For the third time that day, Jake and I had found our way to the warehouse stage. And for the third time that day, it was absolutely packed. We were after all a part of a large crowd who was ready for a set full of nostalgia! Between Spitalfield, and the Spin Doctors it had already been a winning day for nostalgia fans and now it was only getting better. After a 5 year hiatus, Yellowcard was back on stage, and in a headlining role no less.
After what some would call a test run at Riot Fest in the fall of 2022, Summerfest was one of the first stops on their comeback tour. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of their platinum-selling release, “Ocean Avenue,” the set consisted of the entire album, all 13 songs, in order.
Despite having only played five shows in the past five years Yellowcard hit the stage with energy and enthusiasm. The group, which returned to the limelight in 2017 form, wasted no time reminding fans why they used to be a Warped Tour staple.
“Way Away” set the bar high with its sing-along pace and energetic riffs that had the crowd singing and swaying along. The next song, the break up anthem “Breathing,” kept the energy going for what we all knew was coming next.
Squished in the middle: an encore by Yellowcard
Of course, playing the album in order meant that very quickly it was time for “Ocean Avenue.” It is to be exact the third song on the album.
Before diving into what promised to be an emotional high point frontman Ryan Key remarked that this was one of the first times, they would not close a set with their 2003 smash hit. The group asked for the crowd to give as much energy for this early middle song as they would if it were at the end.
Needless to say, the crowd delivered, and then some.
It was a vibe, as the crowd at times overpowered the speakers with their enthusiasm. This was after all the moment some people had been waiting for, for almost 5 years.
It was a beautiful thing. A fleeting moment where we were all different, yet all part of a group of people who had listened to this song on repeat once upon a time (maybe 20 years ago?!). It was simply unreal for me to hear it live!
Unfortunately, the crowd did thin out after the big hit. The setup of playing an entire album can be a fantastic idea. However, Summerfest was not the best venue for that setup.
Despite the emotional climax coming early in the set, those who stuck around were treated to a truly fantastic set.
Don’t Call it a Comeback
The group took the time to reconnect with their fans in between delivering a standout performance. Of note, they profusely thanked everyone for making this comeback possible.
If you hadn’t noticed pop-punk is in the middle of something of a renaissance, with acts like Avril Lavigne, My Chemical Romance, and yes, Yellowcard returning to life after many had given up the genre for dead.
I for one am overjoyed to see that not only is the music of my youth back, but that it held up to sky-high expectations created by the pair of rose-tinted glasses that is nostalgia.
As much as we perhaps wished the moment could last forever, all things must end. With spirits high, we danced out into the night with “Believe,” acting as the soundtrack of the moment.
If, like me, you are looking to scream your lungs out on Ocean Avenue you can catch Yellowcard in Indianapolis, IN on August 10th. Tickets for their 7 p.m. set are on sale now in the $40-50 range. Which, to be honest, is a steal for the quality of the show. Especially since openers include similar early oughts pop-punk standouts Mayday Parade and Story of the Year.
