PHOENIX, AZ | The All American Rejects and the Wet Hot All-American summer tour made their Phoenix stop playing at the Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre. Along with them, the Rejects brought three bands playing what felt like a mini festival—kicked off by The Get Up Kids, followed by Motion City Soundtrack, and then New Found Glory all before the Rejects even took the stage.
The Oklahoma natives came out swinging, literally by performing their 2002 hit song “Swing, Swing.” After the song a graphic on all the screens displaying what looked like a time warp. All American Rejects lead singer Tyson Ritter announced that we were taking a little trip to the early two thousands. Being thrown back into a time warp, the nostalgia kicked in immediately. Just like that, we were back at the height of All American Rejects releasing music. It wouldn’t look like it because of the dancing and energy on stage, but elements of the show definitely pulled on the heartstrings a bit, reminding us all of the good old days, the entire lineup hit home.
According to an article in Vogue, “The band achieved mainstream success with their debut self-titled studio album The All-American Rejects released in 2003 by Dreamworks Records.” Since then, the band has toured the entire world alongside some of the biggest names from Blink-182 to Bon Jovi. All American Rejects will always be known for their unique pop-punk sound and lyrics that helped shape pop-rock music through the early two thousands.
Their powerful 15 song setlist features just a bit of everything from 2002 to 2012. Almost a survey course educating the younger fans on music, the setlist displays everything the Rejects have to offer. The band joked throughout the show about the average age of the audience, but did not let that affect anything. If you were just seeing the band for the first time the other night, you would have thought they were at the peak of their touring.
This is what is so impressive about the band, they haven’t missed a step since the second they entered the music scene. In fact, they have maybe even gotten more unique as time goes on. There is something incredibly moving about watching artists perform that truly love their craft. This tour, the entire setlist, and everyone involved offers the audience everything they have and it is not lost on us concertgoers. There are still 4 more stops on this tour, head here to find out more.
GET UP KIDS
MOTION CITY SOUNDTRACK
NEW FOUND GLORY
ALL AMERICAN REJECTS
