With the combination of dancing pink and blue lights , overwhelming images and videos in the background , plus the high anticipation as everyone in the crowd pressed themselves against one another in chant for their favourite artists , it was without a doubt that the Baltimore-based pop-punk band , All Time Low , were delivering something special this night .
After 1 4 years of quotable lyrics , bathroom humour laughs , and emotional instrumental structures , All Time Low have made the name . With six studio albums , a few EPs and live albums behind them , the four piece released their seventh studio album this past June , titled : Last Young Renegade . Henceforth came the Last Young Renegade Tour .
It ’ s July 3rd down in Tempe , Arizona ; a hot , slightly humid Monday night over at the Marquee Theatre . Outside , the line goes all the way down to the lake , but comes back up to wrap around the block . From boy to girl , from pre-teen to teenager to adult , this venue is filled in no time from the floor , up to the balcony above .
Within the hour , the lights go out and the audience is greeted by the first opener : The Wrecks . For only having three songs available , these five LA residents presented themselves as if they were born to have taken the stage . Even for those in the audience who had never heard of them , The Wrecks had come to wreck the crowd . And they did just so .
Next in the lineup , was the Houston boys , Waterparks . These three have certainly made a name for themselves within the past year , and do they ever know how to have fun while taking the stage . Fans of the danceable band were certainly in the crowd as lyrics were shouted back to the trio when given the opportunity to sing them out loud by themselves . In seemingly classic Waterparks fashion , the band bid adieu with a quick announcement to meet them back at their merch table for more .
Thirdly , SWMRS ( formerly known as Emily ’ s Army ) took the stage . They are an interesting mix when given the first impression . Lead frontman , Max Becker , personifies the old days of punk in his presence with frantic motions on stage . It was all in the delivery though , it fit , felt right and it captured attention . With unapologetic punk-savvy lyrics , again , these Oakland , CA blokes made an interesting first impression . And yet , it left the room hanging on to them , wondering what move the band might make next . This is a band to watch for more from .
It ’ s 8: 59 PM . Phones are out in preparation to capture the first moment . Long hair is pulled up with hair ties to keep cool and out of the way . Last minute waters are bought . The crowd is anxious . After what seems to be the longest minute in concert history , they ’ re on . Everyone jumps and presses ‘ record ’ as All Time Low begins their set with the self-titled track , Last Young Renegade , off the latest album . Every fan is eating up everything ; every guitar strum , every bass note , every snare hit , every lyric . It was like watching the fans rediscover the band for the first time all over again .
As every artist does try , All Time Low did not fail with their setlist . The band “ Let It [ Rolled ]” with classics such as “ Damned If I Do Ya ( Damned If I Don ’ t ),” “ Backseat Serenade ” and “ Guts .” After the first third of the set , another newer track came to play : “ Dirty Laundry .” It was interesting to watch the switch between fast , pop punk from the previous song to this one as this single is more electronic based . Yet , something about its live performance was very calming to experience . The lights had set the mood , plus a little humour was added in with the title and bras hanging from lead guitarist , Jack Barakat ’ s mic stand .
They ’ re halfway through the set when frontman and rhythm guitarist , Alex Gaskarth , makes an announcement for the following song . “ Before we start this song , I want all of you to turn to the person next to you and get on their shoulders !” With a few sparing moments to let people adjust and get situated , the beginning chords of “ Something ’ s Gotta Give ” began . After the beautiful insanity , All Time Low gave the crowd and - just as sure - themselves a breather with the sentimental track , “ Therapy .” For about four minutes , it was just Gaskarth , his acoustic guitar and the crowd . Yet , it felt like every fan in the room was sharing a oneon-one with Gaskarth ; a true moment to be remembered .
The next few songs got the audience moving again as “ Weightless ,” “ Life Of The Party ,” and “ Lost In Stereo ” tore through the roof of the venue with every single body singing along . But just when the night could not feel any more exhilarating , Gaskarth implored the crowd once again . “ Yeah ! You and her ! Come on up here !” Soon the venue was filled with an adoring “ aw ” as a little girl of about five years old with her mother came up on stage to join the band . Soon , Barakat and Gaskarth were pulling fans from the left , the right and everywhere in between to come up to join them . “ Now ,” Gaskarth began to explain the plan . “ All of you out in the audience know how to show us , the band , a good time . But now , now I want you to show each other as a family , how we all can have a good time together !” With that , the track “ Time Bomb ” started and well , it was almost as if a time bomb had gone off in the venue . No foot stood still on the ground . Every fist and hand were held up high in the air . Tonight , this was everyone ’ s anthem .
Unfortunately , all “ Good Times ” must come to an end . Regretfully , the band said their goodbyes to the crowd , thanking the room for their time , dedication , and support . “ For without you , none of us - Rian , Zack , Jack , and I - would be here with you today ,” Gaskarth opened up . The fans raised the hands in applause , most of them shouting their own thank you ’ s back as this band has delivered like no other . After 20 songs , the band plugged in for the finale , “ Dear Maria , Count Me In .”