Yellowcard brings The Up Up Down Down Tour to Milwaukee
Yellowcard tried to break up not once, but twice since they started in 1997, but now they’re traveling for The Up Up Down Down Tour with New Found Glory and Plain White T’s. They stopped in Milwaukee at Landmark Credit Union Live just this past Sunday, and it was a full night in the Deer District. I was super excited to witness these three legends on stage again and to have the honor of photographing them. The pit was limited, and the venue staff was distributing wristbands for access to the lucky fans on a first-come, first-served basis. This is a much newer addition from when I first visited a couple months ago, and it’s most likely to ensure the standing pit area does not become overcrowded, especially for the heavier shows, where it’ll be a full raging moshpit. The room was filling in slowly from the doors to the start of the first band, and I knew we were in for a fantastic night of music.
All Photos By: Carrie BerganPlain White T’s were the first to take the stage, and their setlist was all of their greatest hits. Tom Higgenson came out and, as always, was a fabulous fit. The entire room sang along as they played “1, 2, 3, 4,” “Rhythm of Love,” and wrapped up their short but sweet set with fan favorite, “Hey There Delilah.” The entire band was dancing, waving their arms, encouraging people to really scream the words back at them, and it was such a beautiful moment. I saw them once about a few years ago on Valentine’s Day, and it was a treat to see them again.
Next up was New Found Glory, and their setup was glorious from the muppet on their drum set to the high-rise that drummer Cyrus Boloki sat on. Vocalist Jordan Pundik held the microphone towards the audience because the room very clearly knew this band as well. The crowd surfers started during their set, and I saw two little boys who looked like they were ten, even made it over the barricade. The room was full of all ages, from little children to the older ones, because this lineup was for everyone. About two years ago, Disney released an album titled A Whole New Sound, which featured various songs from original Disney films covered by different bands. New Found Glory was one of the lucky ones, and they covered “Part Of Your World” from The Little Mermaid. Before they played it, they had it dedicated to the Disney adults in the room, which was a fun moment. Guitarist Chad Gilbert was jumping all over that stage, interacting with those on the barricade and us photographers in the pit, from sticking out his tongue to staring intensely at the camera lens. It made for some fun images. I love watching this band play.
Finally, it was time for Yellowcard. Before the drummer took his spot on the high rise, the theme song from Ghostbusters played on the speakers, and we watched the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man run away from a Ghostbuster who was armed with a t-shirt cannon. Lucky fans out there received free merch as the two danced, pretending to face off while the shirts went flying all over. Then after that, all the lights dimmed, and the screens on stage lit up, showing fun graphics that partnered with the music, increasing with every moment. I looked up the setlist prior, and it said they’d be covering the anthem from Top Gun. I’m not super familiar, but the graphics on the screens made it clear for me, and then every member came out one by one for individual moments of glory. My favorite was when violinist Sean Mackin came waltzing out. I love unique instruments on stage, and having the violin is one of the parts that makes Yellowcard so cool to me. After the first three songs and checking my gear into coat check, I found a good viewing spot in the pit to enjoy the rest of the show.
The show was perfect from top to bottom. For a couple of acoustic songs, they took us back, and the stage was arranged to look like a basement and old school movie poster props. Vocalist Ryan Key talked about their history and how much they love that their fans wouldn’t let them retire, no matter how many times they tried. The setlist included some of their newer songs that I was not as familiar with, but cool to hear live. Key even looked back at some tougher times in his life and reflected as he played the songs that came out from those experiences. I loved how the screen graphics and little stage quips included comedic jokes, which intensified the whole night. I loved when there was an E.T. clip played while Key wore a light on his finger for the “E.T. go home” scene before they launched into the song, “Only One.” After playing about two-thirds of their track, the backdrop of a game controller came down, revealing Yellowcard, and they played the last few songs of the night. Of course, they played “Ocean Avenue” as the last song, and the room loved it.
The Up Up Down Down Tour is still going on, so grab a ticket; it’ll be one of the best nights to witness. But don’t take it from me, go check it out yourself instead.
