THE GALLERY: Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands) @ NEC 28.05.18

ROAM @ Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands) @ NEC 28.05.18 / Eleanor Sutcliffe

 

 

 

Words & pics by Eleanor Sutcliffe

Ah, Slam Dunk… I arrive at the NEC camera in hand, with a carefully curated list of who I want to see. In 2017 I left the festival absolutely knackered from running in between stages, having seen maybe a third of the bands I planned to, and I vowed one year I would be better prepared. 2018 is not that year.

First is Nottingham based four-piece As December Falls, who were voted by members of the public to open the Rock Sound Breakout stage at Slam Dunk’s Birmingham date. I’m no stranger to the band’s material, having played their debut EP A Home in Your Head on repeat following its release; however it’s the first time I’ve managed to see them live and in color so to say.

As December Falls @ Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands) @ NEC 28.05.18 / Eleanor SutcliffeTheir set is short but energetic, with singer Bethany Curtis pacing back and forth across the stage to ‘Capture’ and my personal favorite ‘Don’t Say a Word’. For a genre that is predominantly fronted by male singers, I’m happy to see a woman performing – but at the same time, I’m uncomfortable at the fact that it’s a defining feature of the band. They’re brilliant. Why should it matter that they’re female fronted? I mentally pocket the subject Stage openers Knuckle Puck – one of the handful of bands to attend Slam Dunk following the European touring festival Galaxy Camp. And I’m only in the photo pit for a few minutes until I’m taken out WWE style by a rogue crowd surfer; being kicked in the head while the band thrashed out ‘Pretense’ was not planned, but serves as a rather brash (and painful) reminder for me to be a little more cautious in the pit.

Dream State @ Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands) @ NEC 28.05.18 / Eleanor Sutcliffe

I run back to the Rock Sound Breakout Stage to catch Dream State perform. Having met them on a recent acoustic tour supporting As It Is, I’ve more used to hearing their material stripped back to its bare bones and I’m eager to see how the full band would compare today. Heavier than what I had anticipated, Dream State are one of the more energetic bands of the day, with singer Charlotte Gilpin flinging herself into the crowd on more than one occasion. Stand out tracks include their single ‘In This Hell’, which sends the festival audience into a state of fury and has since made itself at home on my Spotify.

The Impericon Stage is housing a stellar lineup for the day; myself and some other photographers decide to head over to see Astroid Boys. Having performed numerous shows in Birmingham, I’m interested in seeing the and perform in front of a crowd of this size – the last time they did that in Birmingham was supporting Enter Shikari last November.

Astroid Boys @ Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands) @ NEC 28.05.18 / Eleanor Sutcliffe

Benji emerges with a child on his shoulders, who stares in what looks like bewildered fear at the crowd before racing to the side and being scooped up by who I presume is his father. Strangely, co-front man Traxx is nowhere to be seen, and we find out later that he has left the band. Nevertheless, the remaining members bring their fusion of hardcore and grime to the foyer of Genting Arena in full force, despite Benji’s vocal range being slightly stinted due to the band’s antics the night before in Leeds.

I retreat to the foyer balcony to catch the rest of Astroid Boys’ set and I am overjoyed when they play ‘Foreigners’. From this safer distance I spot a few of my friends throwing themselves into mosh pits below and question the overall safety of the day’s proceedings; this becomes a more serious matter after I am flattened for a second time in the photo pit while shooting The Devil Wears Prada by a crowd surfing fan, despite the efforts of security to catch him.

The Devil Wears Prada @ Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands) @ NEC 28.05.18 / Eleanor SutcliffeI’m given a quick once over and when they’re happy no bones are broken, I’m bundled back out and forced to watch the rest of their set from the sound desk while nursing a rather impressive bump on my shin. And while as energetic as some of the other bands I have seen today, I feel The Devil Wears Prada’s set falls slightly flat due to parts of it sounding slightly out of time. However, this doesn’t put off the hoards of fans screaming along to tracks such as ‘Born to Lose’.

I decide to give hardcore a break and make my way to the Signature Brew Stage to watch Broadside. A friend of mine recently came off tour with the band and recommended I see them, and I’m pleasantly surprised. Their set is bouncy and fun, with singer Ollie Baxxter extending the mic out to the crowd numerous times to allow them to sing along.

