VIP Experience: The Wonder Years

Have you ever wanted to try VIP passes for one of your favorite band’s shows but wondered if it was worth the money? For my experience, it totally was.

Pop-punk band, The Wonder Years, came through Cleveland, OH on October 26th at The Agora Theatre. I was lucky enough to snag VIP passes.

Personally, the idea of VIP has always been strange. Paying money to meet people feels awkward, but The Wonder Years have been a big influence in my life so I figured I’d try it out.

For this particular VIP package we got to see the band play before the show, was granted early entry into the full show, a photo, signing and free exclusive t-shirt.

We got to the venue around 4:30, got the passes we needed, our free shirt and watched the band perform four random songs chosen from a hat. We got to hear, “My Life As Rob Gordon,” “Hostels And Brothels,” “It’s Never Sunny In South Philadelphia” and “Cul-De-Sac.”

What’s so lovable about this is that TWY didn’t have any preparation for the songs they were going to play. Each song sounded like they had been playing it all tour long. This only highlights each member’s talent and how well they gel together.

The photos we got to take were group photos which I love! The way they went about it, made the whole experience so chill. The band themselves have such a calming, fun presence. The signing went the same way; it fast paced, but nothing felt awkward. They make you feel welcomed, like you’re friends and not just there as a fan.

Perhaps one of the best perks to the VIP experience is the early entry into the actual show. No long lines and we even had enough time to grab a quick snack at the bar next door.

Playing in support of TWY were Seaway, Moose Blood, Knuckle Puck and Real Friends.

Seaway opened the show and Moose Blood followed with a refreshing change of music, playing songs such as “Bukowski” which without a doubt amped up the crowd. There was very little talking between songs which made for smooth transitions. The band kept a calm stage during “I Hope You’re Missing Me” all while subtly rocking out to their own music. They closed their set with “Knuckles;” that song alone is enough to make new listeners fall in love with them.

Next came Knuckle Puck with an intense amount of energy as they glided from one song to the next. The set included fan favorites such as “Evergreen” and “Disdain” crowd surfers poured over the barricades, even new listeners were rocking out to their music. They ended their set on “Pretense” and never lost energy. Watching them preform was very entertaining.

Shortly after Knuckle Puck came Real Friends, the set was one great song after another starting with “I Don’t Love You Anymore.” The band also played “Cover You Up” and “Mess.” They kept the audience entertained in between songs with their interaction and lighthearted banter. Lead vocalist, Dan Lambton, expressed his dislike for Donald Trump by saying he can “take his fist and shove it up is ass” which resulted in a crowd full of cheers.

RF did not shy away from playing songs off their newest record. Including “Empty Picture Frames” “Keep Lying To Me” and “Scared To Be Alone.” There is nothing like hearing these new songs come to life. It’s enough to give you chills in an overheated crowded room. The band closed with “Late Nights In My Car” and the crowd absolutely lost their minds.

Finally, out came The Wonder Years. The build up for them to step foot on the stage was intense. Then, surprisingly they opened their set beautifully with “No Closer To Heaven.” The set swiftly picked up with “Washington Square Park” and “Local Man Ruins Everything.”

TWY have a graceful and theatrical stage presence. The way they preform makes their music look artistic; it’s breathtaking. During songs like “Devil In My Bloodstream” the lyrics that mean so much to many fans are portrayed exactly how they are felt. Powerful and emotional.

Before playing “I Wanted So Badly To Be Brave” lead vocalist, Dan “Soupy” Campbell, explained how the song is about breaking the cycle of violence making someone a man. Also saying that he will not let Donald Trump define who he is.

The rest of the set carried on upbeat and fun by releasing giant balloons during “Palm Reader” playing “Passing Through A Screen Door,” and closing out with the always-crowd-pleasing “Came Out Swinging.”

Do not sleep on the chance to see this tour, VIP or not, it’s an amazing time.

Contributed by Tabitha Timms | @TabithaTimmss

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