New Found Glory keeps pop-punk alive
Detroit stop provided nonstop energy
September 30, 2021
New Found Glory brought pop-punk to The Fillmore Detroit Sept. 26 on their “Pop Punk’s Still Not Dead Tour.” Although New Found Glory weren’t the only ones keeping pop-punk alive, supporting artists, soulful singer/songwriter LØLØ, America’s #1 hot new band Hot Mulligan and ska-punk veterans, Less Than Jake, brought just as much energy and excitement to the stage. Fans lined up hours before doors and once inside, tightly packed the theater to capacity.
Toronto singer, “LØLØ,” who gained popularity on TikTok, was the opening act. She came out wearing a Lions shirt and addressed the audience as “Detroit,” creating a connection with them outside of her music from the start. The punk-pop energy that she brought to the stage set the scene for the rest of the show, making her a great addition to the line-up.
“LØLØ” sang a few of her original songs and an original that has yet to be released, danced and gave an energetic and entertaining performance throughout her set. She finished her performance by singing “Teenage Dirtbag,” a popular alternative rock song by Wheatus. During this final song, “LØLØ” encouraged the audience to sing along, holding out the microphone to the crowd during some of the verses. She even replaced the line “he brings a gun to school” with “he thinks the Ravens are cool,” referencing the NFL Lions versus Ravens game that happened earlier in the day a few blocks away.
Next up was highly anticipated band Lansing based, “Hot Mulligan.” A local crowd favorite, fans from all over Southeast Michigan came to see the band, composed of Tades Sanvillle (lead vocals), Chris Freeman (rhythm guitar and backing vocals), Ryan Malicsi (lead guitar), and Brandon Blakeley (drums).
“Hot Mulligan” performed various songs and started to get the crowd more engaged. As their set went on the crowd created a mosh pit and crowd surfers emerged riding the waves to the beat. Between songs, the band referenced a viral vine, saying, “Can I get a hoya?” which prompted the audience response, “Hoya.”
“Less Than Jake” was the final band to perform before NFG took the stage, which many audience members came specifically to see. The band consists of Chris DeMakes (vocals and guitar), Roger Lima (vocals and bass), Matt Yonker (drums), Buddy Schaub (trombone), and Peter Wasilewski (saxophone).
“I have a Less Than Jake tattoo on my arm,” said concertgoer, Mike Ward, “I am mainly here for them. My brother took me to a punk rock concert in ‘97 and I’ve liked the genre ever since.”
If one wasn’t familiar with the band, it was surprising to see a trombone and saxophone player walk onstage when Less Than Jake came on. This band was truly unique in both that aspect and their cinematic details they added throughout their performance. Half way through their performance, the band had a man wearing a colorful suit and skeleton mask come out onstage and throw balloons out into the audience. The audience circulated the balloons throughout the remainder of their performance. A song later, the skeleton man began shooting rolls of toilet paper out into the crowd. The audience seemed to have a lot of fun and they also encouraged audience participation for one of their songs.
Last but not least, New Found Glory hit the stage. The audience had long anticipated the main act and were enthusiastic when they came on. New Found Glory’s Jordan Pundik (lead vocals), Chad Gilbert (guitar), Ian Grushka (bass guitar) and Cyrus Bolooki (drums) didn’t disappoint.
Concertgoer, Allen Whitney, has been a fan of NFG since 2003 and recounts his love for the band. “I have been a fan since 2003 and it’s my fifth time seeing the band. I like everything about their music. It revitalizes my soul because it is nostalgic for me.”
The nostalgia that was felt amongst this crowd is what keeps Punk-Pop alive.
Another fan recalled her time of following the band since just after their debut around 1998 or 1999. It’s the music she grew up with and gives her a nostalgic feeling as well.
The crowd’s energy never ceased and remained rambunctious. Some audience members even began to crowd surf. The enthusiasm could be felt echoing across the theater throughout the night.
Future shows will surely have as much passion, continuing to keep pop-punk alive. After 20+ years of being a band, 10 studio albums, one live album, two EPs and four cover albums, New Found Glory’s spirit continues to be stronger than ever.
For those who couldn’t make this show, New Found Glory just released their deluxe album, Forever And Ever x Infinity…And Beyond!!!, Sept. 3 on Hopeless Records. Featuring six new songs that the band wrote and recorded during the pandemic.
For Updates on New Found Glory, Please Visit:
Website: www.newfoundglory.com
Facebook: facebook.com/newfoundglory
Twitter: twitter.com/newfoundglory
Instagram: Instagram.com/newfoundglory
For Updates on the supporting acts, Please Visit:
https://www.hotmulliganband.com