The Signature Brew Stage delivers some of the best shows at Slam Dunk 2018 – whether it’s ROAM flinging inflatable pineapples onto the crowd to encourage crowd surfers and back flipping on stage, or Trash Boat descending into the masses for tracks like ‘Strangers’, the performances here are strong throughout the day.

As It Is @ Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands) @ NEC 28.05.18 / Eleanor SutcliffeHeadliners As It Is deliver one of their best shows to date later on in the evening too, debuting their new darker aesthetic much to the joy of their fans. Their latest release, ‘Wounded World’, taken from their upcoming album The Great Depression, shows an exciting development in their sound and is a far cry from the pop-punk tones we grew accustomed to on their previous albums. It even features a breakdown and screaming, much to my inner angsty 14 year old’s delight.

Although the band’s new direction has caused somewhat of a rift in their fan base, with some keyboard warriors claiming it mirrors My Chemical Romance’s look that we all fell in love with back in 2006. Personally, I’m sold; I love the nostalgia of it. Give me a month and I’ll be backcombing my hair and smearing black eyeliner on my face all over again.

But let’s not forget our home talent, bought to Slam Dunk by Birmingham based acoustic artist Luke Rainsford. I try to be unbiased here as I work with Luke regularly, but he’s fucking brilliant.Luke Rainsford @ Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands) @ NEC 28.05.18 / Eleanor Sutcliffe His music is not for the faint of heart, with harrowing lyrics relating to sensitive subjects such as death, depression and anxiety, but that doesn’t put off the crowd gathered for his set on the Key Club Acoustic Stage. Watching the audience sing along in unison to tracks such as ‘Frame’, it’s heartwarming that the young artist I met supporting This Wild Life back in 2016 has garnered such a large local following.

Live, it’s a simple set up – no band or backing, just Rainsford with his guitar, which makes his performance all the more powerful. It’s the type of music you listen to alone, late at night, while contemplating your purpose in life. It’s gut-wrenching at times, but there’s comfort to be found in its honesty. Listen to ‘Sweet Briar’ if you don’t believe me.

By now it’s early evening and the crowds are starting to accumulate at the larger stages. I head back into the belly of the beast to see State Champs, who I last saw cause absolute carnage at their headline show at O2 Institute.State Champs @ Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands) @ NEC 28.05.18 / Eleanor Sutcliffe The crowd they’ve gathered at Slam Dunk shows their fan base is still growing, and again I dodge bodies that pour over the safety barrier while snapping photos of singer Derek DiScanio pacing across the stage with seemingly boundless energy.

Their old material is, as expected, wonderful – however their newer tracks feel slightly flat. I desperately want to like ‘Crystal Ball’, but I can’t help but feel it lacks the punch and angsty atmosphere that we were introduced to when the band dropped ‘Around the World and Back’. Musically, State Champs are nearly faultless today, but they pale in comparison to the subsequent performance by Sleeping with Sirens. Call me a sucker for showmanship, but if your guitarist can balance his instrument on a single hand then I’m sold.

Realising I should probably eat something before I pass-out, I head outside to the Fireball Stage in search of sustenance. I’m not a fan of this stage usually, however I find myself bobbing along to the likes of The Skints and Goldfinger with a group of fans in the arena. This is one of the beautiful parts of festivals – you can literally stumble across new music and fall in love instantly. Even if you have to trek for what feels like miles between stages.Sleeping with Sirens @ Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands) @ NEC 28.05.18 / Eleanor Sutcliffe Which, on this somewhat spread out festival site, it probably is.

In case you haven’t gathered, I’m a sucker for bands with female artists in this genre. They’re few and far between, especially on the bigger stages, which is why I am hell-bent on seeing PVRIS perform back on the Jägermeister Stage during the evening line up. And despite what looks like some technical difficulties involving Lynn Gunn’s in-ears, their performance was everything you’d expect and a definite improvement on their last Birmingham show at the O2 Academy in November last year. PVRIS’s nine song set is a balanced mixture of material from both of their albums, opening with piano piece ‘Heaven’ and finishing with the much faster, heavier ‘My House’.

Unfortunately the headliners clash, resulting in a decision between Good Charlotte and Jimmy Eat World. I settle on the latter – reasoning that as I haven’t ventured out to the Monster Stage yet, I could do with a change of scene.

PVRIS @ Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands) @ NEC 28.05.18 / Eleanor Sutcliffe

Big mistake.

