This past Thursday, I went to the Statelines & Truckstops tour with The Academy Is... as headliners, main support being Panic! At The Disco, and other support including Acceptance and Hellogoodbye.
Well first. The crowd.
Sold out. They even had to move from it's initial venue because of the unbelievable demand. And it was clear from the get go - Panic! sold out this show. Everyone was there for them. But surprisingly enough, the crowd was not as pre-pubescent as you might think. I'd say a solid 75-80% of the crowd was composed of the 18-24 age demographic, which was so cool. The show seemed so much more enjoyable without the annoying 14 year old girls complaining about the pushing and the heat.
Support 1: Hellogoodbye
- An enjoyable influx of heavy dance melodies and rock riffs. I didn't really like them going into the show, but some of their set was pretty damn good. And they had this unbelievable "rave"-esque ending with dancing Ketchup bottles, streamers, and all this messed up ****.
Support 2: Acceptance
Setlist
In Too Far
This Conversation Is Over
Breathless
So Contagious
Take Cover
The Letter
Apparently they missed the first date of the North American leg of the tour, but thank god they showed up for the second set cos they were amazing. Although they definitely 'effed up 'So Contagious' and prolonged the forthcoming bridge, they covered it up nicely that the new listeners probably didn't notice. They are an excellent representation of how softer punk music doesn't have to sound like Simple Plan or Hedley.
Main Support: Panic! At The Disco
Setlist:
The Only Difference Between Martyrdom & Suicide Is Press Coverage
Camisado
Lying Is The Most Fun A Girl Can Have Without Taking Her Clothes Off
But It's Better If You Do
These Tables Are Numbered For A Reason Honey, You Just Haven't Figured It Out Yet
I Write Sins Not Tragedies
Build God Then We'll Talk
Well. HERE IT FREAKIN' WAS. I have never seen people get so intensely, and INSANELY involved into a band's music. Everyone was going freakin' bananas son. It was a trainwreck amongst the crowd - everyone was just getting trampled and severly disfigured, but it was all in good frigging fun. To me, the set almost seemed like a mirage. I hardly remember it, and I couldn't tell you what the band said, but all I know was that it was hands down one of the best sets I've seen a band put on.
I couldn't get many pictures just because it was way too nuts to even try and get something good. The camera just kept flying everywhere.
Main: The Academy Is...
Setlist:
(the whole album + 2 new tracks)
So it was pretty sad that when Panic! was done, I'm sure at least 30% of the crowd left since the "pit" was a bit more tame and not as excited as it should have been. TAI put on a fantastic set and didn't seem as arrogant as Panic! did. They communicated regularly after every tune, played all of their singles (something Panic! failed to do despite the massive attention they brought to the show), and they were just an upbeat, melodic, and superb band live. I was really impressed.
Oh. And I'm pretty sure Panic! has an ego already.
Get ready for it.
All in all. A GREAT billing. You should check this out if you get the chance.
