Fall Out Boy continues their winning streak this year by headlining this year's Honda Civic Tour in fine fashion. Accompanied by the adoring screams of thousands of fans, the guys from suburban Chicago deliver a tight, energetic set that proves they are evolving into one of today's top bands in any genre. Judicious use of spectacle ranging from pyrotechnics to mostly tasteful projected content takes the band into larger venues with ease. This is one of the top concert tours of 2007.
Fall Out Boy Expands Their Scope
Fall Out Boy emerged out of the post-hardcore scene and much of their past material is hook-filled, adrenaline-filled, punkish pop. On their current hit album Infinity On High they have confidently expanded their musical palette into r&b, power pop, and even the occasional ballad. Songs from the new album were among the most impressive onstage whether it was the crowd singalong "This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arms Race," the jet-fueled pop of "Thnks fr th Mmrs," or the towering show and album opener "Thriller."
Lead vocalist Patrick Stump, for all of his shyness, barely speaking a word to the audience, is one of rock's current commanding figures. His singing only continues to improve in technical quality while he provides a visual constant contrasting with the frenetic energy of his bandmates. Stage banter is provided in abundance by the band's headline-grabbing bassist and primary songwriter Pete Wentz. All 4 band members are given significant opportunity to shine making the overall show anything but boring.
Strong Supporting Acts
Fall Out Boy have put together a strong supporting cast. Gabe Saporta's power pop fueled conglomeration Cobra Starship and Paul Wall's populist rap kick off the show. Next up are The Academy Is..., close musical cousins and geographical mates to Fall Out Boy. Led by the charismatic William Beckett, the band delivered a strong, if brief, set that whipped up the crowd energy.
+44, the band immediately preceding Fall Out Boy, are a daring addition to the show due to the group's potential for overshadowing the headliners. +44 was put together by former Blink-182 members Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker. Hoppus engaged the audience with his combination of sometimes harsh stage banter and eternally sweet song vocals while Barker is mesmerizing to watch behind a drum kit. +44 left the stage leaving the audience with very high expectations for the concert's lead act.
A Show Well Worth Seeing
Taking the stage by leaping onto the simple dual-ramped set, Fall Out Boy did not disappoint fans. All key band favorites from "Grand Theft Autumn / Where Is Your Boy" to "The Carpal Tunnel of Love" were included. There was even time for an interlude from the ever-present Dirty with his Jackass-like antics. This is a show well worth seeing featuring a band just beginning to really hit their stride. Fall Out Boy will be around for a long time to come.
