Linkin Park @ Moda Center - Portland
September 19th 2025: Linkin Park @ Moda Center - Portland, OR
Linkin Park | Photos Courtesy of: Christina Hall
Linkin Park visited Portland, Oregon, for the first time in over 20 years for their From Zero World Tour. This is the first tour without Chester Bennington, who lost his life to suicide in 2017 and drummer, Rob Bourdon. Emily Armstrong and Colin Brittain were invited to join the band in 2023 to take on those roles.
The stage was centred in the arena, and each band member had their own “home”. Above the band were giant screens that weren’t just for the fans in the higher seats; they were part of the creative production of graphics, lasers, and dynamic lighting. Everything presented truly complemented the songs and what was happening on stage, and sometimes stunned the crowd. The beginning of the set felt like there was some restraint. Rather than jumping in with full force, it felt like the band held space for fans who felt deeply for Emily’s predecessor, heavily letting the crowd sing along not only for the first song, Somewhere I Belong, but also for all of the songs fans hold near and dear throughout the night. Songs from their most recent album Zero World Tour, were sprinkled in throughout the night, as well as a couple of Fort Minor songs, where Mike Shinoda walked around the barricade and rapped into the crowd. Halfway through the show, the stage was flipped so those who had their backs to one side of the crowd would now face the other side. The energy spiked with One Step Closer. Mosh pits were encouraged by the band. Joe Hahn schooled the crowd with a scratching solo. A disco intro of Numb showed a playful side of the band.
The new vocalist faces an impossible task, but doesn’t attempt to replace the beloved Chester. As someone hesitant themself, I can say that Emily offers her own interpretation, and setting any of the discourse around her to the side, her voice does merit the benefit of an open mind.
Spacey Jane @ The Fillmore - Philadelphia
September 6th 2025: Spacey Jane @ The Fillmore - Philadelphia, PA
Spacey Jane - Photos Courtesy of: Carolyn Lederach
Australia’s Spacey Jane made their return to Philadelphia, playing their largest headlining show to date at The Fillmore. Despite the rain, eager fans flocked to the venue to catch the band’s set. Spacey Jane is currently on tour in support of their third studio album, If That Makes Sense. With a catalogue full of bops, it’s hard to complain about any songs on the setlist.
It’s been a while since I’ve seen a band who have fully taken up a stage. Not in the sense of stage set-up, but in coverage. Each member’s instrument was wireless, and you could often find them chasing around each other, or leaping through the air, and having nothing but fun on stage. Although there wasn’t much stage banter, the number of songs they packed in made up for it. I truly can’t wait til Spacey Jane returns!
Setlist
Through My Teeth
Estimated Delivery
Skin
Lunchtime
All The Noise
Sawteeth
Whateverrrr
How to Kill Houseplants
Feeding the Family
Thrills
It's Been a Long Day
Ily the Most
Head Cold
Good for You
Hardlight
Booster Seat
Encore:
So Much Taller
Lots of Nothing
Rilo Kiley @ The Met - Philadelphia
September 4th 2025: Rilo Kiley @ The Met - Philadelphia, PA
Jenny Lewis | Rilo Kiley - Photos Courtesy of: Carolyn Lederach
After a 17-year touring hiatus, Rilo Kiley returned to Philadelphia’s The Met on a rainy evening of September 4th 2025. The theatre was full of eager Rilo Kiley fans excited for their return. The band delivered a flawless set featuring a mix of legendary RK tracks. To the crowd’s delight, Jenny Lewis also shared her Philly connection, as her father was from South Philly and an avid harmonica player who influenced Lewis in her younger years. As someone who never thought they’d see “Portions for Foxes” live, the set certainly did not disappoint. It was an exciting time to be amongst a room full of fans taking in the nostalgic tracks.
Setlist
The Execution of All Things
Wires and Waves
Spectacular Views
The Moneymaker
Dreamworld
I Never
Close Call
Paint's Peeling
It's a Hit
Does He Love You?
Ripchord
The Good That Won't Come Out
Silver Lining
With Arms Outstretched
A Better Son/Daughter
Portions for Foxes
Encore:
More Adventurous
Frug
Pictures of Success
Glass Animals @ Edgefield Concerts On The Lawn - Troutdale
August 12th 2025: Glass Animals, Orla Gartland @ Edgefield Concerts On The Lawn - Troutdale, Oregon
Glass Animals | Photos Courtesy of: Christina Hall
Fans, fittingly, endured the 95-degree heat wave in the Portland, Oregon area to show up for Glass Animals at McMenamins Edgefield, located in Troutdale, supported by Olga Gartland. Both came off sets at Outside Lands the past weekend as part of their Tour of the World Tour.
