The Rock Show At The End Of The World Tour // 10-16-2012 // Chicago, IL
Photos & Review by Ashley Osborn
Being that it’s almost the ‘end of the world’ I was immediately struck when I saw the name for All Time Low’s fall tour. Upon my arrival to the House of Blues, the rock band that’s taken over the scene, All Time Low, passes by on State Street while heading to their FYE signing a few blocks away. With several fans streaming behind them, screaming with joy and excitement – the band seems calm and collected and since their rise over the past few years was so steady… I can understand why. This is All Time Low’s norm.
When I entered the House of Blues, I met up with a few members of Hit the Lights and their tour manager (who performs with them). They were incredibly kind and even with being surrounded by chaos we were able to sit down for a quick interview (SPOIL ALERT: you can read it in November’s issue). Their performance followed our interview almost immediately. Being a band that has been around for years I knew Hit the Light’s performance would be nothing short of powerful, catchy and full of laughter. I was right. Vocalist Nick Thompson’s vocals were on-spot, and the band, completed by Omar Zehery, David Bermosk, Nate Van Dame and Kevin Mahoney were rocking on in sync. Regardless of the fact that they were the first band to play (I don’t quite understand why…) I personally think they had the greatest set of all of the openers and I loved how they incorporated all stages of their musical career into their performance. Especially playing to an entirely different market than they are used to. Great job, Hit the Lights. Always a pleasure seeing them kill a stage.
Up next was The Summer Set. This five piece has toured non-stop since the release of their first full-length album, Love Like This, that was released on Razor and Tie a few years ago. I remember seeing them years ago with The Cab and since then vocalist Brian Dales has certainly grown quite the stage presence. Last year they released their newest album, Everything’s Fine, and it’s apparent that this was a brand new step up for the band. After recently signing to the incredible Fearless Records, I can only imagine bigger things for this bunch of upbeat party animals. With catchy tunes and an even more addicting stage presence it was difficult to find a person in the crowd who wasn’t moving some part of their body, and as I glanced back at the fans on the barricade while photographing I saw enormous smiles. This bunch certainly knows how to put on a great show.
The second The Summer Set ended their set – the crowd knew it was time. All Time Low was next. Fans were crying, in actual tears because they were so excited. It touched my heart to be honest. I don’t mind how cheesy that sounds. This show was overall a reminder of how much music can truly affect people. You know? When you attend a show you’re there for the same reason as anybody else. Because whether you can admit it or not – music has done something for you. Most of us aren’t afraid to admit it, most of us embrace it to the fullest extent. I truly believe that All Time Low has one of the strongest fan bases around – comparable to the likes of Paramore and even Fall Out Boy. The classics. The bands we grew up on. You and I. Us.
To make this clear, I’m honestly not a that big of a fan of All Time Low so this is coming from a completely bias perspective but I can honestly say this band has pretty much defined what it is like to give to their fans. Their schedule this day was jam packed, as it is every day. The band attended a signing at FYE, came straight back to the venue, did a few interviews, a very long meet and greet with their fanclub and then continued to play their set, in which after I can only assume they came out to meet fans for a while. They know that their fans are what has gotten them where they are – and regardless of any negativity that surrounds the band, they prove day after day that they love their fans and the people who’ve supported them. Doing so has created a near unreal bond between their base and the four of them. It’s like a super bond. And since I’m on the outside, I can say that I don’t quite understand it but I respect it.
When the band entered the stage – the crowd ERUPTED. It sounded as if there were 10,000 people there (there was about 1200). They opened with their single “The Reckless and the Brave” and continued their set with songs, new and old. I was quite pleased to hear “Shameless” and “The Beach” two, of in my opinion, their best songs. They played a set that was composed of something for fans new and old along with making several sex released puns and harassing each other on stage. It was typical All Time Low but with a new twist. I don’t exactly know why, but something about this show was different. It was refreshing. It felt like 2008 again. Maybe it was because they have had a refresh themselves, or maybe it was because their new album is phenomenal. Either way, this was a really incredible show and as much as some may hate me for saying it, it proved that All Time Low is obviously here to stay. They’ve made a statement and re-laced their bond with a twist of punk, pop and rock. It’s new but it’s old. It’s All Time Low at their finest and this tour proves that they are continuing to make their mark. You honestly have to see this tour. HAVE to. I don’t want to spill any details, I don’t want to tell you what songs they played, I want you to go out and catch it for yourself. Especially if you’re a fan of their old music like myself, because this tour will make you feel like that 15 year old nostalgia that all of us 20 year olds need to feel again.
