The Wonder Years Fall Tour 2016

It was windy and cold as I walked up to the Fillmore in downtown Philadelphia. Even the cold couldn't dim the excitement I felt was I went to the will call box to pick up my ticket for my 11th Wonder Years show.

I was granted early admission to the show thanks to my VIP meet-and-greet pass. I got to watch the Wonder Years perform their soundcheck. Rather than burn through a couple of fan favorites, the band took a unique spin on sound check. Prior to the tour, the band asked fans to send in songs that they would like to hear during the soundcheck. The band put all the song titles into a hat and pulled out four songs to play on the spot. It's quite impressive when you consider that the band has over 70 (rather intricate) songs.

The sound check set included Wonder Years staples like "Hoodie Weather" and "Dynamite Shovel" but also highlighted songs rarely played live like "Keystone State Dude-Core" and "Slow Dancing With San Andreas." Throughout the sound check, it was obvious that the band was excited to be back in their hometown. Lead vocalist Dan "Soupy" Campbell cracked jokes in-between songs; bassist Josh Martin asked the crowd about Thanksgiving. As sound check came to an end, Dan called for all the fans to get together for a group picture. I'd say we're a pretty good looking bunch.

Flash forward a few hours, and I found myself pressed up against the bar at the front of the stage waiting for the first opener to take the stage. As Seaway took the stage, you could feel that despite being credited as an opener, a majority of the people there were just as excited to see them as the headliners.

I don't really have much to say about Seaway other than they had that generic 2016 modern pop punk band sound. If my eyes were closed, I probably would've thought they were State Champs or Neck Deep. Their songs blurred together due to their repetitive musical styling and uninspired lyrics. As the bands set pressed on, I struggled to find out why so many people were so excited to see a band that was just run of the mill.

An Australian band called Moose Blood came on next and the excitement of the crowd somehow managed to increased. Unlike Seaway, Moose Blood deserved some of the excitement they generated. Their songs were catchy and distinct. Unfortunately, I thought their songs were forgettable.

During their set, I said to my boyfriend standing in the crowd that "had I heard them three years ago I would have loved them" and although that feels like an insult, I meant it as a compliment. Three years ago, when my music taste was rapidly growing and changing thanks largely in part to my radio show, I would have adored a band that sounded like Moose Blood. They had that perfect mix of indie/pop-punk that I craved. However, three years later, that "perfect mix" has been repeated by so many bands that the sound is no longer unique to me, or inspiring. It wasn't stand out, but it wasn't bad. Ultimately, I enjoyed Moose Blood's set, and I think if they make the right musical choices, that band can really go places.

Up next was the THIRD opener (I know, there was way too many openers. Imagine having to stand through all of them! My feet were killing me).Knuckle Puck came out on the stage with an energy unlike any opener I've ever seen. Had you walked into the venue when they started playing, you may have mistakenly thought they were the show's headliner.

I was not impressed by Knuckle Puck. In fact, they upset me. They obviously felt like they were a big name on this tour and they let their attitude reflect that. They were rude, and encouraged rudeness from their fans which lead to an unforgiving concert environment. At a pop punk show, you except to be slammed around a bit, but the pushing during their set was excessive and unnecessary. I could have tolerated the attitude of the band if their music was good, but it wasn't. The band was the agglomeration of everything I hate about pop-punk. I could not have been happier when their set drew to a close.

Finally, the first of the co-headliner line up came on stage: Real Friends. I've seen Real Friends live several times now and I've always been amazed at the energy and authenticity they bring to their live performances. The band has such raw energy and its contagious when they perform. This performances was no exception. In fact, this performance was extremely special. About a month ago, the lead vocalist of Real Friends, Dan Lambton, announced that he was in the midst of a long battle with his mental health. He and the band decided that it was time to take a little break from music. This set that I watched, would be their last until their UK tour sometime in 2017. You could see it in Dan's eyes that he was upset that this was his last show for a while. You could hear it in his voice. He left his heart out on the stage during that set. It was one of the most honest moments I've ever seen at a live show. I'm glad I got to witness it. Real Friends put on a stellar set as always and was a pleasure to watch.

When the lights went down for The Wonder Years' set, the excitement in the room was electrifying. The crowd began to sing the words of the opening song off of the bands album No Closer To Heaven. With the words "We're no saviors if we can't save our brothers" resonating throughout the venue, the six dudes from the Keystone State took the stage.

The set could not have been more perfect. They played oldies; they played newer songs. Fan favorites were played, lesser heard tracks were sung along to with such enthusiasm it was hard to believe they were lesser known tracks at all. The band had clearly brought their A-game and delivered a powerful, memorable show.

Noticeably missing from their set however was Dan Campbell's almost iconic speeches to the crowd. Although I believe it was due to the fact that the band was pressed for time (I mean three openers and a co-headliner is A LOT of bands to sit through), I couldn't help but feel that the absence of that made the set feel a little empty. At every Wonder Years show I've ever been to, I've been inspired by Dan's words, so it was weird to that he didn't say much. However, there was one moment, one shinning second where Dan's actions, not his words, spoke volumes.

During the intro of "Brothers &," Dan stopped singing as the crowd took over the now anthemic "We're no saviors if we can't save our brothers" line. As the song swelled in intensity and the voice of the crowd grew louder and louder, Dan turned his back to us and raised his arms as if he was being crucified. Dan and the rest of the Wonder Years are often credited for writing music that saved people lives, for making music that makes a difference. It is a very heavy title to wear daily but the band handles that title with unmatched grace. They never show the true weight of the title they bear. As Dan raised his arms, it was as if for a second, he let the weight of it all sit on his shoulders. He let it come crashing down on him as the crowd reminded him that there are no saviors if our brothers can not be saved along with us. In that moment, Dan was vulnerable and honest with the crowd. He was no savior. Instead, he took on the challenge of becoming the voice of our generation. He has become the voice that lets our pain be heard. He bears the weight of our pain so that everyone can see that they are not alone in their struggles. Alluding to the crucifixion of Jesus on the stage during that line was symbolic and powerful. It was a moment I will never forget. I saw my hero bear the same pain as me. I saw my hero become human right in front of me.

As The Wonder Years' set came to an end, I found myself hoarse and sore, but as with every Wonder Years show I've ever gone to, it was totally and completely worth it.

#TheWonderYears #RealFriends #KnucklePuck #MooseBlood #Seaway #ConcertReview