Bad Copy

I don’t listen to as much ska as I should, but when I jump back into those bands I’ve grown to love I get thrown right back into the algorithm for a while. I’m not joking when I say I’ve been waiting for this moment to see and photograph Streetlight Manifesto again after almost a year ago when I saw them play back-to-back nights at Fest 22. On top of that we are getting a new album, The Place Behind The Stars, at some point this fall with a handful of great new songs shared on their YouTube page.

I arrived at the venue right as the doors began to open, and the fans came out in numbers for this one. There was already a line wrapping around the building and stretching out multiple blocks. I had a little time before the music started so I browsed the merch and explored the Fillmore for a bit. I always love seeing shows in this theatre. The building is almost 100 years old, and has some of the coolest architecture and details. My first big concert was also here over 20 something years ago (Sparta, Glassjaw, Hot Water Music, Dredg), back when it was known as the State Theatre.

It was an interesting start to this show, because it was already a packed house and no photographers at all in the pit. I don’t recall I’ve ever seen it so empty in there and even the security guys were confused. Eventually I crossed paths with Fest friend and the amazing photographer Brittany (@rosequeenphoto) who was on tour with the bands for this quick run they were doing.

Rebuilder kicked things off and got the people jumping. I’ve really enjoyed their more recent album a lot, and was also excited to finally get to catch them live. The energy of the crowd, the smiling faces screaming back, and even some mosh pits began to break out with the band joking to “stretch first” before getting too into it. They really amped up the energy for the night. I’m excited to do this all over again with them at Fest 23 in a few months!

Up next was Streetlight Manifesto opening with Watch it Crash, and it was another absolute marathon of jams. Every time I see this band they bring this high energy that you can feel throughout the crowd. The entire rail was smiling and screaming out the lyrics to every song. You could see the circle pits start to form and every face in them is as happy as can be, as people are running and keeping an eye out for each other in there. Overall it is a real contagious vibe on top of such a talented 7-8 piece band playing so tightly together and always sounding amazing. We even got to hear three of their new songs from the upcoming album, so it was also exciting to hear a few new tunes after 12 or so years. Just has me even more excited for The Place Behind The Stars when it releases this fall.

Check out the gallery from the show below: