I had the chance to sit down with Andrew McMahon while at When We Were Young Festival in Las Vegas. Known best for his illustrious collection of projects Jack’s Mannequin, Something Corporate, and Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, McMahon’s catalogue reaches depths very few do. We spoke about his historic gig at Red Rocks this summer, playing at Notre Dame Stadium, and how incredible of a movie “Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping” is.

Logan Melia: How you doing, Andrew?  

Andrew McMahon: I’m doing good. How are you?  

Logan: I’m doing really well. Bottom of my heart, thank you so much. I’m a huge fan. This is so cool for me.  

Andrew: Absolutely. My pleasure. Thanks for having me.  

Logan: So, my first introduction to you was Something Corporate in 2024, last year at Riot Fest. 

Andrew: No shit. Okay, amazing. 

Logan: Yeah, so I’m new on the street. 

Andrew: You’re new in here. I love it.  

Logan: And I heard “If U C Jordan” and I went, what’s going on at that stage? And I booked it over there. 

Andrew: That’s amazing. 

Logan:I just, I fell in love with you guys and all your work.  

Andrew: Thank you.  

Logan: This return, between Jack’s Mannequin and Something Corporate, how’s it been for you so far? 

Andrew: It’s been good. You know, like, I’ve been on this sort of mission to revisit these projects that were sort of foundational to my becoming the artist that I am and the writer that I am. And it felt like there was, like, some unfinished business there, you know? I’m 43 as of this year, but I was kind of leading in my 40th birthday I was like, I want to, you know, now I feel like I have enough hindsight and my feet on the ground. Let’s reframe this music in a different time, you know. So it’s been a crazy two years. It’s like I’m getting to relive the memories that, that sort of led to the writing of these songs. But getting to do it, I think, in a way that’s a little more holistic and a little more engaged and aware and seeing people still love these songs. It’s like, it’s pretty powerful.  

Logan: You played quite the gig at Red Rocks this summer. With all your bands. I wasn’t there, but it looked absolutely incredible. Did you just decide one day, you know what, I want to be on stage the whole night? How did that come to be?  

Andrew: Honestly, my, so my managers are based in Denver. And so Red Rocks is like, aside from being one of the most revered venues in the world, it’s in their backyard. And, they came to me one day and they were like, look, Red Rocks is willing to make an offer if you’ll do a show with two of your three bands. If you get two of the three, we’ll do it. And I thought about it and I was like, that’s too many people, I can’t sell that many tickets. I gave them all the reasons. And I finally landed on like, well, if we’re going to do this, we should just do it with everybody.  

Logan: Do it all out. 

Andrew: This feels important enough. Let’s not limit what can be played. Let’s just get all of these, let’s give it. Let’s get a stage for all of the songs from all of the years with everybody. And I was terrified and I worked, we worked tirelessly for a year to put the show together. I’s probably one of my proudest moments making music. And to get to share it with all of these characters and amazing musicians that helped bring all the songs to life originally. It was special in a way that it’s hard to describe. 

Logan: It was all three of it. Did you start rehearsing with one band specifically? Or did you just, what was the process? 

Andrew: Well, so luckily Something Corporate had been on the road for a good chunk of that year. So we sort of already had our feedback. The Jack’s Mannequin and Wilderness bands are virtually the same, give or take a guy or two. So it was really a matter of like getting that stuff back up and running and learning those songs. And then we just kind of put everybody in a room for five days up in Denver with the production build. Learned what it was going to look like, how it was going to feel. Because usually you do these production rehearsals and you get like a test run in a smaller venue. We didn’t have that. It was like, we were booting up the most ambitious show we’ve ever performed for the first time at Red Rocks, you know? So it was all of us kind of like living together for a week and, and running through sets and through sections of the show and going okay, this works. This doesn’t work. And editing in real time, it was pretty intense.  

Logan: You also played a pretty cool gig opening up for Billy Joel for the first gig at Notre Dame Stadium ever, I believe. 

Andrew: I mean, that I don’t know, but I know I did play, I know I played Notre Dame with Billy Joel. So that’s an interesting thought that it was their first gig ever there. That would be wild. 

Logan: I believe it was.  

Andrew: Yeah. I got to do maybe six or seven shows with him over the course of a few years and he was my idol. That was, for me, when I started playing piano and singing, it was all about Billy Joel. It was the first concert I ever attended. He was the music I was learning on a piano. He was the artist I was emulating when I was writing my songs, 9, 10, 11, 12 years old. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I was going to share a stage with him. And he was so kind and invited me back so many times. I was raised in an Irish Catholic family.  

Logan: Me as well.  

Andrew: My whole family flew out so that they could be there and see a show at Notre Dame. Because my brothers, their father, my two brothers and sister, their father went to Notre Dame. So we were like, it was a Notre Dame household and still is to this day.  

Logan: Playing USC right now. 

Andrew: I am getting the updates constantly on my phone. But it was a big night for my family to not only see me play with Billy, who was a family hero, but to do it at Notre Dame, which was their team.  

Logan: That’s holy ground in more ways than one right there. You have a TV show that you are working on.  

Andrew: I’m working on a TV show!  

Logan: I just did some research for this. I was like, okay, play some really cool gigs and all that stuff. We have a TV show in the mix. So what’s going on there? 

Andrew: I met this really great producer guy named Adam Londy a few years ago. He was trying to option the rights for my book that I put out, the memoir that I put out. They weren’t available at the time. He came back to me a few months later. He was like, look, I just want to do a show with you. Here’s my idea. What if the jumping off point is Orange County, where you grew up. And it’s loosely based on one of your old songs, a song called “Konstantine”. Just kind of like a rom-com, but it’s about a couple that should maybe never get together. I was like, sounds cool. Weirdly, I’ve been along for the ride. We have the amazing Pat Cunnane who is a really in-demand screenwriter right now. And then Paris Hilton jumped on board to get in the mix and produce and possibly narrate. I’ve worked in TV on and off for years. I’ve scored stuff for television. I’ve written for film. But it’s the first time I’m there from the jump and get to be a part of the creative team. It’s super exciting. For all the nostalgia going around right now, this show is going to be based in the early aughts. And we’re really going to be reflecting the culture of that time back. It’s also why Paris was such a great fit for it. But it’s in its infancy. We still have to write the pilot, get greenlit, cast, and do the whole thing. But it will be how I spend probably a chunk of next year. 

Logan: That’s exciting.  

Andrew: I’m super excited. I’m a TV junkie so this is allowing me to stretch out and diversify into a world where I actually spend a lot offtime.  

Logan: What are you watching right now?  

Andrew: I’m just in the middle of the first season, “The Fucking End of the World”. I don’t know if you’ve seen that.  

Logan: I have not, no.  

Andrew: It’s “The End of the Fucking World”, I think it’s called, it’s amazing. “House of Guinness” was a big one that I’ve been into. Task is the other one that is a newer show that I’ve been watching. I just revisited a bunch of old “Serpent”, serial killer kind of shit. But the go-to’s are “The Office”, “Parks and Rec”, “30 Rock”. Those are my comforts. We’re watching “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” with my daughter right now.  

Logan: Andy Samberg, he’s great. 

Andrew: Andy Samberg is my fucking hero. I can’t wait until my daughter is old enough so I can show her “Popstar”, which is one of my favorites. 

Logan: “Never Stop, Never Stopping”. 

Andrew: “Never Stop, Never Stopping”. We can go into all the songs. But yes, it’s great. I’m trying to think what else has been top of mind at the moment. Those are the big ones that I’m into right now. I just saw “Game of Thrones” for the first time this year. 

Logan: How was that? I never watched it.  

Andrew: I was traveling a ton. I watched every season, every episode in like two months.  

Logan: Oh wow.  

Andrew: I spent way too much time watching Game of Thrones. It was great though. 

Logan: Won’t keep you too much longer. Do you remember the first song? Maybe not for Something Corporate or anything like that. But the first time you put together a song and you went, I got a verse, a chorus, another verse. Do you remember that song and what it was?  

Andrew: Yeah, it was called “Believe”. I was nine, it was the first song I ever wrote. It was for my uncle who had recently passed away. It’s what drove me to play the piano. I always had a piano in my house. We went through this family tragedy. Truthfully, my uncle was just so important to all of us. He was really kind of like a de facto patriarch in the family, just like this guy who meant so much to everybody. I found myself sitting down at the piano for really the first time and writing a song to process that grief. That was it for me. I was like, oh shit, this is what I do now. I never looked back. 

Logan: You made a hell of a career out of it.  

Andrew: Thank you. I appreciate it.  

Logan: What up-and-coming artists do you have your eye on? Do you have your eye on anyone?  

Andrew: I guess he’s probably a little further along than up-and-coming, but Medium Build has been, for me, huge. I love what he’s saying. I think he’s a true poet and has his eye on the prize in a way that I really appreciate. There’s an artist named Annika Bennett. Again, she’s been around for a little while, but I think she’s going to continue to do big things. She’s amazing. Those are my two favorites that I’m watching closely and that I’m always hoping are going to just keep getting bigger and bigger because they deserve it.  

Logan: Absolutely. Well, thank you so much for taking the time to sit down with me. I really, really appreciate it.  

Andrew: Thank you.  

The sun had fully set over Las Vegas as Andrew McMahon led Jack’s Mannequin through a stellar set at the Allianz Stage. McMahon played seven tracks, including “Restless Dream”, which he preceded by forewarning “This is probably ill advised; which is we are going to play a really, really quiet song. Certainly on the metal stage it’s probably even less advised, but you all look beautiful and I’m gonna come down and sing and dance with you guys”. Hopping down into the crowd for the tune off of their 2011 record “People and Things”, it was one of my favorite moments of the festival. That performance of “Restless Dream” encapsulated the warmth of this show, just pure magic. It felt as if the barricades were non-existent and the stage was built into the whole crowd as the chorus of voices sang along. You can catch Jack’s Mannequin on tour this fall across North America. Stay tuned for more coverage from When We Were Young Festival and listen to Downey’s Hour on Monday nights 9-11pm for your latest festival news!

Cover Photo by Sean Jorg. Courtesy of When We Were Young Festival.

The post Interview: Andrew McMahon appeared first on KRUI Radio.

I was off and running at 11:00 where I went to the Allianz stage to see a bit of Her Leather Jacket, who I would be interviewing later that day. Hitting us hard and fast for the first set of the day, the Nashville based duo played through nine songs including their latest single “Death Train” that features Kellin Quinn from Sleeping with Sirens. They will be opening for The Used later this month. 

I made my way to the press lounge to interview The Plain White T’s ahead of their slot at 2:45. We spoke about their upbringing right next door to my hometown in Lombard, Illinois and our shared love of Death Cab for Cutie. Sticking around for their set later that day, they played their hits “Rhythm of Love”, “Hey There Delilah” and a surprise cover of fellow Chicago area natives, Fall Out Boy’s “Dance, Dance”. A splendid set as they kick off their “Delilah vs. Juliet” tour with We The Kings.

I got my steps in as I was running between stages trying to catch as many artists as I could. I stopped by to see The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, who I would interview later that day, at 12:10 and split their set with Destroy Boys who tore up the Pink Stage starting at 12:20. The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus played their latest single “Slipping Through (No Kings)” off their 2025 record “X’s For Eyes”. This was their first record in 7 years as they were welcomed back to When We Were Young for the second year in a row. Destroy Boys continued to wrangle in new fans as they cement themselves as new pillars in the scene. Their 2024 record “Funeral Soundtrack #4” was well represented with 4 of their 9 songs on their set coming from that record. 

In 2025, Mayday Parade is celebrating 20 years as a band and releasing a 3-part album on top of the festivities. Having released the first two albums, “Sweet” in April and “Sad” earlier this month, you can hear these tunes live as they join All Time Low for the “Everyone’s Talking” tour that will stop in Iowa on October 29^th. Rallying back and forth all day, the Pink Stage and 7-Eleven stage continued serving each other pop punk and emo favorites with Boys Like Girls, who followed next. Recently releasing their first live record, the Massachusetts quartet will take a well-deserved break after their “Basements to Bleachers” tour comes to a close. Boys Like Girls final date this year will be at Warped Tour Orlando. 

If you had any built-up energy inside you, waiting to be released at the right moment, DRAIN would have been the time to do it. A live act that you feel through every bone in your body, fans were treated to three tracks off their latest record “…IS YOUR FRIEND” and a cover of Descendant’s “Good Good Things”. DRAIN is on tour supporting Kublai Khan TX this fall on tour. Straylight Run began their all-to-be brief set with a personal favorite, “Mistakes We Knew We Were Making”. Playing heavily from their self titled LP, it was a joy to see a band that has only performed seven shows since 2009. On a busy weekend, playing a side show as well, the New York indie rockers were well worth the wait. Fellow New Yorker Adam Lazarra from Taking Back Sunday came out to celebrate with Straylight Run, performing their closing track “Existentialism on Prom Night” together. An incredible set to witness. 

We The Kings and The Cab were a great back-to-back combo at the Ghost Stage. “Check Yes, Juliet”, “Secret Valentine”, and even a cover of Las Vegas’ own The Killers with “Mr. Brightside”, We The Kings gave the crowd everything they had in the tank. Travis Clark sounded phenomenal, leading the band through a dynamite set. If you’re dying to hear more We The Kings like myself, you can see them on the “Delilah vs. Juliet” tour with The Plain White T’s this fall. I had a chance to chat with Travis, Coley, Hunter, and Sebastian after their set, stay tuned to 89.7 KRUI for the interview. The Cab soon followed, continuing on their first tour in 11 years. Their limited run will include opening for All Time Low on the “Everyone’s Talking” tour, coming to Vibrant Music Hall on October 29^th. While watching The Cab play at When We Were Young, I was hit with the realization that I knew exactly where I was going to be on the 29th.   

Simple Plan has been on my list for a while, so I was thrilled to see that the pop punk veterans bring the same energy and excitement I had heard so much about. Lively and live is the best way to see music, and the Montréal natives delivered. Bringing out dozens of Scooby Doo’s and all their hits like “Perfect” and “I’d Do Anything”, I couldn’t imagine When We Were Young without them. On the neighboring Pink Stage right after Simple Plan was “the scariest band at this fucking fest. Act accordingly”. Those words came out of Bryan Garris’ mouth, frontman for the Kentucky’s Knocked Loose. Known for their destructive pits, brutal wall of death, and torrential crowd surfers, this was a must see set for me. I began to lose track of what song they were on because I was so lost in the nauseatingly good riffs. Hitting five songs off “You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To”, there was no shortage of this breakout album. Go see Knocked Loose, you will want to see them again. They will be supporting Metallica in Europe next year and have just been announced that they will be returning to the Las Vegas Festival Grounds for Sick New World on April 25^th, 2026. 

With amps covered in New Jersey fanfare and the sun beginning it’s decent behind the Spring Mountains, there was no better time to hear The Gaslight Anthem. Bringing a softer and older vibe to the festival compared to other bands sharing the bill, this was a welcomed change of pace being serenaded to the tune of “Positive Charge”.  Quickly ending the more laid-back vibe was Bad Religion. Swiftly moving people’s feet and frying their vocal chords to the tune of “American Jesus”, the oldest band at the festival made waves like they were 20 years old playing in a basement. The punk legends will be opening for The Offspring on their “Supercharged in ‘26” tour that will come to Sioux City, Iowa on February 7^th. 

Set Your Goals was one of my most anticipated sets of the weekend. I have been dying to see the California duo of Jordan Brown and Matt Wilson for years and they did not disappoint. Making their return to the stage this past February, Set Your Goals made it seem like no time had passed by bringing the same energy you would feel at a house show of theirs 20 years ago. The band is celebrating two decades of music and will continue next year at Slam Dunk Festival in England. Something I really appreciated about Set Your Goals was their changing of the setlist. While in Las Vegas, the Bay Area hardcore outfit played three shows, and each one carrying a different collection of their tunes. Hitting tracks from “Mutiny!”, “This Will Be the Death of Us”, and even a deep cut off “The Reset Demo”, it was everything a fan could have dreamed of. The Saturday crowd was treated to the song “This Will Be the Death of Us” accompanied by Vince Caruana from The Movielife. I had a chance to sit down with Jordan and Matt, talking about new music they are working on, favorite movies of the year, and much more. Stay tuned for the interview on 89.7 KRUI. 

Chiodos tore through their set as they continue their “20 Years of All’s Well That Ends Well” tour with support from Hawthorne Heights, Holywtr, and Big Ass Truck. This tour will be stopping at the Val Air Ballroom on December 7^th. Not long after was letlive. who continued the streak of heavy hitters on the Aliianz Stage. The Los Angeles group disbanded in 2017 but came back this year for the “sincerely yours” farewell tour. A proper goodbye to the guys who played in every backyard and basement possible.

All Time Low had an incredibly busy weekend with the release of their latest record “Everyone’s Talking”. The scene legends continue their jam-packed year as they’ve joined The Jonas Brothers on stage, accompanied The Savannah Bananas at Camden Yards, and played their latest single “The Weather” on The TODAY Show. The Maryland natives show no signs of slowing down as their “Everyone’s Talking Tour” crosses the country, including a stop in Iowa at Vibrant Music Hall on October 29th. The Maryland rockers began their weekend on Friday night with a show on Freemont Street to celebrate their 9^th LP’s release. Being lit up by thousands of Freemont Street light bulbs, the band played 17 songs including a live debut of “Little Bit”. All Time Low’s sets at When We Were Young also held surprises in hand as they played “Hate This Song” with Eric Vanlerberghe from I Prevail along with performing “Monsters” with blackbear. Closing their set with “Dear Maria, Count Me In” under a heavy forecast of confetti, All Time Low was a standout at When We Were Young.  

California punk rockers, and doctors, The Offspring took to the 7-Eleven Stage at 6:05. Brandon Pertzbron began hitting the high hat, Noodles reminded the crowd that “You gotta keep ‘em separated”, and the band broke into “Come Out and Play” off their 1994 breakthrough record “Smash”. The Offspring continues to impress today with an energetic live performance that stirs up images reminiscent of their 1994 Woodstock gig. Giving love to their record “Americana”, Dexter Holland sang “The Kids Aren’t Alright” and the fun, ska adjacent “Why Don’t You Get a Job”. For the most famous track off that record, The Offspring held a surprise in store. The original “Pretty Fly (for a White Guy)”, Guy Cohen was brought on stage in his famous red hat and light blue football jersey. Dancing along to the 1998 hit, The Offspring continues to tear down the house live. They will be on the “Worldwide in ‘26” tour this winter with Bad Religion promoting their latest record “Supercharged”. They will be playing the Tyson Events Center in Sioux City on February 7^th.

Pop punk princess Avril Lavigne appeared atop over a dozen amps with the iconic drum hits of “Girlfriend” accompanying her entrance. Playing through all the fan favorites like “What the Hell” and “Sk8er Boi”, Lavigne also dove into her most recent record, 2022’s “Love Sux” playing its lead single “Bite Me”. This album was produced by blink-182 drummer Travis Barker and alternative producing legend John Feldmann who has worked with everyone from Good Charlotte to Korn. Pierre Bouvier from Simple Plan was brought out to sing “Young and Dumb” on night one while Derek Whibley from Sum 41 came out of retirement to play “In Too Deep” on the second night.  

At 8:00, Andrew McMahon appeared and settled in behind his baby grand piano. A long time coming, Jack’s Mannequin has been elusive for over the past decade. This year, McMahon gathered together with his band for a lengthy tour that celebrates two decades of this project. Comes after the reunification of McMahon’s other project Something Corporate last year, there is a desire in the air for piano led pop punk. He played a historic gig at Red Rocks this past July, in which Andrew McMahon was the opener, direct support, and headliner playing with all of his bands. Andrew was kind enough to sit down with me before his set to discuss that gig, his tv new show in the works “Aught To Be”, and our shared love for The Lonely Island’s movie “Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping”. Stay tuned for the interview on 89.7 KRUI. 

Weezer came out to the opening of their song “Sheraton Commander” off their 2022 “SZNZ: Winter”, a tune that I’ve yet to hear utilized by the rock veterans before. This creepy and cold orchestration led way into the riff that started it all for Weezer, “My Name Is Jonas”. Weezer blasted through 5 songs from their debut record and kept all 11 tunes from 2008 and before. Fans were treated to a Pinkerton B-Side, “I Just Threw Out the Love Of My Dreams” with guest singers Blondeshell on night one and Lynn Gunn from PVRIS on night two. Anticipation is high among Weezer fans as their 20^th album is well underway. When We Were Young was Weezer’s final North American stop in 2025 as they embark on South American and Australian tours later this year.  

“Breathing deeply and walking backwards” Mark Hoppus made my dreams come true by playing “Roller Coaster” near the end of blink-182‘s setlist. Filled with deep cuts, tunes from their latest album, and the hits that made us say “damnit, that was good”, it was a set that brought smiles to the faces of everybody in the crowd. The boyish banter and spiked hair haven’t changed in over 3 decades of this band, and there seems to be no signs that it will change. I, for one, am happy about that fact. Blink-182 will hit the snooze button as they wrapped up their “Missionary Impossible Tour” with these final Vegas dates and will come out of hibernation at Arizona’s Innings Festival in February. 

Throughout the day on the 7-11 stage, there were small glimpses of the headliner. Right above the screen I could make out a cursive name in lights that held the months long anticipation of the crowd. Slowly it was raised in front of the screen. Throughout all of blink-182’s set, eyes were occasionally drawn to a drum kit being rolled on the adjacent stage and screens that were being tested. Green Day’s Insomniac deep cut “Panic Song” played over the speakers as a countdown appeared on the screen. Fans in top hats and circus attire were waiting all day for this cabaret of lights, dancing, and music.  

The clock hit zero, and the long-awaited return of Panic! At The Disco finally occurred in Las Vegas, Nevada on October 18^th. With a bang and a flash, Brendan Urie and his backing band blew the nonexistent roof off the place sliding from “Introduction” to “The Only Difference Between Martyrdom and Suicide Is Press Coverage”. This landmark 2006 record etched itself into emo history with a speed that very few have ever done before. From its biggest hit “I Write Sins Not Tragedies” to the instrumental “Intermission” and “Introduction”, this record is a journey that I am always dying to go on. When We Were Young was the first time many of these songs have been played in over a decade. Fan favorite “Lying Is the Most Fun a Girl Can Have Without Taking Her Clothes Off” for the first time since 2016, “Build God, Then We’ll Talk” for the first time since 2010, and “Nails For Breakfast, Tacks For Snacks” for the first time since Panic! wrapped its “A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out Tour” in 2007. This was a long time coming for so many fans, and Urie delivered. All thirteen tracks off the record were played, and when its all said and done, we weren’t even halfway through the set by the end of the album play. Sixteen more songs spanning the career of the band were featured as this trip down memory lane extended right up until curfew. With tracks including “Nine in the Afternoon”, “House of Memories”, and a cover of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody”, this was an absolute knockdown set. After playing  their highest charting hit, “High Hopes”, I thought this incredible day had come to an end. To my surprise, the band stayed on stage except for an empty drum kit. “I want to bring my oldest friend out on stage” Urie announced as Spencer Smith, the original drummer for Panic! At The Disco, appeared from stage right. Playing the song that got them into all this, the cello began the opening riff of “I Write Sins Not Tragedies” once again. This was Smith’s first return to Panic! since leaving in April of 2015, and the performance was well worth the decade long wait. With a ceiling of fireworks lighting up the Vegas Strip, Urie and the band took a bow.  

When We Were Young provided everything a person would need, and much more, to have a memorable day at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds. There was a feeling in the air and a glow in the face of all 85,000 attendees on Saturday that said there was no place they’d rather be. Under the shadow of The Strat, we heard all our favorite songs and picked up a few new ones too. A day I will remember forever. I can’t wait to see what rabbits When We Were Young will pull out of it’s hat for 2026. Until then, we will wait with high hopes.  

All photos courtesy of When We Were Young Festival.

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Allianz Stage

One of the first bands of the day is recent Iowa City visitors Arm’s Length. These Canadian DIY stars have been making waves since their debut record ”Never Before Seen, Never Again Found” in 2022. They’ve toured with the likes of Silverstein, The Wonder Years and will be opening up for Hot Mulligan later this fall. They released their second record “There’s A Whole World Out There” in May and will continue their busy stretch in the Europe next year.  They play bright and early at 11:50.

California punks DRAIN will make an appearance at 1:35 as a stop on their tour supporting fellow WWWY players Khublai Khan TX. On November 7^th, they’ll be dropping their latest LP “… IS YOUR FRIEND” through Epitaph Records. Their loud and brash sound lead to memorable pits and plenty of crowd surfing. Make sure to stretch before this set.

Right next door to where I grew up, The Plain White T’s have been making music for 28 years. Starting in the Chicago suburb of Lombard, Illinois, Tom Higgins started writing tunes and would later churn out hits like “Rhythm of Love” and “Hey There Delilah”. Their latest record, bearing the same name as their band, mixed their punk upbringings with the acoustic guitars that brought them fame. You can listen to their 2023 record “Plain White T’s” here and catch them at 2:45.

PVRIS has become a mainstay in the alternative music world after their hit debut album “White Noise”. Lynn Gunn has dug her heels in opening up for the likes of Fall Out Boy, The Smashing Pumpkins, Linkin Park and many more. After 2023’s “EVERGREEN” hit shelves, Gunn has continued to release music with “F.I.L.T.H.” released in 2024. Her most recent release was a rerecord of “My House” with Courtney LaPlante of Spiritbox this past February. PVRIS plays at 3:20.

Later on in the evening, Loathe will be taking the stage at 7:25 as their first dates of a hefty 28 date U.S. headline tour with Trauma Ray and Spy. The English metal band have been climbing up the ladder quickly getting opening slots for fellow When We Were Young players Knocked Loose in 2024. Loathe just release their latest single, “Gifted Every Strength” in May of this year.  

A personal favorite of mine, Jack’s Mannequin, plays the Allianz Stage at 8:00. One of Andrew McMahon’s projects, Jack’s Mannequin stands out amongst the rest with it’s piano led compositions. McMahon, of Something Corporate and Andrew McMahon and the Wilderness fame, has been busy reuniting with his groups touring with Something Corporate in 2024 for the first time in 14 years. Jacks Mannequin also made its long awaited return with their first gig in Las Vegas since 2011. You can see a full list of their tour dates here. 

If you’re searching for mosh pits this weekend, look no further than the final acts on the Allianz Stage. Kublai Khan TX has engulfed the metalcore scene since their debut in 2009, and have not slowed down. Dropping 5 full length LP’s and a collection of EP’s throughout the past 16 years, the Texas stars released their most recent single, “The Moment of Corsicana” in September. Kublai Khan TX plays at 9:45. The final act of the night is an absolute treat as well. Members of Gulch, Hands of God, Spinebreaker, Lead Dream, and fellow When We Were Young players DRAIN all joined forces in 2019 to create the hardcore outfit SUNAMI. Hailing from San Jose, SUNAMI has been touring what feels non stop for the past 4 years hitting North America, Europe, Asia and Australia throughout the years. They released their first full length LP, “SUNAMI LP”, in 2023 and will headline the Allianz Stage at 10:20.

Ghost Stage

The Ghost Stage will be hosting 18 bands throughout the day, including pop punk favorites The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus and We the Kings. Playing at 12:10 and 2:30 respectively, these Warped Tour alum are known for their high energy performances and pumping out the same energy they have been dishing out for almost 2 decades.  

At 3:05, The Cab make their long awaited return after an 11 year hiatus and 14 years since their most recent Las Vegas gig. Their first music since the break, “Road to Reign: A Prelude” was released on September 26^th this year. They have been making the rounds since their return, embarking on a tour with fellow WWWY players Mayday Parade and All Time Low. WWWY alum The Paradox are also on the tour, and they will be playing a show with Hawthorne Heights, Plain White T’s, and more at The Strat in Las Vegas on Oct 17^th.  

The Maine are a southwest emo band that doesn’t have to travel far to Vegas from their home of Tempe, Arizona. They are working on their 10^th record now after dropping one unreleased song from each previous album entitled “Dyed (2008-2023)”. Following The Maine who play at 4:15 is The Gaslight Anthem, who just wrapped up a lengthy summer tour with Counting Crows. Since returning from their hiatus in 2022, The Gaslight Anthem have released the album “History Books” with frontman Brain Fallon sharing vocal duties with Bruce Springsteen on the title track. The Gaslight Anthem plays at 4:50.

Keeping up their busy year, Bad Religion will hit the Ghost Stage at 5:25. When We Were Young are the bands final dates of the year before sharing the stage with The Offspring this winter throughout the northern U.S. and Canada. Year 45 of the band has shown no signs of slowly down with their performances still holding youthful punk energy they have always had.  

Taking Back Sunday makes their third appearance at When We Were Young at 6:45 on the Ghost Stage. Following a sideshow with letlive. and Straylight Run on Friday night, Adam Lazzara will lead the band in one of their first gigs since their summer tour with Coheed and Cambria and Foxing. Taking Back Sunday’s 2023 record “152” was the bands first in 7 years, marking their territory as active scene legends who have rightfully earned back to back appearances at this festival. 

Pink Stage

Entering year 10 of Destroy Boys, Alexia Roditis and Violet Mayugba have delivered time and time again. After 2024’s “Funeral Soundtrack #4” that received a 4/5 from Kerrang!, they have only continued their live presence touring with likes of Pierce the Veil and blink-182. The final North American dates of the year, Destroy Boys are a great way to start your day at 12:20 

Continuing their year of festivals, Knocked Loose will play the Pink Stage at 4:05. The Louisville natives will travel to Las Vegas before they embark on an Australian tour in December. Knocked Loose’s 2024 “You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To” accelerated their path to stardom, earning them a Grammy nomination for the single “Suffocate” featuring Poppy. Knocked Loose will appear in front of European’s eyes as they open for Metallica next summer, and they will be in front of your eyes on the Pink Stage at 4:05.

The Used are in the midst of a landmark year for the band. In celebration of 25 years as a band, Bert McCracken and company have taken up residencies for three nights at venues throughout this year. Each night, playing either “Self Titled”, “In Love and Death”, or “Lies for the Liars” in full along with a rotating selection of hits from their other records. A feat that very few bands have the catalogue to pursue this, and the fans fill up the same venue three nights in a row. The western natives’ third appearance and second consecutive showing at When We Were Young at 5:25. 

Mark Hoppus, Tom DeLonge, and Travis Barker come back to When We Were Young to headline for the second time. With their previous appearance coming off the heels of the most recent record “ONE MORE TIME…”, the trio that makes up blink-182 has been playing a wide pool of songs off their 10 albums in 2025. This includes a half dozen tunes from my personal favorite record “Take Off Your Pants and Jacket”. These are the final dates of the year and of their “Missionary Impossible” tour for blink. They took out a wide variety of bands on their tour including Scowl, End It, and Drug Church. Showcasing these up and coming bands to their wide audience is an amazing thing to see. blink-182 will headline the Pink Stage at 8:25 

7-Eleven Stage

Mayday Parade carries on with their busy year at 12:55. A band like Mayday Parade this early in the day is a sure-fire way to get people in the door fast. After wrapping up a tour with fellow When We Were Young players Jack’s Mannequin, and in the midst of their current slot supporting All Time Low along with The Cab, Mayday Parade put out 2 records this year “Sweet” and “Sad”. Continuing their streak of exceptional releases Derek Sanders, Alex Garcia, Brooks Betts, Jeremy Lenzo, and Jake Bundrick push like very few do after 2 decades.  

If you are in search of dozens of people in Scooby-Doo onesies, you should make your way to the 7-Eleven stage at 3:25. Boasting a catalog of favorites that you’ve heard for years, Simple Plan make their third consecutive appearance at When We Were Young. Even with “no pads and helmets”, the pit for the Montreal Natives is a great spot to find yourself in the afternoon.  

Coming through Des Moines on October 29^th, All Time Low will continue their “Everyone’s Talking!” tour at When We Were Young. Jumping headfirst into the scene in 2007 with “Dear Maria, Count Me In” off “So Wrong, It’s Right”, there is no denying their star power at the festival and in the pop punk world. Dropping a brand new album, sharing the same name of their tour, the day before the festival leaves me with hope to hear some brand new tracks from the Maryland favorites at 4:45.  

269 miles southwest of Las Vegas, The Offspring began in 1984. Coming out of Garden Grove, California, Dexter Holland and Kevin John Wasserman, better known as Noodles, started jamming playing under the name Manic Subsidal. After 2 years and a name change, there was no stopping them. Releasing 11 studio records, including their latest in 2024 with “Supercharged”, The Offspring continue to put out great music and memorable live shows. On their most recent tour, Noodles and company paid tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne with snippets of “Electric Funeral”, “Paranoid”, and “Crazy Train”. The Offspring will take the stage at 6:05 

Weezer. I can’t get enough of Weezer. Creating quality tunes since 1994, Rivers Cuomo, Patrick Wilson, Brian Bell, and Matt Sharp have all combined to be one of the most successful bands of the past 30 years. After wrapping up their final show of the “Voyage to the Blue Planet” tour in September, Weezer will play their last North American dates of the year. After sending out multiple videos teasing album 20 in the past month, the California based band will jump through their collection of hits at 7:35. They are always a cant miss set. 

The long-awaited return of Panic! At the Disco is upon us. Nearly 3 years after their last US gig, Brendan Urie will return to the stage in his hometown of Las Vegas, Nevada playing “A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out” in full. Promising a set containing of the seminal debut album and more, there is nowhere else anyone in the scene would rather be. Holding enough time for the record and some hits afterwords, the anticipation is high for the first glimpse of Panic! in years. Returning to the record that made so many people fall in love with not only the band, but the scene, will be a joy to witness. Panic! At the Disco will close out When We Were Young at 10:00. 

When We Were Young 2025 is here. One day filled with all of my favorite bands, what more could a guy ask for. Tickets for Sunday are still available here. Stay tuned with KRUI for interviews from the festival and a recap of this incredible festival. Listen to Downey’s Hour on KRUI 89.7fm, Monday nights 9-11, for your latest music festival news!

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