Packed, chaotic, and euphoric: a celebration of pop-punk for fans!
The Boeing Center in San Antonio was electric last night, buzzing with a crowd that perfectly straddled nostalgia and full-blown pop-punk chaos. From the moment we stepped into the arena, it was clear: fans came ready to sing, scream, and throw themselves headlong into the music. The air was thick with anticipation, punctuated by the kaleidoscope of lights—bright reds, blues, and yellows bouncing off the walls, strobes pulsing to the beat for maximum impact.
The evening unfolded like a carefully choreographed rollercoaster. The Paradox kicked things off with edgy, synth-driven energy, quickly setting the stage for The Cab’s charismatic pop-punk flair. Mayday Parade then brought the emotional punch, bridging nostalgia and heartbreak in every chorus. And then came All Time Low, commanding the arena with high-energy anthems, intricate lighting, and moments that made it clear why they remain pop-punk royalty.
The crowd’s collective energy was palpable: hands waving, fans belting lyrics word-for-word, some jumping, some crying, all fully absorbed. This wasn’t just a concert, it was a celebration of the music, memories, and community that make pop-punk feel eternal!
THE PARADOX
The Paradox opened the night with a storm of vibrant energy that immediately set the tone. “Do It Again” hit the speakers like a jolt, crisp synths and driving beats cutting through the arena air. Frontperson Eric Dangerfield commanded the stage with an edgy charisma, balancing playful defiance and tight musical precision. Every movement felt deliberate—pacing the stage, gesturing to the crowd, locking eyes with fans and daring them to keep up.
Songs like “I Don’t Want To Leave My Room” and “It’s Over” revealed their knack for blending introspective lyrics with infectious pop hooks, while “Ms. Lauren” added a quirky, almost theatrical flair. By the closing track, “Do Me Like That,” the floor was alive with energy; fans were bouncing, singing along, and fully locked into the moment.
The Paradox didn’t just open—they demanded attention, proving they could ignite an arena with bold, fearless energy. Their set was an ideal bridge between anticipation and full-blown pop-punk chaos, priming the crowd for what was coming next.
THE CAB
The Cab stepped onto the stage with the confidence of veterans who know how to work a crowd, and from “Stay This Way Forever” to “Angel With A Shotgun,” they kept the energy soaring. Alexander DeLeon’s vocals were polished yet impassioned, effortlessly blending smooth croons with soaring pop-punk riffs. The band’s chemistry was undeniable, guitars intertwining with punchy drums as lights shifted from vibrant reds to electric blues, enhancing the kinetic atmosphere.
Tracks like “Bad” and “Temporary Bliss” hit like an adrenaline shot, drawing the audience into synchronized claps and shouts. “Bounce” further amplified the arena’s energy, with fans leaping in unison, creating a ripple of chaos across the packed floor. Their closer, “Angel With A Shotgun,” felt like a high-voltage finale in itself, the crowd screaming every word back at the stage.
The Cab curated an emotional and visual spectacle that perfectly set the stage for Mayday Parade’s more intimate, lyrical intensity.
MAYDAY PARADE
Mayday Parade brought a wave of emotional resonance to the Boeing Center. Opening with “Under My Sweater,” they immediately reminded everyone why their music feels like a diary set to chords. Derek Sanders’s voice balanced raw emotion and polished delivery, drawing fans into every story, every heartbreak, every euphoric moment.
“Jersey” and “Piece Of Your Heart” had the crowd singing along with fervor, while “Kids In Love” and “Oh Well, Oh Well” provided soaring moments of reflection and nostalgia. Closing with “Jamie All Over,” the band created a communal chorus that rippled through the arena, with fans waving hands, some swaying, others jumping in joyous abandon.
Mayday Parade didn’t just play songs—they created spaces for connection, balancing pop-punk’s raucous spirit with heartfelt lyricism, a perfect bridge to the night’s headliners.
ALL TIME LOW
EVERYONE’S TALKING! TOUR
Finally, All Time Low stormed the stage in three acts of pure pop-punk mastery — but not before delivering an unexpected, goosebump-worthy intro. The lights dimmed to a soft amber glow, and frontman Alex Gaskarth walked out alone, armed with nothing but an acoustic guitar and his voice. He opened with “Cold Open,” a moment of quiet intimacy that hushed the packed crowd. For a brief few minutes, the arena felt small, as if every person there was sharing the same breath. Then, as the last chord rang out, the full band burst onto the stage — and the chaos began.
Act 1 opened with “Oh No!”, instantly igniting the packed arena. Followed by other great tracks such as “Suckerpunch,” “Weightless,” and “Sleeping In.” Lights flashed in rainbow-colored bursts, strobes accentuating every jump, every drum hit, and every guitar riff. The crowd was fully engaged from the first chord, fans singing every lyric in unison.
Act 2 flowed seamlessly into hits like “Butterflies,” and “Sleepwalking” allowed for a mix of high-energy movement and moments of emotional resonance. Act 3, the encore, delivered full-throttle anthems like “The Weather,” “Lost In Stereo,” and the finale “Dear Maria, Count Me In,” leaving the arena roaring and exhausted.
Guitar riffs cut through the vibrant haze, and every beat seemed to make the arena vibrate. All Time Low proved that pop-punk isn’t just nostalgia—it’s a living, breathing force. Their ability to connect with fans, old and new, and sustain a three-act show without a single lull demonstrated why they’re at the forefront of the genre.
From Baltimore to Pop-Punk Royalty!
Formed in 2003 in Baltimore, Maryland, All Time Low emerged as four high school friends writing infectious hooks, heartfelt lyrics, and raucous pop-punk energy. Frontman Alex Gaskarth, guitarist Jack Barakat, bassist Zack Merrick, and drummer Rian Dawson built their reputation touring relentlessly, connecting directly with fans, and crafting songs that balanced humor, heartbreak, and high-voltage riffs.
What sets All Time Low apart is their ability to evolve while staying true to their roots. From early hits like “Dear Maria, Count Me In” to the dynamic tracks of the Everyone’s Talking! era, the band combines storytelling, hook-heavy choruses, and electric live energy that can fill arenas yet still feel intimate. Known for their stage chemistry, colorful visuals, and fan-first approach, All Time Low has become synonymous with modern pop-punk culture—an enduring presence for fans who grew up with them and a gateway for a new generation discovering the genr
Walking out of the Boeing Center after a night of color, chaos, and catharsis, it was clear that pop-punk lives—and it lives through nights like this. The combination of The Paradox’s edgy energy, The Cab’s polished charm, Mayday Parade’s heartfelt storytelling, and All Time Low’s arena-defining anthems created a full-spectrum pop-punk experience, engaging every corner of the crowd.
The fans—hands in the air, voices singing every word, bouncing and screaming with joy—were the heartbeat of the night. From confetti explosions to vibrant strobes, every visual choice amplified the music’s impact. Moments of nostalgia collided with moments of pure adrenaline, creating an evening that felt both familiar and entirely new.
By the time “Dear Maria, Count Me In” rang out as the final encore, it wasn’t just a song—it was a declaration. Pop-punk isn’t fading; it’s thriving, communal, and unapologetically loud. This night reminded everyone why we keep coming back, year after year, for the music, the chaos, and the shared memories that only a show like this can deliver.
