Bad Copy

It is already April and I’ve had a bit of a slower start with getting out to shows for the year. The original plan was to try and at least make it to one or two a month. It felt doable, especially since I used to make it out to at least one show a week not too long ago. But then, life got busy and the world keeps getting crazier. I have some catching up to do with that goal, but I’m really excited for tonight’s show because it’s a good mix of some old and new all-time favorites playing in one of my favorite venues!

One thing that I didn’t prepare for in my lovely city of Detroit, was that it was opening day for the Tigers. I’m not sure if it is similar to other places and their teams (sports!), but for those that don’t know (or understand): opening day in Detroit is basically a unofficial holiday; something like St. Patrick’s Day, but with baseball, a little warmer outside, and a lot more crazier people. This year it was on a Friday, and it felt like the whole city decided to call off work and show up for it. I took advantage of my work parking lot a little ways out from the venue, and made the half-mile trek through a sea of stumbling Orange and Blue the entire walk. I finally made it to Saint Andrew’s Hall, and prepped up my gear for the exciting night.

The show tonight was sold out, and Weakened Friends were kicking off as the opener! Originally just discovering them at Riot Fest last year, they have quickly became a staple in my music rotation. I have now seen and photographed them four times since last September, on both the biggest and smallest stages possible in the mix (That last show in November they played in Detroit was a little too packed, but still so much fun). They are some of the nicest people I’ve met, and the energy they bring to their sets are always so damn good! I love seeing them, and have so much trouble choosing photos to share from their sets every time because of how many I take. It has been so much fun watching this band, and I cannot express enough how amazing it is to see them playing a packed venue again! Also do not sleep on those festival lineups. Show up early and see some of those opening bands, because you’ll most definitely find some amazing new favorites in the mix.

After an energizing set from Weakened Friends to kick the evening off, Knuckle Puck came out next and cranked the energy even more. I have to admit up until a few weeks ago I wasn’t as familiar with their albums, and mainly just knew the name and a few songs popping up from random playlists. That’ll change after tonight! The crowd quickly went crazy, with the pits starting to open up with plenty of people starting to surf over the rail. I’m partially annoyed it took me this long to sit down and listen through their albums after seeing them play, but it’s also exciting because I now have 4+ albums and EPs to discover and listen through, in-between the other new band releases of 2026. Seriously such a great start to the night with these two bands.

Next up was the final act, The Wonder Years! They’ve been having a busy few years with what seems like constant tours and tons of festivals. As a big fan I got to experience the best of both worlds a lot recently, seeing their “stripped down” Burst and Decay Tour and also seeing them tear it up a few months later at Riot Fest! This current leg of the tour is celebrating the ten year anniversary of No Closer to Heaven, along with a remixed/remastered version of the album released late last year. The main part of this show was playing through that album, followed by an encore with 5-6 more of the usual hits (and of course closing out with “Came Out Swinging”). Overall it was just a great night of energy and excitement. So many faces in the crowd smiling, jumping, and screaming along to every word. It is always such a great feeling to get a packed house of people seeing a great set of bands you love. It hits me in a good way, and has me excited for many more upcoming shows and festivals this Spring and Summer!