Concert Review by Kris Cagle

On Monday night at Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater, the Up Up Down Down Tour delivered a full scale millennial catharsis, with Yellowcard, New Found Glory, and Plain White T‘s each bringing their best to a packed outdoor amphitheater that felt like the best family reunion. Plain White T‘s opened with a set that absolutely delivered the energy. Frontman Tom Higgenson wasted no time, as the band went straight for the familiar hits, playing “Hey There Delilah” and “1,2,3,4.” Their set was tight and charming, perfect openers. New Found Glory have always been a band that plays like they have something to prove and their set at Ascend was no different. The Florida pop punk veterans delivered a high octane run through their catalog that had the floor moving and crowd chanting along. The band’s energy on stage was infectious as the band members ran back and forth across the stage. Even founding member Chat Guilbert joined them on stage for a few songs which shows his strength and devotion to the band as he is currently battling cancer. By the time Yellowcard took the stage the nostalgia was fully kicked in. Opening the set with a gigantic Stay Puffed Marshmallow guy throwing out T-shirts to them playing the Top Gun Theme Song, I was fully invested. They took us on a catalog odyssey from new stuff like “Better Days” to the old stripped down songs like “Empty Apartment” just to bring it back up again with “Breathing.” The Up Up Down Down Tour is a master class on lineup building and is the perfect way to enjoy your summer and listen to the songs that got you through. Here are some photos from the event:

Yellowcard

New Found Glory

Plain White T’s