CONCERT REVIEW: Fall Out Boy [@FallOutBoy]

Fall Out Boy
Opening Act: None
February 7, 2013
The Roxy
West Hollywood, CA

By: Nevra Azerkan

Rating: [The Breakdown]

Six very long years later and the Fall Out Boy hiatus has officially come to an end. Collective sighs were heard all over the world and the race to buy tickets to three come-back shows was on when the guys made the announcement on February 4^th, 2013. Of course the shows went on to sell-out within seconds of going on sale. So I was not surprised when I encountered mayhem outside The Roxy on the day of the Los Angeles show.

Fall Out Boy Is Back! New Single, New Album, New Tour [@FallOutBoy]

The rumors can now stop. Fall Out Boy have officially announced today their return. They have globally launched their new single, “My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark (Light Em Up)” today on iTunes. The track is off of Fall Out Boy’s new album, SAVE ROCK AND ROLL, which will be released worldwide on May 6th/7th, 2013. Pre-orders for the album are at www.falloutboy.com.

The band will also be playing three intimate one-night-only club dates for their fans this week, starting tonight in Chicago (Subterranean), tomorrow night in New York City (Webster Hall Studio), and Los Angeles (The Roxy) on Thursday night. If you don’t already have tickets, I’m afraid they are all sold-out. The official SAVE ROCK AND ROLL U.S. tour kicks off May 14 in Milwaukee, WI at the Rave (tour dates below). Tickets will go on sale February 8th and 9th at Ticketmaster.

CONCERT REVIEW: Patrick Stump

Patrick Stump
Opening Act: Gavin Castleton
October 24, 2011
The Viper Room
West Hollywood, CA

By: Nevra Azerkan
Rating:

I have seen Fall Out Boy live before, but seeing Patrick Stump in his solo venture was an absolute treat for me. His voice is so unique and audibly mesmerizing that he could sing Jingle Bells all night and everyone would be enthralled by the performance. Okay, maybe not Jingle Bells per se, but you get my gist.

After his opener, Gavin Castleton finished his set (most of which I missed), it took awhile before Patrick took the stage, but once he did it was electric. He began with a cover of David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance” and then jumped into his songs from Soul Punk including: “Explode”, “Dance Miserable”, “Spotlight (New Regrets)”, “Everybody Wants Somebody”, “Allie”, “People Never Done A Good Thing” and “Run Dry (X Heart X Fingers)”.

If you are a Patrick Stump fan then you know he started out as a drummer. So it was only natural that he took a seat behind the drum set and began showing off his skills.  Then he moved into a cover of  “In the Air Tonight” by Phil Collins, giving everyone flashbacks from The Hangover. He ended the night by jumping down into the crowd singing “This City” while getting fans to sing along with him.

I’m a fan of his album, Soul Punk, but seeing him perform it live was infinitely better. His energy was so magnetic the moment he took the stage and it proved to be contagious.  His style is clearly influenced by Michael Jackson, Prince and David Bowie as anyone could tell by his attire and stage presence, but he has managed to turn it all into his own. Even his backing band each had his own quirky style that fit in with the show.

It’s obvious to anyone who sees Patrick perform live that he loves what he does. He performs with such precision and passion; it really is a sight to see. I was lucky enough to experience this type of performance in such an intimate venue as The Viper Room. It felt like a private performance unlike his arena shows with Fall Out Boy. Having his tour in smaller venues makes his live show special for everyone attending especially with his commentary in between songs. He made sure to interact with the crowd and it wasn’t awkward or forced on his part, but rather it felt like being at a party with friends.

Bottom line: If you have the opportunity to attend a Patrick Stump concert—GO.

Fall Out Boy’s Patrick Stump to Release Solo Album, “Soul Punk” On October 18th

The highly anticipated solo album from Fall Out Boy frontman, Patrick Stump will be released on October 18th. The album entitled, “Soul Punk,” features the first single,  “This City” ft. Lupe Fiasco which is now available on iTunes. Patrick will be starting a tour on August 3rd and will conclude on September 3rd in Hermosa Beach, CA. Concert goers will be able to pre-order the album at every show.