The Monster Stage was far.

Half an hour walk, to be precise. Which translates to a fifteen minute sprint.

For most of the bands, Slam Dunk works on what photographers tend to call an ‘open pit’ policy. This means you could go into any photo pit, at any time, and shoot the band performing. However, this rule does not apply to the headline acts and the photographers covering the festival are only allowed a more standard pit access to shoot the first three songs. This results in utter chaos, as fans and press alike rush over to the Monster Stage to try and catch the start of Jimmy Eat World’s performance.Jimmy Eat World @ Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands) @ NEC 28.05.18 / Eleanor Sutcliffe And being only human this serves as a major flaw for both myself and many other photographers, as despite our best efforts we arrive late for the headliner’s set, looking, and feeling, rather worse for wear.

Jimmy Eat World’s set up, however, is stunning – large, red streetlamps shine on the stage and I find I enjoy their set much more than I thought I might. Despite not being a huge Jimmy fan, I recognise tracks such as ‘Futures’ and cult classic ‘The Middle’. But it’s the crowd that make this performance so wonderful tonight; strangers hold hands and sing along to tracks together, while others dance with each other. In the end, I watch the fans more than I watch the band.

But this is what makes a festival, and this is certainly what makes Slam Dunk so special. And whilst I may not have been as prepared as I had hoped, leaving my body armour and roller skates at home, this is why we throw ourselves around a spread out site year after year, dusting ourselves off from mosh pit and crowd surfing related injuries. All good practice for Slam Dunk 2019.

 

 

 

Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands) @ NEC 28.05.18 / Eleanor Sutcliffe

Jimmy Eat World @ Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands) @ NEC 28.05.18 / Eleanor SutcliffeJimmy Eat World @ Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands) @ NEC 28.05.18 / Eleanor Sutcliffe PVRIS @ Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands) @ NEC 28.05.18 / Eleanor Sutcliffe PVRIS @ Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands) @ NEC 28.05.18 / Eleanor Sutcliffe Goldfinger @ Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands) @ NEC 28.05.18 / Eleanor Sutcliffe Goldfinger @ Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands) @ NEC 28.05.18 / Eleanor Sutcliffe Sleeping with Sirens @ Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands) @ NEC 28.05.18 / Eleanor Sutcliffe Sleeping with Sirens @ Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands) @ NEC 28.05.18 / Eleanor Sutcliffe State Champs @ Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands) @ NEC 28.05.18 / Eleanor Sutcliffe State Champs @ Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands) @ NEC 28.05.18 / Eleanor Sutcliffe Luke Rainsford @ Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands) @ NEC 28.05.18 / Eleanor Sutcliffe As It Is @ Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands) @ NEC 28.05.18 / Eleanor Sutcliffe As It Is @ Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands) @ NEC 28.05.18 / Eleanor Sutcliffe Trash Boat @ Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands) @ NEC 28.05.18 / Eleanor Sutcliffe Trash Boat @ Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands) @ NEC 28.05.18 / Eleanor Sutcliffe ROAM @ Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands) @ NEC 28.05.18 / Eleanor Sutcliffe ROAM @ Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands) @ NEC 28.05.18 / Eleanor Sutcliffe Broadside @ Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands) @ NEC 28.05.18 / Eleanor Sutcliffe Broadside @ Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands) @ NEC 28.05.18 / Eleanor Sutcliffe The Devil Wears Prada @ Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands) @ NEC 28.05.18 / Eleanor Sutcliffe The Devil Wears Prada @ Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands) @ NEC 28.05.18 / Eleanor Sutcliffe Astroid Boys @ Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands) @ NEC 28.05.18 / Eleanor Sutcliffe Astroid Boys @ Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands) @ NEC 28.05.18 / Eleanor Sutcliffe Dream State @ Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands) @ NEC 28.05.18 / Eleanor Sutcliffe Dream State @ Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands) @ NEC 28.05.18 / Eleanor Sutcliffe Knuckle Puck @ Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands) @ NEC 28.05.18 / Eleanor Sutcliffe As December Falls @ Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands) @ NEC 28.05.18 / Eleanor Sutcliffe As December Falls @ Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands) @ NEC 28.05.18 / Eleanor Sutcliffe

For direct information on Slam Dunk, visit www.slamdunkmusic.com

For from the Genting Arena, including full event listings and links to online ticket sales, visit www.gentingarena.co.uk

ELEANOR’S PICK: Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands) @ NEC 28.05.18

ELEANOR’S PICK: Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands) @ NEC 28.05.18

Words by Eleanor Sutcliffe

Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands) comes to the NEC in Birmingham on 28th May. For a direct event information, including venue details and online ticket sales, visit www.gentingarena.co.uk/whats-on/slam-dunk-festival

As one of the most anticipated dates in the UK pop punk calendar, it’s safe to say Slam Dunk Festival are taking no prisoners with this year’s line up. With a bevy of bands and artists descending upon the NEC in just under a week’s time, I took it upon myself to comb through the roster and select a number that I personally love.

