BACK SUNDAY LIVE AT THOMAS AT THE OAKDALE THEATER

BACK SUNDAY LIVE AT THOMAS AT THE OAKDALE THEATER

By Joe Perusse

Taking back Sunday @ The Dome 8/13/24 with Citizen for immediate support.

Tuesday night was the 4th time I saw Taking back Sunday and I still don't know any of the words to sing, which is probably an advantage to the people standing next to me. The best part of seeing the band live is spending time with my good friend Christian, who has gotten married and moved to Philly, but still Taking back Sundayhis number one fan. It's been a minute since we hung out so it was great to catch up.

The nice thing about a Taking back Sunday show is that you don't need to know the words to have a great night of music. They are always energetic and the crowd is amped up throughout the set as well. This evening was no exception.

The highlights were 'S'Old' and 'Set Phasers to Stun'. Lead singer Adam Lazzara explained that the large illuminated 152 behind him was for the band's newest album. The number is the Long Island Expressway exit that the group used to get off at to practice the band in its early days. During “What It Feels Like to Be a Ghost?” Lazzara was hitting the wired mic all over the place. Christian informed me that he was seen breaking his nose with it at a show. Now I had to be careful. No broken nose, but there appeared to be a near choke around his neck at one point.

“A Decade Under the Influence” was followed by “Amphetamine Smiles” and a big roar from the crowd when Lazzara announced he was from Massapequa. “You Know How I Do” and “Error:Operator” were next. John Nolan (Lead Guitar) took over lead vocals for “The One”. Touring guitarist Nathan Cogan took a lead solo on “Liar (It Takes One to Know One). “Lightbringer” followed, and the crowd came out for “You're So Last Summer.”

Lazzara brought out the harmonica and Logan jumped on the keys for “Divine Intervention” Shaun Cooper (Bass) and Mitch Register (Drums) filling in for Mark O'Connell has to take a break for this one. 'Tidal Wave', 'The Stranger', 'My Blue Heaven' and not one but two Happy Birthday songs preceded the Intros and 'You Can't Look Back'. After “Keep Going” and “Flicker, Fade”

Lazzara explained that they stopped pretending we were leaving and then came back for an encore thing so they could just play more songs. The crowd enjoyed this tidbit and turned it on big as the band finished with “Cute Without the 'E'(Cut From the Team)” and “MakeDamnSure”. Christian said out of the 50 or so times he saw them they were about halfway. Lazzara's voice sounded a little strained as the tour comes to a close. For me it was top 5. Christian is going to Philly again this weekend with his wife. I hope he gets a top 5.

Citizen opened at night and I was impressed. They had amazing energy and a good light show for an opener. The crowd had pit circles, crowd surfed and jumped up and down. If you happen to see them play near you, I suggest catching their show.

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