Yellowcard at the House of Blues in Anaheim, CA

Last year pop punk fans everywhere perked up when Yellowcard announced an end to their 2-year hiatus.  Since then they’ve released a new album, toured the US with Good Charlotte and All Time Low respectively, as well as toured internationally to Asia and Australia.  Last Saturday, Yellowcard kicked off their first solo headlining tour since their reunion at the House of Blues in Anaheim, CA.

Supporting Yellowcard on this tour are up and coming pop rock bands Every Avenue and Go Radio.  Both bands showed great, energetic performances that were fast and heavy, but poppy enough to please their mainly teenage fanbase.  Tallahassee, Florida band Go Radio spent their 20+ minute set with tracks from their debut full length album, Lucky Street, plus a cover of Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep”.  Lead singer Jason Lancaster’s raspy, Georgia-accent laden vocals soared throughout the whole set, highlighted most in the performance of their fan favorite piano ballad “Goodnight Moon”.

Every Avenue’s set was equally packed with distorted riffs, catchy hooks, and fans singing and clapping along to every tune.  With 3 full length albums under their belt, Every Avenue did their best to offer a variety of material, both to please fans and in hopes of winning new ones in the Yellowcard crowd.  The band showcased mostly harder rock songs, most likely to compliment the tracks off their new album Bad Habits, which showcases a matured, yet aggressive side of the band.  Tracks like “Tie Me Down” and “Tell Me I’m a Wreck” had fans jumping up and down throughout.

The two opening sets showcased bands that grew up around the same time Yellowcard broke out.  The pop punk influence and high energy reflected in their music and performances.  However, with all due respect to the opening bands, Yellowcard practically tore the House of Blues down by the end of the night.

After taking the stage, Yellowcard jumped right into “The Sound of You and Me”. The fast-paced opener sent the crowd into a frenzy, with crowd surfers launching themselves after the opening note, and the rest of the crowd swelling forward trying to get as close as they could.  The band performed 23 songs spanning from their newest release When You’re Through Thinking, Say Yes, and going all the way back to their 2001 EP One For the Kids.  Known for their own brand of violin infused pop punk, the band were on point all through the set and looked happier than ever.  While Go Radio and Every Avenue seemed to perform with a lot of pre-meditated “rock star moves” straight out of a how-to book, Yellowcard were almost literally bouncing off the walls.  At one point violinist Sean Mackin performed a full back flip off a riser.  The band’s live aspect also showcased great live harmonies from Sean Mackin, bassist Sean O’Donnell, and lead guitarist Sean Mendez behind lead singer Ryan Key. Drummer Longineu “LP” Parsons, arguably the 2^nd most popular pop punk drummer next to Travis Barker, even had his own moment to shine with a drum solo mid-set.

The band’s encore began with Ryan Key on stage solo belting out “Sing For Me”, a song off the new album penned for his Aunt Stephanie who is currently battling brain cancer.  Ryan held back tears as the fans sang along with him word for word, before being joined on stage by the rest of the band.  Yellowcard capped off their set that night with their break out hit “Ocean Avenue,” giving one last burst of energy to cap off a fantastic night for fans new and old.  In their nearly 90 minute set, Yellowcard brought an arena sized performance to the confines of the House of Blues, leaving a sold out house with a show worth talking about for years to come.

Buy Yellowcard and House of Blues Anaheim tickets at Zigabid.