Review: Mayday Parade @ Hindley Street Music Hall 17/09/25
Florida rockers Mayday Parade delivered a career-spanning set that reminded Adelaide music lovers why the band are so globally revered.
Words Jannah Fahiz // Photo supplied
Mayday Parade w/Jack’s Mannequin & The Home Team @ Hindley Street Music Hall 17/09/25
Much-adored Florida rockers Mayday Parade have made a name for themselves with their emo-infused punk rock, soundtracking emo club nights around the globe. On Wednesday night, Mayday Parade returned to Adelaide as part of their Three Cheers For 20 Years Tour. Playing under the Hindley Street Music Hall chandelier to a packed crowd, they reminded everyone why they are so loved by music fans.
The support acts for the show were notably as good as the headline. The night started with Seattle rockers The Home Team, who packed a punch with their opening set. From the first note of opener ‘Slow Boom’, the energy was high and the vibes were good. They danced and high-kicked their way through a set of upbeat songs, including ‘Right Through Me’, ‘Hell’ and ‘Watching All Your Friends Get Rich’, while the crowd got their lights out for the slower love ballads, making the room glow. Frontman Brian Butcher brought the powerhouse vocals and sang each line to perfection while he danced along with his bandmates, all while encouraging the audience to dance along. The Home Team was the perfect band to hype up the crowd.
Hailing from Orange County, California, Jack’s Mannequin were up next, with the crowd welcoming them back after a 13 year absence from Australia. You could feel the mutual care the musicians had for each other throughout their set. They stayed close to each other and had big smiles on their faces as they performed crowd favourites such as ‘Swim’, ‘The Resolution’ and ‘Dark Blue’. It felt like gathering around the family room to sing songs together with Andrew McMahon and his piano in the centre.
After such high-quality openers, the much-anticipated headliner act took the stage. After 20 years, Mayday Parade have truly mastered their craft. Opening with ‘By the Way’ from their latest release Sweet, Mayday Parade made sure the set was laid out flawlessly with their big hits scattered throughout. Early releases ‘Jersey’ and ‘Anywhere But Here’ mixed perfectly with newer tracks ‘One for the Rocks and One for the Scary’ and ‘Pretty Good To Feel Something’.
Each member played their role to perfection and interacted with the crowd throughout the performance. Vocalist Derek Sanders didn't miss a note; his vocals were strong when they needed to be and delicate when required. The harmonies were on point and the guitar solos nailed. Through nearly every song, there was a chorus of old and new fans singing along. The audience was passionate but considerate of those around them, with Mayday Parade having cultivated a welcoming and inclusive community.
Custom lighting and visuals really tied the show together. Behind the band, the screen displayed stunning moving pictures and timed lyrics that were curated to each song they played. They also included some skits and old interviews that made the whole room laugh.
Mayday Parade played a few upbeat numbers before slowing it down on the piano, giving everyone a moment to take a break from dancing and enjoy the more emotional songs.
Just like the two bands before them, Mayday Parade shared the story of their journey, with the common theme being how each act was thankful they could play music for a living and travel to the other side of the world and have so much support.
Finishing up with ‘Jamie All Over’, Mayday Parade encouraged the audience to have patience and kindness when walking this world, especially in the times we are living in. It was evident that each of these bands doesn't take their platform for granted, and that is probably the main reason all three have gotten so far with their careers.
This show was a delightful mix of dancing, nostalgia and emotion; a coming together to celebrate the love of emo rock. This is a show I would love to experience again.