ELEANOR’S PICK: Holding Absence at Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands) @ NEC 28.05.18

Holding Absence / Rock Sound Breakout Stage

Birmingham favourites, Holding Absence, are set to make their Slam Dunk debut this year on the Rock Sound Breakout Stage. Having recently announced the departure of guitarist Feisal El-Khazragi, it will be one of their first performances without him in their line up. But with Holding Absence recently nominated for Best British Breakthrough Band at the 2018 Heavy Metal Awards, plus playing a string of dates supporting Being as an Ocean across Europe in June, they’re certainly not letting El-Khazragi’s departure slow them down.

Represented by Sharptone Records – who bought us the likes of Don Broco, Miss May I and We Came As Romans – the Cardiff based band also recently toured and released a co-EP with Loathe titled This Is As One, which earned them numerous positive reviews from critics for tracks such as ‘Saint Cecilia’.

Holding Absence perform at 3:30pm on the Rock Sound Breakout Stage. For more on Holding Absence, visit www.holdingabsence.com

Saint Cecilia’ – Holding Absence

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ELEANOR’S PICK: PVRIS at Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands) @ NEC 28.05.18

PVRIS / Jägermeister Main Stage

Having recently performed at Coachella, PVRIS will be returning to Birmingham hot off the heels of the American leg of their All We Know of Heaven, All We Need Of Hell tour – promoting their latest album of the same name.

Lynn Gunn’s dreamy vocals, combined with the band’s heavy rock influences, have earned them a dedicated fanbase and won them Rock Sound’s Artist of the Year Award back in 2017. Here’s hoping PVRIS also perform some tracks from their debut album, White Noise, with songs such as ‘St. Patrick’ and ‘My House’ being on my personal wish list.

PVRIS perform at 8:15 pm on the Jägermeister Main Stage. For more on PVRIS, visit www.pvris.com

‘Anyone Else’ – PVRIS

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ELEANOR’S PICK: Taking Back Sunday at Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands) @ NEC 28.05.18

Taking Back Sunday / Monster Energy Main Stage

Returning to Slam Dunk for the 3rd time, Taking Back Sunday were in the first wave of bands to be confirmed to at perform this year’s festival.

Having released their 7th album, Tidal Waves, in September 2016, and parting ways with their original guitarist Eddie Rayes last month, it will be interesting to see if we get to hear any new material from the group. Although I’m hoping to hear classic tracks such as ‘You’re So Last Summer’ and ‘MakeDamnSure’ as well as songs such as ‘You Can’t Look Back’ from their latest album live.

Taking Back Sunday perform at 8:05pm on the Monster Energy Main Stage. For more on Taking Back Sunday, visit www.takingbacksunday.com

‘You’re So Last Summer’ – Taking Back Sunday

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ELEANOR’S PICK: Astroid Boys at Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands) @ NEC 28.05.18Astroid Boys / Impericon Stage

The Impericon stage will be hosting hardcore grime band Astroid Boys, who have always delivered impressive shows in Birmingham. Growing steadily since their formation back in 2012, they were bought to my attention after being featured in BBC Radio 4’s documentary Operation Grime, which tailed them on a tour across the UK.

Astroid Boys‘ music is not for the faint hearted – expect brutal lyrics addressing issues such as racism, mashed with hardcore and grime influences to create a sound you probably have never heard before… but will just as probably want to listen to again.

Astroid Boys perform at 2:20 pm on the Impericon Stage. For more on Astroid Boys, visit www.astroid-boys.com

‘Foreigners’ – Astroid Boys

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ELEANOR’S PICK: As It Is at Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands) @ NEC 28.05.18

As It Is / Signature Brew Stage

Announcing the August release of their latest album, The Great Depression, only a few days ago, Brighton based As It Is will be headlining the Signature Brew stage this year.

