The year is 2023, but it feels like 2003. Tonight, I am here to see Taking Back Sunday - the first emo band I connected with, a lifeline during my high school years. Back then, I was buried in the metal scene, too tough to publicly appreciate a band singing about lost loves and friendships. But their music matured with me, each album a step away from teenage angst and closer to the tragic beauty of adulthood. Vocalist Adam Lazzara grew up, and so did I. Tonight, I’m seeing them for the 30th time, joined by my kids, reliving a piece of my past with every chord. This is also my first time photographing the band - another stop on the Nostalgia Tour.
Citizen: A Surprising Revelation
Citizen opened the night, and I must admit, they were on my short list of bands I had entirely missed. Sharing that list with names like Interpol and Arcade Fire, I was embarrassed by the oversight. Yet, as soon as they hit the stage, any embarrassment vanished. They were energetic and enthusiastic, captivating the crowd with a well-paced set that flowed seamlessly from one song to the next.
Their live performance was non-stop. Despite knowing only a few of their singles, I was hooked by the end of their set. They don’t take themselves too seriously, and their on-stage presence reflected a
genuine love for performing. There was
even a Tambourine - a true marker of a good time on stage. The crowd fed off their energy, and I found myself mentally checking every box for what makes a great live band. Citizen had it all. By the time they left the stage, I was a fan, ready to dive into their discography.
The photo pit was surprisingly empty, just myself and one other photographer. We chatted
about the bands, and when she mentioned her mom was a Taking Back Sunday fan, I felt the sting of time. RIP, Joseph's youth. It was a good run, but here we are, on the edge of a generational shift.
Taking Back Sunday: A Legacy Continued
The stage went black, and the crowd's anticipation reached a fever pitch. Silhouetted figures emerged, backlit by a dazzling array of lights as the opening notes of their newest single, "S'old," reverberated through the venue. The crowd erupted. Adam Lazzara sounded better than he had in years, his voice strong and clear. He moved with a familiar swagger, swinging his microphone with an elaborate flair that had been a staple of their performances.
The next songs were classics: "Set Phasers to Stun" and "What's It Feel Like to Be a Ghost?" I was that obnoxious photographer in the pit, singing along to every word. With Taking Back Sunday, I sang a little harder. I have the best seat in the house, and I was going to enjoy it to the fullest.
The band's lineup has seen changes, with drummer Mark O'Connell taking time off and Eddie Reyes leaving after two decades. Their replacements brought a new dynamic to the stage. The drummer filling in was competent but played with a reserved nature that felt slightly out of sync with the rest of the band’s high energy. Nathan Cogan, the new guitarist, had an impressive stage presence reminiscent of Matt Rubano. He fit right in, adding his unique flair to the performance.
As I exited the photo pit, they launched into "A Decade Under the Influence." Instantly, I was 15 again, sitting on my best friend's couch, watching the video on Fuse. The band was backlit, silhouettes moving with the sharpness and intensity of the early 2000s. Adam convulsed, shaking his shaggy emo hair, wielding his mic like a weapon. Twenty-plus years later, here was Taking Back Sunday, backlit, silhouettes moving with the sharpness and intensity of a time that feels like yesterday and forever ago. A living snapshot of a time when we were all younger and angrier.
I packed my camera and stood next to my family to enjoy the rest of the show. Adam's voice, the band's energy, and the crowd's enthusiasm created a perfect storm of nostalgia and present joy. Taking Back Sunday hadn't just survived the years; they had thrived, evolving while staying true to the essence that made them special.
This show was a reminder of the power of music to bridge time, connecting past and present. Taking Back Sunday’s set was a testament to their enduring relevance, proving that they still have the fire that ignited their rise to fame. Citizen’s performance was a delightful discovery, injecting new energy into the night. As I stood with my family, watching the band that had been a soundtrack to my life, I felt a profound sense of fulfillment. We sang along, reveling in the shared experience of music that transcends generations. Here’s to many more nights like this, where the past and present collide in a symphony of sound and memory.
Comments