LIVE: YELLOWCARD – Perth, 2nd April 2025

LIVE: YELLOWCARD – Perth, 2nd April 2025
Metropolis, Perth, Western Australia
With Motion City Soundtrack, Plain White T’s
Review & photography by Luke Baker

Perth’s Metro City was the place to be last night as pop-punk legends Yellowcard made their long-awaited return, delivering a performance that was equal parts nostalgic and forward-looking. With a packed crowd hanging on every note, the night was a testament to the band’s enduring legacy and their undeniable resurgence. The elder emos and pop punk pensioners have been spoiled this year!

The night kicked off with support from Plain White T’s, whose heartfelt acoustic ballad Hey There Delilah turned into a massive crowd singalong, showcasing the song’s timeless appeal.

Motion City Soundtrack followed with their signature energy, getting the crowd bouncing to hits like Everything Is Alright. However, the heat in the venue took its toll, and frontman Justin Pierre briefly had to step off stage due to feeling unwell. When he returned, the audience greeted him with a deafening cheer, and the band powered through their set with renewed energy.

From the moment Yellowcard launched into Way Away, the energy in the room was electric. It was clear the crowd had been waiting years for this moment, and the band did not disappoint. The opening notes of Breathing and Lights and Sounds hit like a tidal wave, bringing the audience straight back to the early 2000s pop-punk explosion.

Between songs, frontman Ryan Key took time to reflect on Yellowcard’s journey. He spoke about how, 20 years ago, their biggest dream was simply to play Warped Tour. Now, they’re selling out shows across the country, including a near-sold-out venue in Melbourne—a far cry from the half-full rooms they once played. It was a moment of genuine appreciation, as the band acknowledged that their return was something they never thought would happen.

The setlist was stacked with fan favorites, with Fighting, Rough Landing, Holly, and Life of a Salesman bringing a raw intensity that had the crowd singing every word. The energy shifted into an emotional high with One Year Six Months and Empty Apartment, proving that Yellowcard’s softer, more introspective songs still resonate deeply.

As the band continued through Keeper, Always Summer, and Awakening, it was clear that their passion for performing hadn’t faded one bit. Then came a moment that truly set this show apart—Yellowcard debuted Better Days, a brand-new song from their upcoming album. The band shared that they spent the past year working with Travis Barker on what they believe is the best album they’ve ever written. The excitement in their voices was contagious, and the crowd responded with a mix of enthusiasm and curiosity for what’s to come.

The night built towards an epic conclusion, with Back Home / With You Around leading into the soaring melody of Only One, and, of course, the song that defined a generation—Ocean Avenue. As the final notes rang out, the crowd erupted in applause, fully aware they had just witnessed something special.

What stood out the most about Yellowcard’s return wasn’t just the music—it was the feeling that they’re bigger now than they ever were. Their reflections on the ups and downs of their career, the way they genuinely thought they were done, and their newfound appreciation for touring and making music again all made for an emotional and unforgettable experience.

If Wednesday night proved anything, it’s that Yellowcard isn’t just back—they’re thriving. And with new music on the way, their next chapter might just be their best yet.

Category: Live Reviews, Photo Galleries