuring fan favorites like "A Decade Under the Influence.” The crowd, still buzzing with adrenaline, cheered and applauded, reluctant to let the moment slip away.
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