All Time Low‘s 2023 album, Tell Me I’m Alive, catapulted them into a whirlwind year, gracing the stage at headline shows, music festivals, and even collaborating with the incomparable Avril Lavigne on their latest single, “Fake As Hell.” The pinnacle of their Australian tour came to life at Margaret Court Arena on Saturday night, marking the biggest Australian headline show of their career. Sharing the stage with special guests Mayday Parade and the vivacious Lauran Hibberd, the atmosphere brimmed with electrifying enthusiasm.
Lauran Hibberd, the English singer-songwriter, emerged as the night’s spirited opening act. Her performance exuded energy and charm, deftly weaving humour into her set, endearing herself to the crowd. She showcased selections from her 2022 album, GarageBand Superstar, and her 2023 single, “I Suck At Grieving.”
Lauran Hibberd
As Mayday Parade graced the stage, the venue’s effervescence was palpable, so much so that one might have assumed they were the headliners. Their performance was an avalanche of hits, with the entire arena singing in unison, revisiting their cherished songs from the past. Tracks from their 2007 album, A Lesson in Romantics, and their 2009 release, Anywhere But Here, dominated the setlist. The emotional crescendo of “Miserable At Best” and the triumphant closure with “Jamie All Over” left the audience in awe as they revelled in the band’s boundless energy, clearly savouring this momentous occasion in the largest Australian venue they’d ever graced.
As the lights dimmed, the collective screams signalled the arrival of All Time Low, commencing the night with the electrifying “Lost In Stereo.” Alex Gaskarth and Jack Barakat’s banter infused the performance with a generous dose of entertainment, sprinkled with running jokes that added an extra layer of charisma. The band playfully celebrated their keys player Dan Swank’s birthday, unveiling a different cake during each break, accompanied by uproarious renditions of “Happy Birthday.” This merriment came at a price, as the crowd rallied for a shoey each time, with each band member taking their turn.
“Sleeping In” was a standout moment, with the newer tracks radiating an unparalleled energy and catchiness when compared to the band’s earlier catalog, a testament to their remarkable musical evolution. The live rendition of “PMA” reached celestial heights when Lauran Hibberd joined All Time Low onstage for the second verse.
In the middle of the set, amid another round of uproarious birthday celebrations and subsequent shoey shenanigans, they treated the crowd to the ‘Round The Twist’ theme song, prompting a heartwarming sing-along. Frontman Alex Gaskarth gleefully acknowledged the “messy” nature of the night, emphasising the laid-back and exhilarating atmosphere. Their expressions of gratitude and awe at performing for 5,000 Australians, their most significant headline show in the country, emanated sincere happiness, infusing the room with infectious positivity and exuberance.
Further highlights included “Dark Side Of Your Room,” introduced by Gaskarth as “the horniest song All Time Low has ever written,” and the spirited rendition of “Something’s Gotta Give” from 2015’s Future Hearts album. The encore, featuring “Sleepwalking” from their latest album, preceded a humorous declaration that they had run out of songs, eagerly leading to their fan-favourite track, “Dear Maria, Count Me In,” igniting the crowd with undeniable fervour.
All Time Low
As the show concluded, it left the indelible feeling of attending the most extraordinary party of the year. In summary, the performance was nothing short of impeccable. The synergy between Mayday Parade and All Time Low etched a page in the history of emo music, while Lauran Hibberd’s vibrant presence added another layer of brilliance. The night was a haven of positive energy, creating a safe and jubilant atmosphere, truly embodying the most carefree and enjoyable concert experience of the year.
FIVE STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
All photos: Eloise Coomber – you can see more of Eloise’s photos from the night HERE
