When it was announced that Yellowcard would be calling it a day, my heart just sank. This is a band who’s music has seen me through so much of my life, through so many ups and downs. But then I cheered up as for calling it a day meant a farewell tour and Australia was bound to be on that tour. So when I got the okay to attend tonights farewell show at the Enmore, I was excited for not only do I love so many of this bands previous songs, but last year their farewell album made the SCENEzine Top Ten list. And so I looked forward to hearing the new songs live for what would be the first and last time.

The whole Enmore is packed, you can feel the buzz of excitement in the air as we all know we will be witnessing something special tonight. The stage lights go real dark, an announcement comes over the speakers reminding us that this is a live music experience and you will feel it so much more if are just truly present and in the moment, rather then looking through your rectangular device. A loud cheer erupts from the audience.

Now with a flicker of the lights the mood has been set and the band walk out to a heroes welcome as the crowd erupts in celebration. There is a back drop that looks much like a high school banner with 97 on one end, 17 on the other, and in between every Yellowcard logo to ever have graced the bands Tour Shirts and Album Covers.

They take a moment to acknowledge the fans before that unmistakable fiddle sound starts us off with Believe. I mentioned earlier the energy in the room felt electric, well now it is fully charged as the music ignites a spark that sees the floor whipped into a frenzy. Every word, every line, is sung out loud and right back to the band as they don’t stop and keep the room moving. Going through hits such as Lights And Sounds, Way Away, Always Summer and Five Becomes Four.

We are five songs in already and they take a break to catch their breath. Ryan addresses the crowd citing the fact that Sydney is the biggest show on the tour, he says that we are killing it and encourages us to keep this up for the next two hours. We didn’t let him down. It was such a sight to behold as song after song we all stayed present in the moment and give it our all for the whole phenomenal 2 hour show that Yellowcard gave. With all the huge lights and sounds blowing us away and of course a back flip off the speakers from violinist Sean Mackin, such a great performance and energy from the band with a great sound that suited the Enmore so perfectly.

When it came to hearing the new stuff live we were treated to only three tracks off their latest self titled release. First up was the incredibly fitting Rest In Peace that was followed by What Appears. These tracks fitted the Yellowcard setlist perfectly and were loved just as much by fans as other classics like Breathing, Rough Landing Holly and Lift A Sail.

The night was full of highlights but these three were truly special for me. First was the only other time the band stopped to take a breath and Ryan opened up about how truly special it is to be able to write songs that not only expresses his own emotions of what he is going through but how they hope the music gives something back to us the fans and for that they are all truly so grateful. The song they perform after is Sing For Me and was written for his aunt whom passed away from brain cancer. We all sing it so loud that anyone in this building tonight who has ever lost someone knows that person can hear them tonight and just know through the power of song that they are not alone it is an incredibly touching live music moment we all share in.

The next highlight would have to have been the acoustic rendition of Empty Apartment. This song has held such a special place in my heart since I first heard it, and tonights performance of it was so captivating. Mix that with the feelings the song A Place We Set Afire stirs inside me and I can say emotion got the better of me. I will now be forever traveling back to that moment in time at The Enmore whenever these songs come on a playlist.

All good things unfortunately must come to end. Tonight, even after hearing so many of my favourite songs and having the band being on stage for over 2 hours, I just wished we could have all stayed a little while longer and not have to say goodbye. But goodbye we must say and Yellowcard said it in the best possible way by coming back out for an encore and delivering two of the biggest most loved tracks from their career. First up it was Only One. The whole Enmore was aglow with our rectangular devices lighting up the place as we sang our lungs out. Then let’s face it, Ocean Avenue was the bands first real big hit when I first heard their music, and I am sure that was the same for so many others. So it was such a fitting way to end a truly captivating spectacular performance from a band who has always given their all when I have seen them live.

Tonight will forever be a night of live music I will cherish forever.

 

Review-  Chad    

Photo Gallery – Christian Ross

 

YELLOWCARD
The Final World Tour
With special guests
Like Torches
 
Sat 18 Feb
SOLD OUT!
The Triffid (18+)
Brisbane, QLD

 
Sun 19 Feb
NEW SHOW!
Metro Theatre (18+)
Sydney, NSW **
       
ticketek.com.au
Ph: 132 849

Tue 21 Feb
The Gov (18+)
Adelaide, SA

oztix.com.au
Ph: 1300 762 545
 
Thu 23 Feb
Max Watt’s (18+)
Melbourne, VIC 

oztix.com.au
Ph: 1300 762 545
 
Fri 24 Feb
SOLD OUT!
Max Watt’s (18+)
Melbourne, VIC 

 
Sat 25 Feb
SOLD OUT!
Corner Hotel (18+)
Melbourne, VIC **

** Performing Ocean Avenue show

 

 

 

 

 

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