TAKING BACK SUNDAY (A Parent’s Perspective) SHOW REVIEW!

16 hours ago
3 min read

For fans of early-2000s emo and post-hardcore, few pairings make more sense than Taking Back Sunday and Bayside sharing a bill. Both Long Island, NY-born pop-punk bands helped define a generation of emotionally charged music in the early 2000's, from Bayside's rock-rooted progressive riffs to Taking Back Sunday's microphone-swinging pop-punk anthems; the two New York natives made a stamp in the black hearts of emo kids all around the world for over two decades.

June 1st, 2026, Taking Back Sunday and Bayside come to Pittsburgh's Stage AE in downtown Pittsburgh. The opening band for the evening was only one, and the one and only Bayside, whose blend of melodic punk, razor-sharp songwriting, and unwavering consistency has earned them one of the most loyal fanbases in alternative music. Songs like "Devotion and Desire" and "Duality" and "Sick, Sick Sick" ignited the crowd early, with audience members singing every word back to the stage. Bayside's musicianship was particularly impressive, it's always personified by not only the insane "explorer-style" guitars, but guitarist Jack O'Shea himeself, who always delivers intricate leads, while drummer Nick Ghanbarian anchors the band's dynamic performance. If you were late to the show or just couldn't catch Bayside while at the Pittsburgh show, don't worry, the band is set to return to The Four Chord Music Festival this September back in the burgh!

After a brief intermission, anticipation reached a fever pitch as Taking Back Sunday emerged to a deafening roar. Opening with "What's It Feel Like To Be A Ghost?" the band immediately transported the audience back to the heyday of emo while demonstrating why they've remained relevant for more than two decades as they hammer off the next track to their Louder Now album, "Liar, Liar" and "Set Phasers to Stun".

Frontman Adam Lazzara was every bit the charismatic showman fans expected. His signature microphone-swinging theatrics drew cheers throughout the night, but it was his connection with the crowd that elevated the performance. His voice was amazing, singing in syncopation with guitarist Fred Mascherino, who recently rejoined the band after many year's hiatus.

Between songs, Lazzara shared stories, jokes, and heartfelt gratitude, creating an atmosphere that felt both intimate and celebratory as TBS played songs over the dacate from, "A Decade Under the Influence," "You're So Last Summer," and "Cute Without the 'E' (Cut From the Team)", which generated the loudest singalongs of the night, turning the venue into a unified chorus.

Meanwhile, newer material fit seamlessly alongside the hits, even sticking a brief acoustic set in the fray. Musically, Taking Back Sunday delivered a performance that balanced raw emotion with polished execution with the set feeling perfectly curated to please any Taking Back Sunday fan, young or old.

The evening's emotional peak arrived during the closing song of the night "MakeDamnSure." As the opening riff rang out, the crowd erupted, singing nearly every lyric louder than the band itself. It was one of those rare concert moments where performer and audience became indistinguishable, united by a song that has transcended its era and by the end the entire crowd was screaming "I Just Wanna Break You Down So Badly..."

Together, Bayside and Taking Back Sunday delivered more than a night of nostalgia. They offered proof that the music that defined a generation continues to inspire, connect, and resonate. For longtime fans and newcomers alike, it was an unforgettable evening that celebrated the enduring power of alternative rock.

You can check out a full list of tour dates, photo gallery from the show, and more below!