Taking back sunday
Review by Hunter Hart
Photos by Hunter Hart, Chloe Gunn, & Paul Monahas
On a summer evening in Charlotte, the PNC Music Pavilion came alive with nostalgic emotion. When Taking Back Sunday took the stage, they turned the amphitheater into a time capsule, transporting fans back to the glory days of 2000s emo while proving they still hold weight on stage today.
By Chloe Gunn
By Paul Monahas
St. Louis-based Foxing opened the night with an intimate yet powerful performance. Their layered sound, equal parts melancholy and crescendo, gave the crowd a chance to settle into the night. Tracks like The Medic and Rory washed over the audience in waves, their moody textures creating the perfect emotional runway for what was to come. Their set earned warm applause and showed why they’ve become cult favorites within the indie/emo crossover scene.
By Hunter Hart
By Chloe Gunn
When Adam Lazzara (Lead Vocalist of Taking Back Sunday) and the 4 other members of Taking Back Sunday stormed the stage, the energy shifted instantly. From the first chords of “A Decade Under the Influence”, the pavilion erupted. Thousands of fans shouting every lyric like the songs were etched into their DNA.
By Chloe Gunn
By Hunter Hart
Taking Back Sunday leaned into their biggest hits, crafting a setlist that felt like a love letter to longtime fans. Highlights included: “Cute Without the ‘E’ (Cut from the Team)” the crowd’s collective scream nearly drowned out the band. “Liar (It Takes One to Know One)” a reminder of the band’s sharp, driving hooks. “What’s It Feel Like To Be A Ghost” a fan favorite that had the entire pavilion screaming along till the last note.
Lazzara’s stage presence remains unmatched, his signature mic swings, playful banter, and heartfelt delivery kept the show intimate even in such a massive venue. Fred Mascherino’s return to the band filled fans with excitement seeing the longtime guitarist and vocalist back with the band for the tour, even if he’s only temporary to fill in for guitarist Josh Nolan. There was a sense of community in the air, friends reliving their teenage years and an overwhelming feeling of connection between the band and its fans.
By Chloe Gunn
By Hunter Hart
Chloe Gunn (Lead Photographer for Captured Noise) captured the set in Charlotte at PNC Music Pavilion. Paul Monahas covered their set in Philadelphia at The Mann.
For many, Taking Back Sunday’s music is the soundtrack of adolescence. But on this tour, they have proved they’re more than nostalgia, they’re a band still capable of commanding a stage, igniting a crowd, and creating unforgettable moments.
By Paul Monahas
By Paul Monahas