Bayside: 21 Years of Really Bad Luck
We can’t “blame it on bad luck” anymore. After rescheduling their 20th Anniversary tour four times thanks to Karen, aka Covid-19, Bayside’s now 21 Years of Really Bad Luck tour finally made its way to Buffalo, NY on September 8th, 2021. The much anticipated show celebrating Bayside’s monumental milestone graced Buffalo RiverWorks and nearly every fan in the WNY/CNY area with its presence. Alongside friends The Bombpops, Hawthorne Heights and Senses Fail, Buffalo welcomed back live music like an old friend.
Openers always leave you with the decision of “ Should I stay and watch or go check out the march?” The California band The Bombpops answered that question for you. When I say this band was quick to grab your attention I’m not lying. With their catchy, upbeat sound mixing with some dark, murky lyrics, this band had early attendees glued to their set. With powerful dual female vocalists and triggering guitar hits this band clearly made a first impression. This band nestled right into the lineup being the perfect opener with their excitable pop punk style and smooth harmonies. Playing off their albums of Death in Venice Beach and reviving old faves off Fear of Missing out The Bombpop were definitely a much needed fresh sound.
If you hear the name Hawthorne Heights and don’t think of “Ohio is For Lovers” then I don’t know if we can be friends. This band has been around since I was 14 and there is a solid reason for that. Every emo kid’s anthem stemmed off of this fan favorite album The Silence in Black and White as the band acted like a time machine, bringing us back to simpler times. Front man JT quickly related to their fanbase with attractive classics such as “Ohio is For Lovers”, “Saying Sorry” and my personal favorite “Nikki FM.” Throughout the years, Hawthorne Heights has gone through life changes and brought their fans along with them every step of the way. Delivering what JT called a “Handbook for your 30s.” Hawthorne Heights looked back on the struggles of growing up and finding your way through your 20’s. As much as they’ve changed throughout the years, these guys never submitted to the pressure of popular auto-tuned vocals or pop vibes.This move earned them a permanent mark in their genre and proving that this love for music is indeed not a phase. Sorry Mom.
Senses Fail didn’t even fully hit the stage before being greeted with explosive energy and a wave of crowd surfers. Buffalo really loves this band! Led by showman Buddy Nielsen, Senses Fail has always had the most honest and relatable musical content. Buddy is not shy about sharing any life experiences and that is what makes the overall aura of Senses Fail so organic. With seven studio albums under their belt, these guys aren’t afraid to sing about the harsh realities of life and its struggles and we the fans want it all. The raw emotional progression from songs like “ Can’t Be Saved” to “Gold Jacket Green Jacket” along with Buddy’s mic swinging skills had the crowd losing their minds. This fast paced set had fans barely able to catch their breath before catapulting into the next song. Ending with covers of songs by Limp Bizkit and System of a Down, this set was one of their greatest I have ever seen. Thanks for giving us all those warm, fuzzy pop punk/screamo vibes guys.
After much anticipation Bayside finally took the stage. Welcomed by open arms and an extremely loud venue, Riverworks exploded with every single person standing on their feet. Front man Anthony Raneri took center stage as fans continue their deafening cheers. You wouldn’t have thought that this show took place on a Wednesday night and from Reneri’s smile you could tell he didn’t expect such an impressive showing either. Fans from all over central and western NY gathered together to celebrate this bands well deserved milestone birthday. Diving right into songs like “ Already Gone” and “Sick Sick Sick” Bayside’s lyrical attractiveness has and will always be a guide to life’s firsts. Raneri discussed with the crowd the transition and growing of the band over the years, all the highs and lows and even their favorite times. One such memory was one of their very first shows in Buffalo that was played in the basement of a friends house. It was a sentimental moment when Bayside slowed it down with some acoustic greatness and left the crowd swooning along to every lyric. Ending the night with the flawless “Devotion and Desire” left fans with the most euphoric high of a show that brought live music to life again. From the greatness of the album Bayside to Interrobang, these guys made this tour well worth the wait.
Make sure that you check out Bayside on their 21 Years of Really Bad Luck tour when they come through your hometown! Buy your bands merch and stay safe.