The All-American Rejects and their highly anticipated return to the stage with the Wet Hot All-American Summer Tour, the band’s first headlining tour in nearly a decade. Produced by Live Nation, the 27-city tour kicked off Friday night at the MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre in Tampa, FL. Joining the band in Tampa to kick off the tour would be New Found Glory, The Starting Line, and The Get Up Kids.
The All-American Rejects are an American rock band that formed in Stillwater, Oklahoma, in 1999. Their music style blends elements of pop, rock, and alternative, and they gained popularity for their catchy hooks, relatable lyrics, and energetic performances. The band gained significant attention with their self-titled debut album, “The All-American Rejects,” released in 2002. The album featured hit singles like “Swing, Swing” and “The Last Song.” Their second album, “Move Along,” released in 2005, was even more successful, spawning hits like “Dirty Little Secret” and the title track “Move Along.” The band’s third album, “When the World Comes Down,” was released in 2008 and featured the popular single “Gives You Hell.”
Opening night of the tour was met with mixed emotions as delays and technical difficulties outshine the much-anticipated opening night. Gates were delayed 45 minutes as crews hustled to get the stage set up with no margin for error and unfortunately, that did not happen. The openers, The Starting Line and The Get Up Kids would have been better suited to be skipped on this evening to keep the New Found Glory and The All-American Rejects sets intact. All four sets would be drastically affected by shortened set times especially the headliner to roughly a 30-minute set with the two openers experiencing sound issues.
As the lights dim and the crowd’s cheers grow louder, the members of The All American Rejects would emerge onto the stage, greeted by a wave of enthusiastic applause from the patient crowd. The band’s energetic and charismatic performance style quickly captured the audience engaging them and dancing throughout the show. The lighting effects, ranging from vibrant colors to dramatic strobes, synchronized with the music, enhancing the overall visual experience. The shortened set packed a punch; however, left the remaining fans wanting more.