Fans sprawled on the lawn of Edgefield on towels and chairs. Before the sun went down, Olga Gartland ran out on stage to a recording of Bonnie Tyler’s, Holding Out For A Hero possibly an ode to her latest album, “Everybody Needs a Hero”. Accompanied by drummer, Sara Leigh Shaw, and guitarist/keyboardist, Scarlet Halton whom she lovingly called the Divas, began the set. She had a playfulness about her, rocking out on the stage with a melodic voice. A few from the pit sang along to Late to the Party. After she played a few of her songs, before covered Chappell Roan’s, Red Wine Supernova and started her sing-along.
The iconic pineapple (traditionally given away during “Pork Soda”) could be found stage left. Smoke blew from the pit, signalling the start of the show. Illustrations of galaxies displayed on the screen are having a conversation about their enthusiasm for the Glass Animals to take the stage.. The stage was designed as if the band was on a spaceship with computer monitors and a bubble that lit up different images, including one that said Edgefield as they began singing “Life Itself”. The space theme was supported throughout with visuals of planets and stars on the screen and lasers that audibly thrilled the crowd. During Creatures in Heaven, lead vocalist Wavey Davey was impressed by the sea of different colored cell phone lights from the crowd that a fan had set up. He later went out into the crowd during Gooey followed up by Vampire Bat, their latest single released a week prior. A noticeable breeze could be felt at the encore, but relief from the high temperatures could not be felt from their final song, Heat Waves.
Orla Gartland
My Chemical Romance @ Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia
August 15th 2025: My Chemical Romance, Alice Cooper @ Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
Gerard Way of My Chemical Romance - Photos Courtesy of: Carolyn Lederach
My Chemical Romance returned to Philly for the first time since 2022, just across the street from where we last saw them, at the Phillies stadium (AKA Citizens Bank Park). The band was joined by the legend, Alice Cooper, donning a pirate-themed stage set-up.
Leading up to the set time, we were reminded of the “Rules” to follow at Draag, leading us into the dystopian cityscape where. After a drum procession, the band took the stage to punch in their time cards. Before being able to perform, much like in the sports stadium we were all standing in, we needed to kick things off with the National Anthem of Draag, as a singer took the stage at stage B in the centre of the stadium. MCR proceeded to play Black Parade in its entirety, including a guest appearance by the Phillie Phanatic, as he threw cheesesteaks into the audience (which seemed like a cheesy edition in retrospect of the themes of the rest of the show). This was followed by the ceremonial execution. The show continued and concluded with the murder/suicide of Gerard and the former dictator, as the rest of the band got kidnapped and taken off stage.
The crowd was graced with a cello solo by Clarice Jensen on Stage B as the band took some time to return to themselves. Moments later, the band was escorted out to Stage B in normal street clothes to continue the show. This set-up gave a very throwback feel, like they were returning to their roots to play the older hits. Feeling equally bad for anyone who had any floor seats and was further out from the stage, it was virtually impossible to see anything happening on Stage B aside from anything displayed on the projector screen. For anyone following along on this tour, the songs on Stage B change from each show; tonight was no different. As some of the hits from Three Cheers were on the list, we were treated to some B-sides, but overall, the crowd seemed to be showing some disappointment about missing out on some key tracks they were hoping to hear from MCR’s older catalogue. Alas, you could tell the band was having a lot of fun being back together and performing. Can’t wait to see how the rest of these shows play out as we all continue to decipher the little changes that unfold each night.
Setlist
Tonight You Belong to Me (Irving Kaufman song)
Over Fields (The National Anthem of Draag)
The End.
Dead!
This Is How I Disappear
The Sharpest Lives
Welcome to the Black Parade
I Don't Love You
House of Wolves
Cancer
Mama (ft. opera singer Marianne)
Sleep
Teenagers
Disenchanted
Famous Last Words
The End. (Reprise)
Blood
B-Stage
From A to B (performed by Clarice Jensen)
Headfirst for Halos (tour debut)
Bury Me in Black
I'm Not Okay (I Promise)
DESTROYA
Heaven Help Us
Give 'Em Hell, Kid (Dedicated to a fan named Joyce)
The Foundations of Decay
Na Na Na (Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na)
Helena
The Kids From Yesterday
Alice Cooper
Lord Huron @ The Mann Center - Philadelphia
August 1st 2025: Lord Huron, Lee Fields @ The Mann Center - Philadelphia, PA
Lord Huron - Photos Courtesy of: Carolyn Lederach
Lord Huron made their return to Philadelphia on August 1st in support of their latest album, The Cosmic Selector, Vol 1. After making a stop earlier in the day to WXPN’s Free at Noon series, the band concluded the night at The Mann Center.
