WORDS AND IMAGES: CODY CRULZ IN LAS VEGAS, NV | Under the crisp Las Vegas sun, the When We Were Young Fest 2025 brought together fans of emo, punk rock, and hardcore for a day of unforgettable performances. With four stages and a lineup of iconic bands, the festival was a celebration of the music that shaped generations. From emotional anthems to chaotic pits, the day was packed with energy, nostalgia, and moments that will live on in fans’ memories forever.
The day kicked off at the Ghost Stage with The Amity Affliction, whose anthems of heartache and resilience energized the early crowd. Singer Joel Birch delivered raw emotion, giving fans hope through their powerful lyrics. Over at the Main Stages, The Story So Far brought their signature blend of Pop Punk and angst, with Parker Cannon leading the crowd in a cathartic singalong.
Yellowcard followed, delivering summer anthems like “Ocean Avenue” with Ryan Key’s soaring vocals and Sean Mackin’s iconic violin melodies. Their set was a core memory in the making, perfectly capturing the festival’s nostalgic spirit. Simple Plan kept the energy high, playing hits like “Addicted” and “Welcome to My Life,” while surprising fans with Travis Clark of We The Kings for “Where I Belong” and a Scooby-Doo-themed performance of their iconic theme song.
Taking fans back even further, The Starting Line transported the crowd to the early 2000s with their Drive-Thru Records-era classics. Closing with “Best of Me,” their set was a heartfelt reminder of the band’s pivotal role in shaping the Pop Punk scene.
The energy shifted as Knocked Loose unleashed mayhem on the crowd. Bryan Garris’s piercing vocals and the band’s crushing breakdowns turned the pit into chaos, culminating in a wall of death that left no one unscathed. Meanwhile, All Time Low brought a lighter vibe to the Seven Eleven Stage, celebrating the release of their new album Everyone’s Talking. With hits like “Weightless” and “Dear Maria, Count Me In,” plus a guest appearance from Blackbear for “Monsters,” their set was a highlight of the day.
At the Ghost Stage, The Gaslight Anthem delivered a mix of barroom ballads and anthemic hits like “45” and “American Slang.” Brian Fallon’s soulful voice and the band’s heartfelt lyrics created a soundtrack for late-night drives and introspection.
As the sun set, The Used took the stage, with Bert McCracken pouring his soul into every word. Their setlist of classics was accompanied by a powerful message of “Freedom for Palestine,” making their performance both impactful and memorable.
The night continued with The Offspring, who tore through hits like “Come Out and Play” and “Pretty Fly for a White Guy,” complete with the “Pretty Fly Guy” from the original music video. Dexter Holland’s vocals were as sharp as ever, proving the band’s timeless appeal.
The Pop Punk princess herself, Avril Lavigne, lit up the stage with pink neon lights and chart-toppers like “Girlfriend,” “Complicated,” and “Sk8er Boi.” Her performance was a perfect blend of nostalgia and star power, captivating the crowd from start to finish.
As the festival neared its end, blink-182 took the stage with their signature mix of humor and high-energy Punk Rock. With pyro lighting up the night, Tom DeLonge, Mark Hoppus, and Travis Barker delivered a 22-song set filled with hits like “The Rock Show” and deep cuts for diehard fans. Their NSFW banter and infectious energy brought out the teenager in everyone.
The grand finale belonged to Panic! At The Disco, headlining with a full performance of their debut album A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out. Brendon Urie, backed by a six-piece orchestra, delivered a theatrical and electrifying set. Closing with “I Write Sins Not Tragedies” and a guest appearance from original drummer Spencer Smith, Panic! ended the festival on a high note, leaving fans ecstatic.
When We Were Young Fest 2025 was a perfect blend of nostalgia and celebration, bringing together generations of fans for a day of music, memories, and mayhem. Here’s to another unforgettable year!
