Please don’t tell me that I’m dreaming; it’s been TWENTY years?!
May 5th, 2025 was a night that will be etched in the hearts of local emo music lovers for years to come. Sold out The Van Buren, fans brimming with anticipation, it was the perfect setting to celebrate Mayday Parade’s 20th anniversary — a milestone that was as much a reflection of the band’s past as it was a testament to their cemented impact on the emo and pop-punk scene.
From the moment the lights went down and the set began, it was clear this was going to be something special. Kicking things off with an excerpt of a 2007 Warped Tour interview, the energy in the room was palpable, and the crowd, packed with fans who had followed the band through thick and thin, erupted in nostalgic cheers. There was a sense of unity in the air and a collective recognition that this was more than just a concert; it was a celebration of two entire decades of music that has shaped a generation.
Mayday’s setlist was nothing short of a triumph. Spanning across their entire discography, the band performed a well-crafted mix of fan favorites, deep cuts, and anthemic tracks that have become staples of the emo music landscape. Highlights included “Miserable at Best,” which brought the crowd to a quiet, emotional hush, and “Oh Well, Oh Well,” which reignited the room with its infectious energy. The band’s performance was as tight as ever. Vocalist Derek Sanders’ unmistakable voice soared with the same passion and intensity that made these songs so iconic in the first place. Guitarists Alex Garcia and Brooks Betts were effortlessly in sync and rocking out like their lives depended on this show, while bassist Jeremy Lenzo and drummer Jake Bundrick kept the groove steady and refused to let the energy die.
For those who grew up with A Lesson in Romantics or Anywhere But Here, this show hit the nostalgic sweet spot. But even the deeper cuts, like “Three Cheers for Five Years” and “Just Say You’re Not Into It,” were met with an enthusiastic reception, to put it lightly, showcasing the dedication of Mayday Parade’s fanbase, many of whom have followed the band since its early days. You could feel the intense love between the band and their fans as the night continued, making it clear that this fanbase is a community, and not just fans alone.
This special night offered a bit of everything: plenty of crowd interaction, playful banter between songs, and moments of reflection on the band’s journey over the past two decades. Sanders shared heartfelt gratitude for the fans who’ve stuck with them through the highs and lows of their career, acknowledging that this anniversary tour was as much about the fans as it was about the band’s own milestones.
A standout moment of the evening came during the encore, where the band performed “One Man Drinking Games” and, naturally, “Jamie All Over.” The emotional weight of those songs was felt deeply asthe crowd sang the heart-wrenching lyrics in unison. It was the perfect closing to a night that was all about honoring the past while looking toward the future of the band. As The lights came back on, the crowd slowly began to disperse, but the buzz of excitement lingered. Mayday Parade proved that, even after 20 years, they still have the magic that makes them one of the most beloved bands in the genre. For the fans who grew up with their music, the show was a triumphant reminder of the soundtrack to their adolescence. And for those new to the band, it was a chance to witness the legacy of a band that defined an era.
In all, Mayday Parade’s anniversary show at The Van Buren was a beautiful, emotional, and exhilarating celebration of two decades of music that shaped not just the emo scene, but the lives of countless fans. If you were lucky enough to be in Phoenix that night, you experienced more than just a concert—you experienced a piece of history.
Here’s to another 20 years. Mayday Parade, your legacy is secure.