Delivering a flawless 4 part set highlighting the band’s full catalog, there were also special interludes every 3-5 songs which included a couple special guests on stage. The audience could find two actors/dancers exploring some themes to the setlist throughout the night like searching, finding love, and losing it.
On top of special guests, the stage production also brought us on a journey throughout the night, changing numerous times. We started the show in an apocalyptic type setting with just a payphone on stage. This changed into a sweeping dystopian desert landscape with displays of “feeling lost ?” As we continued through more desert scapes, we ended the night in the forest as a ”storm” brought down lighted branches we were transported into a night scape of swampland and forest.
After following Lord Huron for several years now, I can truly say this was the best they’ve sounded and their stage production throughout the years has continued to go unmatched. I can’t wait to see what a Volume 2 of Cosmic Selector might have in store.
Setlist
Who Laughs Last (Kristen Stewart recording)
Looking Back
Bag of Bones
Ends of the Earth
The Ghost on the Shore
Wait by the River
Secret of Life
Used to Know
Ancient Names (Part I)
Long Lost
Twenty Long Years
Watch Me Go
I Lied
La Belle Fleur Sauvage
Frozen Pines
Meet Me in the Woods
The Night We Met
Encore:
The Night We Met (Reprise)
The World Ender
Nothing I Need
Not Dead Yet
Digging Up the Past
Lee Fields
The Struts @ Danforth Music Hall - Toronto
July 31st 2025: The Struts @ Danforth Music Hall - Toronto, ON
The Struts | Photos Courtesy of: Peyton Mott
Opening night of The Struts 10-year anniversary tour for their classic rock-fused debut album, Everybody Wants. Seasoned professionals, made up of, Luke Spiller, Jed Elliot, Adam Slack, and Gethin Davies, strutted out in front of strobing lights with their English swagger.
After opening with the track “Put Your Hands Up” (not performed since 2018), singer Luke Spiller announced that the rest of the set would be a complete playthrough of the decade-old record. “Could’ve Been Me” had the entire crowd, adorned in titular merc, swaying and clapping along to the anthemic single with stars in their eyes. Similar to the opening song, many of the tracks throughout the set hadn't been performed for years, “Young Stars” and “Only Just A Call Away” amongst the collection.
The encore filled the gaps of fan favourites not included on the debut album, including the classic Queen cover of “We Will Rock You.” And with one final bow, the Derby hailing group sent the awed audience into the warm streets of Toronto with a show to remember.
Summer School Tour 2025 @ Marquee Theatre - Tempe
July 27th 2025: Summer School Tour 2025 @ Marquee Theatre - Tempe, AZ
Charlotte Sands @ Summer School Tour 2025 | Photos Courtesy of: Ashley O'Mara
On Sunday, July 27, the Summer School Tour made a stop at the Marquee Theatre in Tempe, AZ, showcasing seven emerging artists and bands gaining fast popularity within the pop-punk/alt-rock scene. The tour, sponsored by idobi Radio and Hot Topic and founded by Eric Tobin (Hopeless Records), Michael Kaminsky (KMGMT), and Kevin Lyman (Vans Warped Tour), focuses on artist development while striving to strengthen and build community for the current and future generation of scene kids. The show marked the midway point of the tour and would fittingly serve as the last hurrah for many of the students and teachers within the audience who would be returning to school the following morning.
The tour rotates its lineup nightly, with sets lasting between 25 and 40 minutes each. On this evening, Huddy, a pop-punk artist from Stockton, California, kicked off the event, delivering a 25-minute set of tunes. Huddy was popular with the crowd, especially amongst the young ladies in the audience who let out screams whenever Huddy came near. The crowd could be heard singing along to tracks like “All the Things I Hate About You,” “Partycrasher,” and his newest single, “Vendetta,” released just last month. Huddy also treated the audience to a performance of an unreleased song, “Fragile,” before closing out his set with “Cyanide.”
