Generations of Punk and Emo Royalty: Wet Hot American Summer TOUR at MGM Fenway
Boston, August 23rd, 2023. The city was alive with the kind of humid heat that clings to you, but no one cared. The Wet Hot American Summer Tour had rolled into town, and MGM Fenway became a beacon for the punk rock faithful, all gathering to revel in the sounds that shaped us.
It wasn’t just another concert—it was a pilgrimage. A lineup this stacked felt like a dream come true for anyone who came of age in the golden days of emo and pop-punk. From the moment the gates opened, the crowd buzzed with excitement, a mix of old friends, nostalgic thirty-somethings, and younger fans discovering the music that defined a generation.
The Lineup: Generations of Punk and Emo Royalty
The Get Up Kids took the stage first, setting the tone with their signature brand of emo grit. Hailing from Kansas City, their music has always had a way of hitting straight to the core. Tracks like “Holiday” and “Action & Action” were raw and cathartic, reminding everyone why they’re considered pioneers of the emo genre. For longtime fans, it was a gift to see them live, still pouring their hearts into every song. They ended their set with “Mass Pike”. Rightfully so! LISTEN AND WATCH HERE.
Next up was The Starting Line, a band synonymous with early 2000s pop-punk glory. When Kenny Vasoli launched into “The Best of Me,” it was like a time capsule cracked open. The crowd sang every word with the kind of fervor that only comes from a song that soundtracked your youth. Their set was pure joy—high-energy, full of gratitude, and a reminder of why they remain so beloved. LISTEN AND WATCH HERE.
New Found Glory, the tour’s mainstay and undeniable pop-punk titans, brought the night to a fever pitch. From the opening riff of “Understatement” to the anthemic “My Friends Over You,” the crowd transformed into one massive singalong. Jordan Pundik commanded the stage with an energy that made the humid air feel electric. LISTEN AND WATCH HERE.
Finally, The All-American Rejects closed the night in spectacular fashion. Tyson Ritter, ever the charismatic frontman, strutted across the stage like a rock star plucked straight from the pages of punk lore. They began with “Paper Heart”, my absolute all time favorite. (LISTEN AND WATCH HERE). Then the band ripped through their greatest hits, from the heartbreak anthem “Swing, Swing” to the explosive “Move Along” and, of course, “Dirty Little Secret,” which sent the crowd into an ecstatic frenzy.
The Highlights: Where Nostalgia Meets Magic
The most powerful moments of the night weren’t just about the music but the way it connected everyone in the room. The Get Up Kids’ performance of “I’ll Catch You” felt like a collective exhale, a moment of quiet vulnerability amidst the chaos. The Starting Line had the entire crowd bouncing during “Up & Go,” a song that felt like it was written just for nights like this.
New Found Glory delivered a gut-punch of emotion when they dedicated “Sonny” to those who’ve passed, creating a wave of teary-eyed reflection among the crowd. And then there was Tyson Ritter, who gave a heartfelt speech before “Gives You Hell,” reminding us all to laugh at life’s absurdities and embrace who we are, scars and all.
The energy in the venue was palpable—fans crowd-surfing, strangers hugging, and everyone screaming lyrics at the top of their lungs. It was everything you’d want from a punk rock show: catharsis, connection, and a reminder that we’re all in this together.
The Punk Lore: A Night That Will Be Remembered
The Wet Hot American Summer Tour wasn’t just about nostalgia—it was a celebration of everything this music has given us. Bands like The Get Up Kids paved the way for emo as we know it. The Starting Line and New Found Glory defined an era of pop-punk that remains unmatched in its sincerity and energy. And The All-American Rejects showed that mainstream success doesn’t mean losing your edge.
For many of us, this music was a lifeline, a friend during lonely nights, and a compass when we felt lost. To hear these songs live, surrounded by thousands of others who felt the same way, was transcendent.
As the final notes rang out and the crowd poured onto Lansdowne Street, drenched in sweat and euphoria, one thing was clear: punk rock isn’t just a genre—it’s a shared history. The Wet Hot American Summer Tour was more than a show. It was a reminder that no matter how far we’ve come or how much we’ve changed, these songs will always bring us back to who we are.
And on that sweltering summer night, in the heart of Boston, it felt like home.
