New Found Glory at The Forum

Greatest Pop-Punk Hits sounds like a CD that should sit on a Tesco shelf alongside albums like Greatest Air-Guitar Anthems and 80s Disco Hits – so does this mean that pop-punk is nothing more than a nostalgic throwback for a now more mature generation? New Found Glory are godfathers of the genre, and their aggressively titled tour Pop Punk’s Not Dead! clearly implies they believe the genre is still alive and kicking. With both the band’s London dates completely sold out, it would be hard to argue with the tour title’s bold claim. The Upcoming headed down to The Forum to see if the genre still has something to offer in the live arena.

The Story So Far are the band trusted with the main support slot, and they do an impressive job of whipping up a frenzy in the packed-out crowd. Their music may border more on the punk than the pop side, but their aggressive performance is still a rowdy success. The anticipation is buzzing around the arena before New Found Glory take to the stage; when they finally do launch out, playing old-school classic Understatement, the crowd go wild. The bouncy enthusiasm you expect from any pop-punk band worth their salt is fully encapsulated in Chad and co, and although they’re now old enough to be dads they still show their teenage passion through their on-stage energy.

The set is packed with fan-favourites like Something I Call Personality, The Story So Far and Sonny, which are met with nostalgic glee. Jordan may have lost a bit of zip in his vocals but the exaggerated Tom Delonge-esque tone is still very much present – a feature that every true American pop-punk act lives on. The set is structured in a Ramones style: each song bashed out one after the other. A surprise cameo from Paramore frontwoman Hayley Williams during My Friends Over You is a highlight that provides the sweetest cherry on top of the cake.

Pop-punk may not be at the forefront of modern alternative music, but an all-action, frenzied set from the masters of the genre shows that it still thrives in the live arena and does hold a place in fans’ hearts. Long may it live on!

Keir Smith
Photos: Erol Birsen

For further information about New Found Glory and future events visit here.

Watch the video for Ready and Willing here: