Fans cheered as New Found Glory entered the Paramount stage to the Battle Hymn of the Republic (glory glory hallelujah.) Frontman Jordan Pundik walked on stage wearing a “Robocop boot” – however, a broken foot did not stop the lead singer from delivering a high-energy performance. Pundik sang his lungs out and could be seen jumping on one foot constantly throughout the band’s performance.
Bassist Ian Grushka looked slim after his recent weight loss (he is no longer “190lbs of Pimp”). In February, Ian announced he was auctioning off his old clothes for the Sara Strong campaign, a charity founded by the late cancer patient of the same name. Grushka looked healthy and brought a new energy to the stage. Grushka made some New York fans cheer (and others slightly mad) when he flashed the NY Jets sticker on the back of his base guitar during the show.
“Animal” from The Muppets stuffed animal sat atop Cyrus Bolooki’s drums while the new dad delivered pop-punk beats that constantly kept the circle pit moving and fans crowd-surfing.
Gutarist Chad Gilbert was seen rocking blue hair; I wondered if it is one of the shades from his fiancé (Hayley Williams of Paramore fame) and her new hair line? Gilbert, always promoting solidarity in the punk community, asked fans to show love to the opening acts. He also encouraging audience members sitting down to stand up and have a good time.
