A "Mayday" in March.

   While there are many great artists out there in the world, I find it rare to come across a band that I can sit down and listen to an entire album start to finish (at least without, at some point, hitting the skip button.) Mayday Parade is one of those rare acts. Not only can you listen to one of their records and stay fully engaged the whole time, but this seems to be the case for every record they release. The band seemingly has found the recipe for absolutely slaying an album from beginning to end, leaving the listener clamoring for more. A Mayday Parade live show is no different. Nothing short of a good time leaving you wanting more.

Despite their latest album "What It Means To Fall Apart" being released in November of last year, the band hit the road for the 11th Anniversary Tour of their self titled album "Mayday Parade" with fellow acts Real Friends and Magnolia Park. The nightly setlist has been made up from songs from various albums, with the first twelve songs being from said self titled album's track list, in order. The set would conclude with some of the bands other most popular hits like "Jersey" and "Jamie All Over" (full setlist below). 

With an elaborate stage setup of stained glass windows, chandeliers, and large displays of candles you felt like you may have been at a show inside of a castle. The lights would drop into a deep purple and the ever familiar piano of "Oh Well, Oh Well" begins to play. Front man Derek Sanders takes the stage and begins to sing. You are slowly brought to the inevitable climax of crashing symbols and guitars, sending the crowd into a frenzy. The band would then work through the entirety of the self titled album, keeping the whole crowd moving and engaged throughout. The show would conclude with some big fan favorites, sending the fans home satisfied, having heard an album in full, as well as the signature songs they've grown to know and love. Having seen the band over a dozen times before, the show was every bit as enjoyable as all that have come before. The biggest shock to me was that Derek was actually wearing shoes on stage during this performance! (if you know you know). 

The current leg of the touring schedule is set to wrap up in the first few days of April, when the band will take a few weeks to prepare for a stint of shows in Australia before spending June touring the UK. Mayday Parade will return to the US for their portion of the Sad Summer Festival Tour in July and early August. Tickets for all upcoming shows can be purchased online through the band's website at maydayparade.com

Setlist 3/29/2022

1. Oh Well, Oh Well

2. No heroes Allowed

3. When You See My Friends

4. You're Dead Wrong

5. Priceless

6. Stay

7. Call Me Hopeless, Not Romantic

8. A Shot Across The Bow

9. Everything's An Illusion

10. I'd Rather Make Mistakes Than Nothing At All

11. Without The Bitter The Sweet Isn't As Sweet

12. Happy Endings Are Stories That Haven't Ended Yet

ENCORE

13. Kids Of Summer

14. Golden Days

15. Miserable At Best

16. Piece Of Your Heart

17. Jersey

18. Jamie All Over