The When We Were Young Festival has become an annual pilgrimage for emo and pop-punk fans, a chance to relive the angsty anthems of their youth. This year’s edition, held over two days in the heart of Las Vegas, felt like a particular homecoming for one state in particular: New Jersey. A surprising number of the bands that graced the stage hailed from the Garden State, proving that Jersey’s influence on the scene is far from “disenchanted.”
Headliners My Chemical Romance, arguably the quintessential emo band, led the charge. Hailing from Belleville, their theatrical performance and deeply personal lyrics resonated with the crowd, many of whom likely discovered the band in their own formative years. The setlist was a mix of classics and deeper cuts, including a full performance of their iconic album “The Black Parade” – a move that sent fans into a frenzy.
But the MCR connection didn’t end there. Guitarist Frank Iero pulled double duty, joining his My Chem bandmates and also taking the stage with his supergroup, L.S. Dunes. This newer project, featuring members of Coheed and Cambria and Circa Survive, brought a fresh but familiar energy to the festival, showcasing Iero’s versatility and the enduring appeal of his musical style.
And let’s not forget the other Jersey heavyweights. Thursday, another beloved emo act with roots in New Brunswick, delivered a powerful set filled with their signature blend of melodic aggression and introspective lyrics. Frontman Geoff Rickly’s raw emotion and the band’s explosive energy proved that they haven’t lost an ounce of their intensity.
The Garden State’s influence didn’t stop there. The Starting Line, hailing from Churchville, brought their infectious pop-punk energy to the festival, while Saves the Day, from Princeton, reminded everyone why they’re considered emo pioneers. Even Senses Fail, who formed in Ridgewood, contributed to the Jersey takeover with their high-energy performance and singalong anthems.
This concentration of New Jersey talent wasn’t just a coincidence. The state has a rich history of breeding influential punk and emo bands, with a scene that’s as gritty and passionate as its residents. Something about the combination of suburban frustration and a proximity to the New York City music scene seems to create a perfect breeding ground for angsty, heartfelt music.
Now, I’ll admit, this wasn’t exactly my scene back in the day. But taking my oldest son to When We Were Young in Vegas was an experience in itself. Seeing him connect with the music and the energy of the crowd, reminded me of the power music has to transcend generations. And hey, even an old guy like me can appreciate a good guitar riff and a catchy chorus. Though I will say, after two full days of festival-going in the desert heat, five days later, my feet are still recovering!
The When We Were Young Festival was a testament to the enduring power of emo and pop-punk, and a reminder that New Jersey’s contribution to the genre is undeniable. For one weekend, fans were transported back to a time when these bands provided the soundtrack to their lives, proving that even in the face of aging, the spirit of emo remains forever young.
