The Maine recently finished up on their UK tour with Stand Atlantic and Sun Arcana and what can I say? The Maine sure know how to put on a show! They seriously brought the energy to the O2 Ritz in Manchester.
Sun Arcana kicked off the night and they’re a prime example of why you should rock up to gigs earlier – you get to discover some serious talent. If you like Deaf Havana or Don Broco, you’re in for a treat. When I heard ‘Through the Night’ from their 2019 EP, Just Another Dream Away, I was instantly hooked – they’re one to watch.
Stand Atlantic, the pop punk Aussies were up next, and they didn’t disappoint. We got to hear their latest release, ‘Shh!’, as well as some favourites like ‘Skinny Dipping’, ‘Coffee at Midnight’ and ‘Lavender Bones’. Lead vocalist, Bonnie Fraser came out on stage and shouted, “Manchester what the f**k is up?”, which instantly had the crowd erupting. Their set was high energy with bassist, Miki Rich and guitarist David Potter, jumping all around the stage with Bonnie. There’s no denying that Stand Atlantic are a fantastic live band and they were perfect for getting everyone ready for The Maine. Bonnie’s vocals were powerful, and it was awesome to hear them live for the first time. Stand Atlantic have been confirmed for Slam Dunk Festival and there’s no doubt that they’ll put on just as good a show!
The Maine gave us a varied set with ‘Slip the Noose’, ‘Numb Without You’ and ‘Heaven, We’re Already Here’ from their latest album, You Are OK. ‘Black Butterflies and Déjà Vu’ and ‘How Do You Feel?’ also made an appearance from Lovely Little Lonely, as well as ‘F**ked Up Kids’ from their 2013 album, Forever Halloween. I can’t help but think about how much I’d love to hear ‘Everything I Ask For’, live one day – my inner 14 year old would be pretty psyched.
Speaking of the ‘Everything I Ask For’ era, a mirror visual at the back of the stage graced us with a picture of the band from 2008. It was clear that there were a lot of fans in the house that were listening to The Maine back then.
Although the 02 Ritz is not the smallest venue, The Maine’s set still felt intimate and vocalist, John O’Callaghan even jumped off the stage and into the crowd to dance with some of the gig-goers. We were also treated to a sing-along interlude, with everyone shouting the lyrics to ‘Welcome to the Black Parade’, ‘Allstar’, ‘All The Small Things’ and even ‘I Want It That Way’ – The Maine and The Backstreet Boys, the crossover we didn’t know we needed.
Towards the end of the show, John brought a lucky fan up on stage to sing with him and understandably, she was totally overwhelmed but it was great to hear the crowd cheering her on.
Pat couldn’t make it on the tour because he and his wife were expecting their first baby and from everyone here at All Punked Up, we’d like to say a huge congratulations to them, on the birth of Charlotte Rose.
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