After entering a very packed and slightly rowdy Forum Theatre, it was immediately evident that it would be one hell of a night. Waves of excitement washed over just about every corner of the building, with people of all ages super stoked to be witnessing a stellar line-up on a Thursday night in Melbourne.
First up were Aussie locals I Killed The Prom Queen, who disappeared from the scene a while back before returning this year with Beloved – a brutal LP that exhibits what heavy music is all about.
“It’s our job to warm you guys up,” chanted vocalist Jamie Hope before the band ripped through a setlist that spanned three albums. With a little motivation, some members of the crowd started their throwdowns, but it seemed like either the audience had no idea who the band was, or they were too heavy for them; the reception after the conclusion of each song was a little poor.
Next up were The Ghost Inside, who were as dynamic as they when they played in Melbourne at the Hi-Fi last year. Frontman Jonathan Vigil could probably have a job as a motivational speaker; he was met with loud applause after his positive anecdotes between songs.
Opening with the heavy hit ‘Engine 45’, the band progressed through an array of tracks predominately from their 2012 release Get What You Give. Crowdsurfing ensued, and when one guy was pulled on stage by vigil, the assumption was that he was a lucky audience member. But when he turned around, it immediately became clear that it was Jason Butler, the bearded vocalist from fellow Soundwave band Letlive.
An extensive wait after The Ghost Inside saw the crowd become restless, but they amused themselves by starting a pit and chanting along to System Of A Down’s ‘Chop Suey’ as it played through the speakers.
Soon enough, A Day To Remember graced the stage, opening with favourites ‘All I Want’ and ‘I’m Made of Wax, Larry, What Are You Made Of?’, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Beach balls, free t-shirts (thrown by photographer Adam Elmakias in a monk’s robe), and vocalist Jeremy McKinnon surfing the crowd in an inflatable hamster ball were only some of the highlights of the evening.
Although their latest record Common Courtesy only came out a couple months ago, it’s surprising that they dedicated the set to a lot of their older material. A couple of acoustic songs were played mid-set before the band sent everyone into a sweaty, angsty mess with ‘Mr Highway’s Thinking About The End’.
With an encore comprising of ‘Violence (Enough is Enough)’, ‘All Signs Point To Lauderdale’, and ‘The Downfall of Us All’, it’s easy to say that the setlist had to be one of the most balanced in a very long time. The American rock band just about covered all their material, and were met with raucous applause.
Along with some successful (and unsuccessful) stagedivers and hectic circle pits, these pop-punk heavyweights showed everyone how to put on a good show – and that heavy music is bigger and better than ever.
Setlist
All I Want
I’m Made of Wax, Larry, What Are You Made Of?
Homesick
2nd Sucks
Right Back At It Again
The Document Speaks For Itself
City of Ocala
You Had Me At Hello
If It Means A Lot To You
It’s Complicated
Mr Highway’s Thinking About The End
Life Lessons Learned The Hard Way
Sometimes You’re The Hammer, Sometimes You’re The Nail
Have Faith In Me
The Plot To Bomb The Panhandle
Encore:
Violence (Enough Is Enough)
All Signs Point To Lauderdale
The Downfall Of Us All
