LOS ANGELES, CA- Mayday Parade are celebrating a two-decade-long career and a brand-new record, Sweet, on the ‘Three Cheers for 20 Years’ Tour. This run marks what they noted is their biggest headlining tour to date, and many of the shows are already sold out. These performances also precede an impressive string of upcoming appearances with Simple Plan later this summer, Jack’s Mannequin in the fall, and festivals like When We Were Young and the return of Vans Warped Tour. The latter of which they are veterans—having completed their first full run back in 2007. With this whirlwind mix of nostalgia for a legendary career and equally exciting new milestones being hit, Mayday Parade shows absolutely no signs of slowing down. If anything, they seem more energized and creatively fulfilled than ever.
Mayday Parade formed in Tallahassee, Florida in 2005. Their debut full-length record A Lesson in Romantics saw them break out with their hit “Jamie All Over” in 2007. Since then, they’ve solidified themselves as one of the pillars of their genre, shaping the soundtrack for a generation of emo and pop-punk fans. This show illustrated exactly how and why they’ve managed to stay relevant for 20 years. Before walking out on stage, they played a short interview with Eric Blair from the 2008 Warped Tour. In it, they talk about their hard work, how much they’ve grown in just three years, their relentless touring schedule, and how thankful they are for their fans. All while Derek is wearing the iconic “Love Is The Movement” shirt that any millennial could recognize from a mile away. That footage wasn’t just a nostalgia hit—it was a timestamp of the beginning of something enduring. It was a reminder that this band has always been about more than just catchy songs—they’ve built real relationships with the people who listen.
Before there was too much time to get wrapped up in that blast from the past, the band took the stage and opened with “By The Way,” the lead single from their new release Sweet. This immediate pull back into the present was absolutely genius. These first few moments perfectly encapsulated appreciation for where they’ve come from, and excitement for what’s still to come. It displayed that the young men from that 2008 video kept their promise—of working hard, staying grounded, and giving their all. And clearly, those fans they spoke about are still here, still singing every word.
The entire show felt like a beautifully crafted love letter—filled with the utmost gratitude, reverence, and joy. That intentionality and joy reflected in their entire performance. The stage design was particularly stunning. A giant mirror in the back reflected the sold-out House of Blues crowd, effectively placing the audience in the narrative. Screens on either side displayed art and iconic lyrics from each album as the band worked through them in chronological order. Their set was an expertly curated walk through their discography. It featured both massive classics like “Miserable at Best” and songs they said haven’t been performed since the early days, like “One Man Drinking Games”—one of the first songs they ever wrote. You could instantly see elated looks on the faces in the crowd, some in tears, hearing a song they’ve waited years—maybe decades—to experience live.
What’s more, the chemistry between the band members felt as fresh and effortless as ever. Whether it was playful banter between songs or quiet shared smiles between verses, it was clear they were having just as much fun on stage as their fans were in the crowd. There’s something really moving about seeing a band still so connected to one another after 20 years—and still so connected to the music.
It’s so special to see a band whose career, even to present, is so iconic that they have a fanbase that has quite literally grown up with them. Fans who have cheered their successes for every bit of those two decades and prove, night after night, that they’ll continue to do so. As one of those fans who’s been there since the beginning, it warms my heart to see Mayday Parade acknowledge and return that love in such a beautiful and thoughtful way. It’s not just a concert—it’s a celebration of shared history, and a promise that this story is far from over.
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