Bad Copy

The night began with a buzz of anticipation as I packed up my camera gear. I had the opportunity to cover a special stop on an iconic tour—one that’s already halfway through its second leg. The name alone, “25 Years of Noise Tour,” promised something unforgettable. Not only were the headliners celebrating a major milestone as a band, but the lineup was stacked with talent. I couldn’t wait to start capturing what was sure to be an electrifying night.

First up was Greyhaven, a four-piece metal band hailing from Louisville, Kentucky. Known for their raw sound and lyrics that confront mental health struggles, Greyhaven brought an intensity that immediately grabbed the crowd. I had photographed them before, so I knew what kind of energy to expect—but they still managed to exceed it. As they hit the stage, the room filled with headbanging and cheers. The lead vocalist owned every inch of the stage, moving from side to side and feeding off the crowd’s energy. Their entire set was relentless and magnetic—an amazing start to the night.

Next came Broadside, a four-piece pop-rock outfit from Richmond, Virginia. With their infectious melodies and polished stage presence, they offered a dynamic contrast to the first act. As they entered, I was instantly drawn to their look and vibe. Lead singer Ollie Baxter, holding a white microphone that stood out against his tattoos, made for some striking shots. The whole band had a laid-back yet stylish aesthetic, and their chemistry onstage was impossible to miss. Their set was vibrant, engaging, and full of moments worth capturing.

The third act, Real Friends, brought an emo-infused energy that I’ve come to love. Hailing from Tinley Park, Illinois, this band is one I’ve seen multiple times—and for good reason. This was my fourth time photographing them, and they never disappoint. The moment they took the stage, they were in motion—jumping, shouting, and commanding the crowd. Frontman Cody Muraro picked up his mic stand and immediately had the audience in the palm of his hand. Midway through their set, he jumped into the crowd, and a sea of phone flashlights lit up the room as everyone sang together. It was emotional, high-energy, and deeply connected—everything I love about live music.

The final performance of the night came from Silverstein, the legendary Canadian post-hardcore band from Burlington, Ontario. Despite never having seen them live before, I was familiar with their reputation for blending melody and aggression in powerful ways. As the house lights dimmed, an atmospheric intro played, accompanied by visuals on giant screens that narrated their 25-year journey. When the band finally took the stage, the crowd erupted. The lead vocalist came out with electric energy, immediately captivating the audience. Fans pressed against the barricade screamed every lyric. The band’s synergy was undeniable—each member completely in sync, delivering a performance that felt both polished and passionate. It’s clear why Silverstein continues to be such a force in the scene.

All four acts brought something unique and powerful to the night. It was a blast to capture every moment. Check out my photos below: