LIVE: 20 YEARS OF TEARS featuring HAWTHORNE HEIGHTS – Orlando, FL, USA – August 9, 2024

Venue: House Of Blues Orlando

City: Orlando, FL

Date: August 9, 2024

Review and Photographs by: Stephanie Gray (https://stephgrayphoto.mypixieset.com/)

The “20 Years of Tears” tour made its stop at the House of Blues Orlando on August 9, 2024. It was a night of nostalgia and raw emotion, a fitting celebration of two decades in the post-hardcore and alternative rock scenes. This unique tour was organized by Hawthorne Heights, a testament to their dedication to fans and their roots in the scene.

This Wild Life, a duo from Long Beach, California consisting of Kevin Jordan on vocals/guitar and Anthony Del Grosso on guitar, opened the evening with their signature acoustic rock sound. Kevin Jordan and Anthony Del Grosso’s harmonies and intricate guitar work created a warm, intimate atmosphere. They delivered a heartfelt set, featuring songs like “Concrete” and “Positively Negative.” Their cover of Taking Back Sunday’s “Cute Without the ‘E’” had everyone singing along. Lead singer Kevin Jordan often engaged and made jokes with the crowd, even referencing “Guitar Hero” when instructing fans on a sing-along. This Wild Life brought crisp vocals and an upbeat attitude, setting a positive tone for the evening.

Next in the lineup was Emery, a band formed in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Their band is made up of Toby Morrell (lead vocals), Chris Keene (backing vocals/lead guitar), Devin Shelton (backing/co-lead vocals/bass/rhythm guitar), Josh Head (backup vocals/keyboard/synthesizer), Matt Carter (lead guitar/backing vocals), and Dave Powell (drums/percussion). They brought a surge of energy to the stage with their post-hardcore style. As a band known for their fervently delivered performances, they certainly didn’t disappoint. Lead vocalist Toby Morrell engaged the crowd encouraging fans to sing along and was the first band to have a crowd surfer. Their set included fan favorites like “The Ponytail Parades” and “Disguising Mistakes With Goodbyes,” showcasing their dynamic range and lyrical intensity. As the mosh pit began to grow, tracks like “As Your Voice Fades” and “The Party Song” set a high bar for the night. The band’s dynamic shifts between melodic and heavy elements kept the audience engaged and energized.

The audience was already amped when Armor For Sleep, a band that calls New Jersey home took the stage. Their lineup consists of Ben Jorgensen (lead vocals/guitar), PJ DeCicco (lead guitar), Anthony DiIonno (bass guitar), and Nash Breen (drums/percussion). They delivered a solid set that balanced their more melodic rock elements with the heavier aspects of their sound. Songs from their set like “Remember to Feel Real” and “Dream to Make Believe” brought a blend of nostalgia and intensity that had the crowd singing and dancing along. Ben Jorgensen’s vocals were a highlight, blending melodic elements with a powerful delivery. “Car Underwater” and “The Truth About Heaven” stood out, capturing the essence of their early 2000s emo-rock appeal while also showcasing their evolution as a band. Their performance was energetic resonated well with the crowd as Ben took time during the set to speak to the fans and thank them for coming out.

Next to take the stage was Anberlin, a band from Winter Haven, FL. The band consists of Matty Mullins (lead vocals/keyboard), Joseph Milligan (lead guitar/backing vocals), Christian McAlhaney (rhythm guitar/backing vocals), Deon Rexroat (bass), and Nathan Young (drums). They delivered a high-octane set that was a testament to their longevity in the alternative rock scene. Their mix of energetic hits like “Paperthin Hymn” and “Godspeed” with emotionally charged tracks such as “Impossible” kept the crowd engaged and singing along. The presence of Matty Mullins as a replacement for Stephen Christian brought a new dynamic to Anberlin’s set. Despite the lineup change, the band maintained their signature sound and energy. The crowd favorite “Feel Good Drag,” and new track “Seven” showed that Anberlin’s songwriting remains strong. Mullins’ powerful vocal delivery was a standout, helping to bridge the gap between old and new fans.

As Thursday, another band who calls New Jersey home, took the stage the crowd erupted with cheers. The band consists of Geoff Rickly (lead vocals), Tom Keeley (lead guitar, backing vocals), Steve Pedulla (rhythm guitar, backing vocals), Tim Payne (bass guitar), and Tucker Rule (drums/percussion). Thursday provided a post-hardcore masterclass with a set that spanned their influential career. From the aggressive “For the Workforce, Drowning” to the introspective “Understanding in a Car Crash,” Geoff Rickly and company showed why they’ve been a staple in the genre. The fans were enthralled, singing and dancing along to each song. Tracks “Understanding in a Car Crash” and “War All the Time” were particularly impactful, showcasing the band’s ability to create anthems out of personal struggle. Thursday’s performance was the highlight for many. The energy and emotion they brought to the stage were palpable and very well received.

As the headliners and the masterminds behind the tour, Hawthorne Heights closed out the night with a set that felt both celebratory and personal. They are a rock band formed in Dayton, Ohio back in 2001 when they had no idea yet the impact their music would have on our generation. Their lineup consists of JT Woodruff (lead vocals/rhythm guitar), Matt Ridenour (bass guitar/backing vocals), Mark McMillon (lead guitar/unclean vocals), and Chris Popadak (drums/percussion). The set’s flow, from the energetic “Gold Econoline” to the poignant “Screenwriting an Apology,” showcased their range and their deep connection with the audience. Their song choices, including classics like “Niki FM,” were a perfect blend of bangers and fan favorites. JT took time between many songs to tell stories about their experiences as a band over the last twenty years, which gave the concert a very special, intimate feel. As they closed out the evening with “Ohio is For Lovers,” the absence of an encore seemed fitting, as the finality of their set felt like a deliberate close to a memorable evening. JT Woodruff’s engaging performance and the band’s set were a perfect blend of nostalgia and celebration, encapsulating the spirit of the tour and their dedication to their fans.

The “20 Years of Tears” tour at House of Blues Orlando was a fitting tribute to two decades of emotional and energetic music. Each band brought their unique flavor to the evening, creating a cohesive, exhilarating, yet varied experience. The performances were a celebration of the highs and lows of the past twenty years in the genre. Hawthorne Heights’ role in curating this event underscored their commitment to their fans and the community. Fans left with a sense of having witnessed something special – an anniversary tour that honored the past while celebrating the fans and the present. Whether you were there for the nostalgia or the raw energy, the tour offered something for every fan of the scene. The combination of acoustic introspection, post-hardcore intensity, and alternative rock anthems made for a memorable night that honored the lasting impact of these influential bands.

Hawthorne Heights Setlist: Life on Standby – Dissolve and Decay – Niki FM – The Transition – Blue Burns Orange – Silver Bullet – Screenwriting an Apology – Wake Up Call – Sandpaper and Silk – Speeding Up the Octaves – Saying Sorry – Gold Econoline – Ohio Is for Lovers

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Category: Live Reviews, Photo Galleries