First to take the stage was Youth Fountain, all the way from Vancouver. The punk trio stormed the stage as the lights dimmed, and it was time for a show. With their catchy melodies and hard hitting lyrics, the crowd was completely entranced right off the bat.
Right off of their latest release, ‘Together in Loneliness’, the band had more than a few fans in attendance, as more than one person was spotted singing along. The band was sure to thank the other acts, as well as the fans for showing up early to catch their set.
The second act was the legendary pop-punk band, We The Kings. The long-time industry legends have released 9 studio albums, gaining them a dedicated fan base and elite status in the industry. Their 2007 hit, “Check Yes, Juliet” propelled this band into the spotlight, and hit after hit has secured their spot. As the band finished with this song, not a person in the room was quiet as the audience sang along, almost louder than the band themselves.
One of the best parts of the night was watching this band interact with the crowd. From handing out guitar picks in the middle of a song to teaching dance moves during breakdowns, the band made sure everyone in attendance felt something special.
Their infectious energy started the second they hit the stage but really connected with the crowd during their second song, “She Takes Me High”. Teaching the chorus to the audience, lead singer Travis Clark encouraged people to “lose your voices” as they screamed along to the catchy melody. Energy was bouncing rapidly between the stage and the crowd, forming a bond that will be remembered by fans for years to come.
After a quick set change, the lights dimmed and the crowd's anticipation reached a fever pitch. Story of the Year exploded onto the stage with unparalleled energy. The band wasted no time delving into their extensive discography, treating the audience to a seamless blend of old favorites and new hits.
Formed in 1995, Story Of The Year (SOTY) was touring celebrating the 20 year anniversary of their first studio album, ‘Page Avenue’. Throughout the night, the band played every song from that album, which was a real treat for their long-time fans. The room was packed full, showing just how much of an impact this album has had over the last 20 years. Fans were jumping, screaming, and dancing along as the band played hit after hit, completely filling the room with energy.
The band also took time to give a very heartfelt thank you to their devoted fans. The gesture changed the mood in the room, becoming very sentimental as the band expressed their feelings and gratitude.
One of the highlights of the night was the mashup of covers the band performed during the encore. Brief parts of Yellowcard's "Ocean Avenue" and My Chemical Romance's "I'm Not Okay (I Promise)" especially had fans screaming at the top of their lungs. They sang loudly in delight at the unexpected song choices.
This night will be remembered by fans for years to come. SOTY’s legacy is nothing short of amazing, as shown by the incredible turnout and crowd participation. With their 2023 release, ‘Tear Me To Pieces’ being one of their biggest yet, the future is only looking brighter for the band. Every person in attendance left happy and fulfilled, thanks to SOTY and this impressive 3-band lineup.
Story Of The Year Setlist:
- And the Hero Will Drown
- Dive Right In
- Divide and Conquer
- Anthem of Our Dying Day
- Page Avenue
- War
- Razorblades
- Burning Years
- We Don't Care Anymore
- Real Life
- Swallow the Knife
- Sidewalks
- In the Shadows
Encore:
- Tear Me to Pieces
- Falling Down
- Ocean Avenue / Cute Without the 'E' (Cut From the Team) / I'm Not Okay (I Promise) / The Taste of Ink
- Until the Day I Die