Martin Johnson, the lead singer of Boys Like Girls, expressed his desire to turn back time as he performed the band’s hit song “She’s Got A Boyfriend Now” at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds. The When We Were Young event attracted 60,000 attendees looking to relive their teenage years by singing along to emo and pop-punk music for over 10 hours.
The festival aimed to provide a nostalgic escape from the responsibilities of adulthood and allow participants to reconnect with the emotions of their youth. Bands like Simple Plan and Jimmy Eat World captured the essence of teenage angst through their lyrics, resonating with the audience and creating a sense of unity among concert-goers.
This year’s When We Were Young event introduced a new concept where bands performed entire albums, bringing back memories and emotions associated with their music. Movements singer Patrick Miranda highlighted the importance of throwback performances, emphasizing the significance of revisiting beloved albums from the past.
Taking Back Sunday and Pierce the Veil took the opportunity to play rare and unreleased songs, adding a unique element to their setlists. The emotional intensity of the performances allowed both the artists and the audience to experience a cathartic release of personal struggles and pain through music.
The festival culminated with a powerful performance by My Chemical Romance, who performed their iconic album “The Black Parade.” Frontman Gerard Way’s poignant lyrics resonated with the crowd, creating a memorable finale to the event. Despite the overwhelming response to My Chemical Romance’s performance, lesser-known bands like Pretty Girls Make Graves also delivered exceptional sets that captivated those in attendance.
Fall Out Boy showcased their musical evolution by playing selections from all eight of their albums in chronological order. The band’s high-energy performance and elaborate pyrotechnics added a dynamic element to the festival, keeping the audience engaged throughout their set.
As the night came to a close, Fall Out Boy frontman Patrick Stump reflected on the passage of time and the fleeting nature of youth. Despite acknowledging the challenges of aging, Stump embraced the youthful spirit of the event, reminding everyone that music has the power to transport us back to a time when anything was possible.
The When We Were Young event served as a poignant reminder of the enduring influence of music and its ability to evoke powerful emotions and memories. By bringing together fans of all ages to celebrate the music of their youth, the festival created a sense of nostalgia and camaraderie that transcended generational boundaries.