A band who’ve amassed a dedicated fan base with tracks such as ‘Dial Tones’ and ‘Hey Rachel’, their material is catchy, easy to listen to and fun – however it’s unfair to assume they lack a more serious side. Their latest release, ‘The Wounded World’, delves into a much darker side of their ever-expanding noise, having been cited by the band as a ‘new era’ of their music which expands on ‘the societal romanticisation of depression’ and ‘the disrepair of present-day human connection’.

As ever with this band, though, As It Is approach their subject with the respect and sensitivity it warrants – referencing their new material as a means for them to work to create a positive change for mental health.

As It Is perform at 8:30pm on the Signature Brew Stage. For more from As It Is, visit www.asitisofficial.bandcamp.com

‘The Wounded World’ – As It Is

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ELEANOR’S PICK: Luke Rainsford at Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands) @ NEC 28.05.18

Luke Rainsford / The Key Club Acoustic Stage

The Key Club Acoustic Stage is hosting a stellar line up of bands and artists, including Birmingham’s Luke Rainsford – combining upbeat guitar with gut wrenching vocals, making music that is hard hitting but a real treat to listen to.

Having toured the UK extensively since the release of I Feel At Home With You in February 2017, and having recently released his latest EP, I Just Don’t Deserve To Be Loved, in April 2018, Rainsford’s music deals with difficult issues such as loss, bereavement, low self esteem and mental health. Good, honest stuff.

Luke Rainsford performs at 4:15 pm on The Key Club Acoustic Stage. For more on Luke Rainsford, visit www.lukerainsford.bandcamp.com

‘Home Safe’ – Luke Rainsford

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltnvyxgWovs

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ELEANOR’S PICK: Stand Atlantic at Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands) @ NEC 28.05.18

Stand Atlantic / Rock Sound Breakout Stage

Australian trio, Stand Atlantic, will also be making their Slam Dunk debut this year, having recently toured with other performers such as ROAM and Knuckle Puck. With their latest EP, Sidewinder, reaching an impressive #10 on Rock Sound’s Top 50 Albums of 2017, and having been cited by Kerrang! as one of the hottest bands of 2018, Stand Atlantic are proving they’re a force to be reckoned with.

Claiming influences from Blink-182 to The 1975, they’re certainly considered a mixed bag musically too – but in the best possible way. Trust me. Go and listen to ‘Coffee at Midnight’. You can thank me later.

Stand Atlantic perform at 6:00 pm on the Rock Sound Breakout Stage. For more on Stand Atlantic, visit www.facebook.com/StandAtlantic 

‘Coffee at Midnight’ – Stand Atlantic

Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands) comes to the NEC in Birmingham on 28th May. For direct information on Slam Dunk Festival 2018, including details on all the events happening across the UK, visit www.slamdunkmusic.com

For a direct info and online ticket sales for Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands), visit www.gentingarena.co.uk/whats-on/slam-dunk-festival

For more from the Genting Arena, including full events listing and venue details, visit www.gentingarena.co.uk

BPREVIEW: Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands) @ NEC 28.05.18

BPREVIEW: Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands) @ NEC 28.05.18

Words by Eleanor Sutcliffe

On the 28th May, Slam Dunk Festival 2018 will be coming to the NEC in Birmingham for the Midlands date of the 3-day festival.

Doors open at the NEC from 12:30pm, with tickets are priced at £54.80 plus booking fee – as presented by Slam Dunk Ltd. For direct information on Slam Dunk Festival 2018, including details on all the events happening across the UK, click here. For a direct link to online ticket sales for Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands), click here.

Starting in 2006, Slam Dunk Festival has grown over the years into an inaugural part of every pop punk and rock fan’s calendar. With 6 stages hosting countless bands, and thousands of fans flocking to sites across the UK year upon year, it’s been promised that 2018’s line up will be the pinnacle of the festival so far.

Slam Dunk Festival 2018As per usual, the festival is being split into 6 stages – ensuring it can cater for any fans tastes, be that acoustic or pop punk. Headliners this year include Good Charlotte and Jimmy Eat World, who are both making their debut Slam Dunk appearances at the 2018 festivals, alongside Taking Back Sunday, Frank Carter & the Rattlesnakes, and Sleeping with Sirens.

