LIVE REVIEW: All Time Low @Manchester Apollo

Lily Bliss
Mar 27, 2017
2 min read

Baltimore sweethearts, All Time Low, returned to the UK this March. To help them conquer seventeen UK shows, the pop punk superstars had Waterparks and SWMRS to join the bill. Having toured the UK multiple times, including 2 arena tours in their 15 years as a band means they are no newbies to their UK fan base and are back to relive it at intimate venues.

Although the band have only released two songs from their upcoming new album 'Last Young Renegade', it's clear that the band have taken a new direction with their sound but have still managed to keep a hint of their pop punk element and this was projected when they played Manchester on the 23rd of March.

First on was Waterparks. They've only played Manchester once before but they were no foreigners to understanding how to warm up a crowd eager to see their favourite band.They easily made themselves comfortable on the stage at a huge venue like the O2 Apollo and incredibly, wooed the fans over in their half an hour time they had onstage.

SWMRS closely followed to keep the fans moving. The Californian Punk Rock band, formally known as Emily's Army were ecstatic to be back in "the greatest music city" as singer and guitarist Cole Becker stated. Considering not many have heard of them before, the sweaty headed four piece managed the venue with a capacity of 3,500 people pretty smoothly and even had the effect on fans to open the pit, which is pretty hard to achieve for support acts that only have limited time onstage. It is clear the band have love the 'Madchester' music scene, so being able to play in this city clearly means a lot to them! They leave the stage with co-frontman Max Becker telling the almost tame crowd "We'll be back very soon".

Now that the support bands have left their mark, the anticipation for All Time Low was kicking in. Fans erupted with excitement as soon as the venue lights were dimmed and the music stopped at around half nine. Staggering onstage was All Time Low with big grins glued to their faces. They immediately went into 'Kicking and Screaming', off 2015 album 'Future Hearts'. It was clear within the first 30 seconds it was going to be a sweaty show for All Time Low.

Unsurprisingly, they played some of their earlier songs like 'Guts' and 'Six Feet Under The Stars' but managed to have an even balance by including some of their newer songs.The setlist was packed with crowd pleasers that made up of a lengthy set, lasting for an hour and a half. Taking a small break halfway through to really embrace the Manchester audience. Alex softly played 'Therapy' to relax and allow the crowd to breathe before they transitioned into 'Missing You' . Bringing the night to a close, the boys played their signature sign off 'Dear Maria, Count Me In' . Of course we had Jack and Alex's cheeky banter between songs, adding a friendly and comedic effect on the crowd. It was mind blowingly clear how dedicated the bands fans are, not a soul stood still whilst they bounced through their set. All Time Low are still kicking arse!