Yellowcard
Matchbook Romance, Hedley
Philladelpia, PA • June 23, 2006
Brittany Sturges
I went with the best intentions. Honestly, I was even kind of looking forward to the show. Sure, I wasn’t Yellowcard’s biggest fan- but I knew some of their stuff. Besides, I was sure Matchbook Romance would put on a great show.So I figured, “What the hell. This will be fun.”
Once we got to the Electric Factory, my friend, Sean, and I got in line, hoping that the hour and a half go quickly. As we waited in the ninety degree weather, we could hear the bands doing a soundcheck. I took a look around at the line that stretched around the building, which isn’t unusual for concerts here. I noticed that instead of adorning t-shirts and jeans, the girls were wearing dresses. Yes, summer dresses and heels. Some opted for jean skirts and sequined tanks. I stood there, slightly confused, wondering if I had missed an important memo regarding attire for the show.
After the wait and security checks, we were herded into the venue. Kids briskly walked to the front, hoping to be the first to reach the stage. After an hour wait, the Canadian group Hedley took the stage. I’d never heard of them before, but that’s never stopped me. The music seemed good, but I couldn’t make out the lyrics too well. Lead singer Jacob Hoggard marched around the stage, singing his heart out. Several times, he decided to spit on his bandmates mid-performance–funny the first time, but not so much after the sixth. His stage antics reminded of a cross between Gerard Way of My Chemical Romance and Jack McFarland of Will and Grace. Then, during their last song (title escapes me), Hoggard decided to really give Philly a show–of his ass. Mid-performance, he gave the audience a clear view of his behind and we’re not talking split second here. We’re talking a good two minutes. Thye finished up their eight song set, which wasn’t bad and left the stage. Matchbook Romance was next and I was excited- hell, I’ll even say giddy- to see them perform. Yet, the minutes went on by… and some more… and no band. I texted my friend, who was up front, to see what the hold up was. Apparently, something was wrong with their equipment and everything was being re-wired. Yet, when Matchbook Romance took the stage, fans were disappointed to hear that their setlist would be cut. In fact, they played four songs total and the first two weren’t really clear because of the equipment. Andrew Jordan apologized for the technical problems, but that didn’t stop some of their true fans from moshing out. After their fourth song, the audience had to say good-bye to Matchbook Romance, and were just a little pissed at the situation.
Up until now, a good portion of the fans were just standing there. Others were sitting up at the second level, drinking and talking. I saw a good number of people leave after Matchbook. Needless to say, I was slightly surprised when I found myself being pushed up by the crowd during the first song. Yellowcard gave the best show of the night and thank goodness. I heard people complain up until that point and I was close to agreeing that it was far from one of the best shows I’d been to. Yet, there was a reason Yellowcard were the headliners. They gave a great performance despite the heat, and played several crowd favorites, including “Ocean Avenue,” “Lights and Sounds,” “Rough Landing Holly,” and “Only One.” Around me, girls were grinding (yes, let me repeat that, grinding to Yellowcard) and guys were moshing.
I checked my watch. The end time for the show was 11:30 and after the last song, fans walked out quicker than they walked in. I’m not sure whether it was curfew (there were a lot of younger looking fans there) or fans had had enough of the heat, but it was nice to get outside and feel the faint breeze.