Having recently completed a UK tour, alt rock band PVRIS will be back in Birmingham performing on the Jägermeister Stage – along with State Champs, Knuckle Puck, Four Year Strong, and Southampton’s horror rock band Creeper. To read our Birmingham Review of when PVRIS came to the O2 Academy Birmingham, click here.

The Monster Stage will be home to bands such as Twin Atlantic and Moose Blood, while the Fireball Stage will host Slam Dunk favorites Zebrahead and Reel Big Fish.

However, it’s the smaller stages where many of the festival’s gems really lie – with up and coming bands such as Holding Absence, Loathe, Stand Atlantic and Astroid Boys all making appearances at this year’s festival. The acoustic Key Club Stage is looking to be a belter too, with Birmingham’s Luke Rainsford performing alongside Speak Low If You Speak Love and an extra stripped back set from Four Year Strong.

The rounding off the night will be the Slam Dunk Festival 2018 after party, hosted by Birmingham’s alternative club night UPRAWR – held in the Genting Arena Forum from 11pm to 3am.

So a bit to keep you busy on the Bank Holiday, and with an uber strong line up of the scene’s great, good and going to be HUGE tickets are likely to sell out. You might want to scrap your pennies together a little quickly – this year’s Slam Dunk Festival is looking to quite possibly be the best yet.

On the 28th May, Slam Dunk Festival 2018 comes to the NEC in Birmingham. For direct information on Slam Sunk Festival 2018, including details on all the events happening across the UK, visit www.slamdunkmusic.com

For a direct info and online ticket sales for Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands), visit www.gentingarena.co.uk/whats-on/slam-dunk-festival

For more on the Slam Dunk Festival 2018 after party – hosted by UPRAWR, click here.

For more from the Genting Arena, including full event listings and online ticket sales, visit www.gentingarena.co.uk

BPREVIEW: All Time Low @ Genting Arena 15.03.18

All Time Low @ Genting Arena 15.03.18

Words by Eleanor Sutcliffe

All Time Low will be performing at the Genting Arena on the 15th March – opening the show by performing their sophomore album, So Wrong, It’s Right, in full. Support will be coming from Southampton based Creeper.

Doors open at the Genting Arena from 5pm (Forum Live) and 6pm (Arena Bowl), with All Time Low scheduled to perform from 8pm onwards. Tickets are currently on sale from £37.63 plus booking fees – as presented by SJM Concerts/Gigs and Tours. For direct gig information, including full showtimes, venue details, and online ticket sales, click here.

This will be the first UK tour for the Baltimore band since they released their latest album, Last Young Renegade, which scooped the Rock Sound Award for Album of the Year in 2017. A far cry from the more summer-y beats of So Wrong, It’s Right – their most recent LP explores a darker side to All Time Low’s style, winning over their fans with tracks such as ‘Dirty Laundry’.

It’s clear All Time Low have come a long way since releasing their debut studio album, The Party Scene, back in 2005. Their steady climb to pop-punk stardom has included performances at festivals such as Warped Tour, Reading and Leeds, plus more albums than you can shake a muddy greenfield stick at.

But the band’s last album did mark a significant shift as All Time Low left their long time label, Hopeless Records, to release Last Young Renegade through the Atlantic subsidiary, Fueled by Ramen. Their latest tour announcement hasn’t been without its obstacles either – with the withdrawal of Pierce The Veil as a co-headliner following allegations of sexual misconduct against the band’s drummer, Mike Fuentes, the status of the UK leg seemed in doubt.

But All Time Low soon rectified the situation by announcing that, as opposed to bringing in another headliner at such short notice, they would instead fill the time by performing their 2007 album So Wrong, It’s Right in full – alongside recruiting the support of ‘horror punk’ four piece, Creeper, on their UK dates.

And with popular tracks such as ‘Dear Maria, Count Me In’ and ‘Remembering Sunday’ hailing from the album in question, fans are in for a nostalgic treat at the Genting Arena and across the UK.

‘Dirty Laundry’ – All Time Low

For more on All Time Low, visit www.alltimelow.com

For more on Creeper, visit www.creepercult.com

For more from SJM Concerts/Gig and Tours, including further event listings and online ticket sales, visit www.gigsandtours.com

For more from the Genting Arena, including venue details and further event listings, visit www.gentingarena.co.uk