Taking Back Sunday in NYC with The Menzingers + Letlive

Three energetic bands and two packed shows in one lucky city. Anytime Taking Back Sunday play in their home state of New York, it’s always memorable. This time around they they performed twice at Best Buy Theater in New York City with the Menzingers and Letlive.

It was all smiles as Taking Back Sunday took the stage. They began with “Flicker, Fade” off of their latest disc Happiness Is. They went on to perform other fresh tracks like “Stood a Chance,” “Better Homes and Gardens” and “It Takes More.”

Frontman Adam Lazzara can move and swing a microphone with the best of them, belting out favorites “Liars (It Takes One to Know One)" and “A Decade Under the Influence.”

The crowd kept the energy high throughout and their vigor only increased when the encore hit. Taking Back Sunday ended both nights with the notable “Cute Without the ‘E’ (Cut From the Team)” and “MakeDamnSure.”

Hailing from Philadelphia, indie-punk band the Menzingers took the stage beforehand and had fans jumping and singing throughout their set. With their latest album Rented World, they performed newer tracks, “I Don’t Wanna Be an A--hole Anymore,” “Bad Things,” “Where Your Heart Exists” and “In Remission.”

The songs are upbeat catchy, the band as a whole is enthusiastic and the fans seemed to feed off of that energy. They were definitely a decent pick as direct support for Taking Back Sunday.

Letlive is one of the most dynamic, raw and primitive bands you can ever experience live, period. Whether they’re playing tiny bars or opening up at massive theaters, they always remain consistent and put on an unforgettable show.

While Taking Back Sunday fans looked on during the set, passionate Letlive fans were easy to spot in the crowd, with fists pumping and sweat in their eyes, belting out anthems like “Renegade ’86,” “Dreamer’s Disease” and “Muther.”

Although the set lists were the same for both nights, we experienced two very different performances. On the first night, forceful Letlive frontman Jason Butler made his way into the crowd and around most of Best Buy Theater during the set. He also leaped into the crowd towards the end.

On the second night, however, the set ended with “27 Club” and a massive circle pit. In true Letlive fashion, they invited a fan up onstage to finish the song off in a powerful set that ended in hugs. If you haven’t seen Letlive live, make sure you do so (and make sure you have a decent health insurance plan). Punk rock is alive and well.

Check Out Photos of Taking Back Sunday, The Menzingers and Letlive Performing in NYC:

Day 1:

Taking Back Sunday:

Liz Ramanand, Loudwire