Undoubtedly the heaviest band on the lineup, If Not For Me, a metalcore band out of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, gave an impressive performance, inciting moshpits with tracks like “Demons” and “Blameless,” and bringing the evening’s sole crowd surfer. Despite the majority of the lineup consisting of much lighter, poppier rock artists, If Not For Me was well received by the crowd. If you’re a fan of bands like A Day To Remember and Underoath, give these guys a listen.
Alternative rock band Arrows in Action took the stage next. Normally a trio, the band was down a member this evening, with guitarist Matthew Fowler succumbing to food poisoning and being forced to take the bench for this one. Despite being down a member, Arrows in Action stole the show, putting on what would end up being everyone’s favorite and most unforgettable performance of the evening. Victor (vocals, guitar) and Jesse (drums) made their entrance, rocking matching white tracksuits and tossing inflatable basketballs into the crowd to the tune of “Space Jam,” and the fun only ramped up tenfold from there. Not only was their performance on point, but they also brought comedy to the stage and had the audience laughing in between songs. Jesse emerged from behind the drums to lead the audience in a “viral TikTok dance” (neither viral nor a TikTok dance) for “Head in the Clouds.” For the rest of their set, members of other bands on the lineup, friends, and crew members took turns running onto the stage and shredding unplugged bass, and the crowd was living for it. The band ended their set with “Uncomfortably Numb,” and as they exited the stage, “We’re All in This Together” blasted from the speakers. Although this is likely their walk-off song every night, it seemed especially fitting this evening, as the whole crew came together to support their tourmates.
Although Arrows in Action may have been a tough act to follow, Beauty School Dropout took the stage and did not disappoint. While bassist Brent Burdett and guitarist Bardo Novotny emerged shirtless, frontman Colie Hutzler stormed onto the stage donning his best suit, immediately launching into one of the band’s two newest tracks, “FEVER,” released just last month. They kept the energy high as they delivered their signature “renegade pop” to the crowd, bopping their heads and singing along. The classic “Beauty School Dropout” played as the band ended their set, leaving fans buzzing and excited to find out who would take the stage next.
The crowd went wild as Nashville-based pop punk singer Taylor Acorn took the stage. She was a ball of energy, swinging her mic stand and flipping her hair as she traversed the stage, all while maintaining flawless, powerful vocals. Her guitarist, Ricky, was also a star, spinning, jumping, and swinging his guitar without missing a beat. In a vulnerable moment, Acorn shared with the audience that one of her best friends had passed away that morning. She dedicated a song to her late friend and requested that the audience sing along loud enough for her to hear it. Tourmate Charlotte Sands joined Acorn on stage for a performance of their song “Final Nail.” It was incredible to witness both of the scene’s current pop-punk powerhouses crushing it together on one stage. Overall, Acorn’s set was one “Hell Of A Show.”
The opening notes of “Tantrum” rang out as Charlotte Sands took the stage, vibrant blue hair whipping through the air as she blew the audience away with her powerful vocals and impressive stage presence. Sands is no stranger to the Valley, calling it a second home because of her close connection to the Valley’s own The Maine. She performed twice in the Valley earlier this year, with many fans in the audience having attended those shows as well. Sands acknowledged familiar faces, taking a moment to point out a couple of young children within the crowd that she remembered, no doubt creating a core memory for the young ladies. Sands had the whole room dancing and singing along to tracks like “Bad Day,” “Spite,” and “Dress- Heavy Version,” before closing out her set with “Hush.”
For the final set of the night, Rain City Drive took the stage, ending an incredible evening of performances on a high note. Frontman Matt McAndrew’s stellar vocal ability was on full display as they performed songs like “Lose My Composure,” “Wish You the Best,” and “Blood Runs Cold.” It’s no surprise he was the runner-up for his season of “The Voice”- the man can sing! The audience was treated to their newest release, which dropped July 10 and which they dubbed as their favorite song, “Ride Or Die.” Although the song was only just released, fans could be seen singing along to every word. The evening wrapped with the band’s highest-streamed songs- “Talk To A Friend” and “Medicate Me.”
The sophomore year of the Summer School Tour did not disappoint. It’s nice to see the work that is being done to keep the scene alive after all these years (it was never a phase!), and if these acts are any indication of what is to come, the future of pop-punk is bright, to say the least. The Summer School Tour is one that you won’t want to miss! Catch this lineup as it continues across the US through August 10, when the tour concludes in Philadelphia.
