Taking Back Sunday unleashed a seismic wave of rock that resonated through the hearts of everyone fortunate enough to be at The Princess Theatre last night.
Under a gentle Brisbane night sky (5 December), the temperature struck a flawless balance between warmth and coolness, creating an ideal atmosphere.As the crowd entered, their electrifying energy infused the air, paving the way for an evening brimming with unforgettable moments and unparalleled experiences.
Commencing the evening was the melodious emo ensemble, Headstrong who hail from Sydney. They left an lasting mark showcasing why they've enjoyed significant success in the past 12 months, including their song 'Distant' that's featured on Dreambound and Spotify's Pop Punk's Not Dead Playlist.
With an enthusiastic fan base at the forefront, dancing in unison, Headstrong's performance became an unforgettable highlight of the night.
Headstrong - image © Clea-marie Thorne
Next to take the stage was Talk Heavy, a burgeoning pop-punk and emo band from Brisbane.
They seamlessly blended catchy tunes with humorous banter, expressing their genuine affection for The Princess Theatre, quipping: "This is such a nice place, we even have a shower!"
From the initial chord to the final note, Talk Heavy poured their hearts into their performance, delivering each song with a spirited and energetic fervour.
Talk Heavy - image © Clea-marie Thorne
With a grandiose display, the much-anticipated headliners, adorned in matching suits, took the stage with a flamboyant mic-swinging entrance that set the tone for an extraordinary evening.
Following the first song, Taking Back Sunday lead singer Adam Lazzara shared the band's joy, stating: "We are tickled to be here playing rock & roll music to you this evening."
The performance unfolded with a blend of songs from their extensive repertoire, and Adam playfully teased the crowd about mixing new tracks with the classics, creating an interactive and dynamic experience.
Taking Back Sunday - image © Clea-marie Thorne
Between songs, the band's banter illuminated their undeniable chemistry, exemplified by Adam's humorous remark about the venue: "Everyone's walking around calling it the Valley; you're missing the best part, it's Forrrrrtitude Valley!"
Taking Back Sunday treated the crowd to a diverse array of hits, including the iconic 'Cute Without The 'E' (Cut From The Team)' and 'MakeDamnSure'. Adam's introduction to 'Sold' – "This one's called 'Sold', watch how good we play it," – added an extra layer of amusement to the already lively evening.
Lazzara's connection with the audience was profound, expressing awe at the electric energy in the room. "These songs do things to me that I can't quite put into words, and I hope you can find something like that too," he mused, creating a shared moment of emotional resonance.
Taking Back Sunday - image © Clea-marie Thorne
The band injected humour into the performance with a playful cover of 'House Of The Rising Sun' by The Animals, eliciting contagious happiness, especially from guitarist John Nolan, who could barely contain his laughter, to the point where he struggled to sing-along.
The chemistry between band members was evident in their joking banter, witnessed leading into the introduction of 'Keep Going', where Adam labelled the song appropriately, with Nolan adding a humorous touch.
Adam's stage presence was truly memorable, marked by fluid dance moves, band member fist bumps, and an infectious energy that permeated the venue. His mastery of mic swinging would undoubtedly earn him gold in an imaginary Olympic event.
Taking Back Sunday - image © Clea-marie Thorne
Taking Back Sunday chose not to indulge in an encore, a decision met with amusement as Adam declared: "We're not going to do that because depending on what era of our band you pick from, you can fit one to four songs in that time."
His earlier assurance of "Guys just trust me. This is going to be awesome," rang true, as the band concluded their set with a powerful statement: "We are called Taking Back Sunday, and we are hoping all your dreams come true," leaving an indelible mark on a night that surpassed all expectations, where the magic of music intertwined with shared laughter, energy, and dreams.
More photos from the show.
