The Sweltering Heat Of A Tennessee Summer Couldn’t Deter The Die-hard Pop-punk Fans From Descending Upon Nashville For The Highly Anticipated Sad Summer Festival 2023

Words and Photos:

Josh Trotter

The sweltering heat of a Tennessee summer couldn’t deter the die-hard pop-punk fans from descending upon Nashville for the highly anticipated Sad Summer Festival 2023. The city’s vibrant energy combined with the lineup of emo and punk rock bands promised an unforgettable experience. With Taking Back Sunday headlining the festival, expectations were high, and the crowd was ready to immerse themselves in a wave of nostalgia and emotive melodies

Ascend Amphitheater buzzed with excitement as fans clad in band tees and tattoos gathered in anticipation. The air was filled with the resonating sound of pop-punk anthems playing from nearby speakers. Nashville’s vibrant atmosphere perfectly complemented the festival’s spirit, and it was evident that the fans were ready to embrace the raw emotions that defined the genre.

The first act, Cliffdiver, took the stage. The Tulsa, OK band brought their signature blend of heartfelt lyrics and energetic performances. They instantly connected with the audience, delivering crowd favorites like “New Vegas Bomb” and “Lost in IKEA.” The sea of fans sang along with gusto, creating a communal experience that set the tone for the rest of the night.

Stand Atlantic followed suit, injecting a dose of infectious energy into the crowd. Their charismatic frontwoman captivated the audience, encouraging everyone to let loose and forget their worries for the night. Hits like “Lavender Bones” and “Deathwish” ignited a frenzy of mosh pits, amplifying the festival’s electric atmosphere.

Up next was Mom Jeans, a California-based alternative rock band. They kept their energy up while interacting with the crowd. Sam Kless ( Bassist) didn’t stand still the whole set swinging his guitar to the beat and jumping while Eric Butler (Vocalist) had the crowd at attention and sang along to all of their hits.

Hot Mulligan had an energy on stage like no other! Performing hits like “BCKYRD” and “Shhhh! Golf is On”. They were one of the crowd favorites. Hot Mulligan’s set was an explosive burst of energy that left the crowd exhilarated. The Michigan-based band’s raw vocals and infectious melodies had everyone singing along. With a dynamic stage presence, they delivered an unforgettable performance, proving why they are a rising force in the pop-punk scene.

As the sun began to set, Pvris’s set was a mesmerizing blend of hauntingly beautiful vocals and electrifying visuals. Lynn Gunn’s stage presence was captivating, and the band’s energy was infectious. With a perfect balance of old hits and new favorites like “GODDESS” and “GOOD ENEMY”, Pvris delivered a stunning performance that left the audience wanting more.

As the night darkened, Maine took the stage with an explosive entrance. Their setlist featured a perfect balance of older classics and newer hits, catering to both longtime fans and those discovering their music for the first time. The band’s stage presence was infectious, and the audience danced and sang along with unbridled joy. They were even joined by Charlotte Sands and Adam Lazzara for a song. During the set, John O”Callaghan brought up two fans from the crowd to sing along with him. The first was wearing a hat with their own band’s name on it and giving it to John. John put it on and wore it for the rest of the set and even gave the band a shoutout on stage.

Direct support was Motion City Soundtrack. Their set was a nostalgic trip down memory lane, filled with vibrant pop-punk anthems and infectious hooks. Frontman Justin Pierre’s signature vocals were as vibrant as ever, engaging the crowd from the first chord. The band’s chemistry on stage was undeniable, effortlessly blending energy and emotion. From classics like “The Future Freaks Me Out” to deeper cuts, every song was met with cheers of recognition. Justin even reached down to pick up a moth from the stage and lifted it to let it fly away while singing. The crowd’s enthusiasm was matched only by the band’s, resulting in an unforgettable performance that reminded everyone why Motion City Soundtrack remains an enduring favorite in the alternative music scene.

Finally, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived – Taking Back Sunday stepped onto the stage, greeted by a deafening roar from the crowd. The band wasted no time and dove headfirst into “Cute Without the ‘E’ (Cut From the Team),” an anthem that has become synonymous with the emo genre. The audience’s energy surged as the band played with the same fervor and passion that made them legends in the scene.

Adam Lazzara’s iconic mic swings and passionate vocals instantly transported the audience back to the early 2000s. Hits like “MakeDamnSure,” “You’re So Last Summer,” and “A Decade Under the Influence” had the crowd singing every word at the top of their lungs, creating an atmosphere of unity and shared memories.

Throughout their set, Taking Back Sunday flawlessly delivered a mix of classic tracks and newer material, showcasing their evolution as musicians while honoring their roots. Each song was met with thunderous applause, highlighting the profound impact the band had on the lives of their fans.

The emotional climax of the night came with “My Blue Heaven” and “Ghost Man on Third.” The crowd swayed in unison, captivated by the raw vulnerability of the lyrics. Tears and smiles intermingled as the audience connected with the band on a deeper level.

Sad Summer Festival 2023 in Nashville, TN, with Taking Back Sunday as the headliner, proved to be a celebration of nostalgia and camaraderie. The festival reminded everyone why pop-punk and emo music hold such a special place in the hearts of many. As the crowd dispersed into the warm Nashville streets, the sense of unity lingered, making the Sad Summer Festival an experience that will be cherished for years to come.