Fishnets, ripped and cut up clothing, band t-shirts, and coloured hair as far as the eye could see – also in the mirror for this punk rock fan – and still living on the high from Billy Talent’s performance the night before, Day 2 of the All Your Friends Festival kicked off and we all could not wait for the line up that was performing that day.

Fall Out Boy performing at All Your Friends Festival in Burls Creek; Photographed by JH

Relive the fever dream moments from Day 2 with us:

SATURDAY – AUGUST 24 – DAY 2

Stereos performing at All Your Friends Festival in Burls Creek; Photographed by JH

Day 2 started with us Du-Wopping along with Stereos who opened the Main Stage. Performing their greatest hits including Throw Your Hands Up, Summer Girl, Take U Home, She Only Likes Me When She’s Drunk and even their newer song Sunset Gold, the boys in Stereos performed like no time has passed since I last saw them a couple years ago. Dan (Johnson) even came up for this performance, which was really great to see him back behind the bass with the original line up.

Stereos performing at All Your Friends Festival in Burls Creek; Photographed by JH

Suckerpunch! performing at All Your Friends Festival in Burls Creek; Photographed by JH

Taking over the Tent Stage on Day 2 was Montreal band SUCKERPUNCH!. This energetic band brought everything they had in them to the stage and had the entire crowd engaged from the first song. The set continued with one guitar player climbing over the barricade and into the middle of the crowd while their other guitar player let one of the crowd members strum the guitar before the breakdown, followed by the crowd erupting jumping around. The energy during this show was unmatched so far.

Suckerpunch! performing at All Your Friends Festival in Burls Creek; Photographed by JH

Off stage, the boys were just as energetic and fun. I had the amazing opportunity to meet with them before their set and discuss just how their process works with so many of them, as well as how they are inspired by different genres which is evident in their songs. Keep an eye out on our social media account for the interview! Make sure to follow SUCKERPUNCH!’s social media to stay up to date with where they will be playing next.

Suckerpunch! performing at All Your Friends Festival in Burls Creek; Photographed by JH

Fefe Dobson performing at All Your Friends Festival in Burls Creek; Photographed by JH

Sticking around the Tent Stage, we got to watch Toronto’s very own Fefe Dobson rock the stage. Performing “Ghost”, “Shut Up and Kiss me”, “Bye Bye Boyfriend”, “Everything”, and “Stuttering”, Fefe and her band brought us back to the early 2000’s and reminded us of our smudged eyeliner and Smokey eyeshadow days.

Reminding us women of the forces to be reckoned with we are with her classic lyrics, she solidified the message by playing alongside rock guitar queen Erica Fox.

Erica Fox and Fefe Dobson performing at All Your Friends Festival in Burls Creek; Photographed by JH

Grandson performing at All Your Friends Festival in Burls Creek; Photographed by JH

One of the masters of genre-blending styles, combining rock, hip-hop, and electric elements, artist Grandson stepped onto the Main Stage and used every inch of it to perform. Having one of the most energetic performances of the weekend, I was personally exhausted watching him on stage. Coupling his insane stage presence with his gritty vocals, passionate lyrics addressing social issues and personal struggles, the entire audience was engulfed.

Each performance we have been lucky enough to catch of Grandson’s has been just as authentic as the last. Allowing the crowed to cathartically scream his lyrics at the top of their lungs while encouraging them to embrace their individuality, all while seamless blending the hard-hitting anthems and moments of person reflection and growth are all the more evident that he is not just an artist, but a voice for those who need it.

Grandson performing at All Your Friends Festival in Burls Creek; Photographed by JH

The Plain White T’s performing at All Your Friends Festival in Burls Creek; Photographed by JH

“Wah Gwan Delilah” played through the loud speaker as the crowd’s anticipation grew for the guys in the Plain White T’s to take the Main Stage. Around this time, the crowds for the concerts began to grow and fill in. The Plain White T’s began to perform their 15 song set as the sky started to darken. Even though the band played all time favourites including “Feeling (More Like) Myself”, “Young Tonight”, “1,2,3,4”, “All That We Needed”, and a few others, nothing will compare to the feeling of singing along with thousands to “Hey There Delilah” in the pouring rain.

The Plain White T’s can be found on tour across The United States this fall supporting The Used.
The Plain White T’s performing at All Your Friends Festival in Burls Creek; Photographed by JH

Closing out Night 2 and the final night of the Festival on the Tent Stage, we all were feeling “Vindicated” as Dashboard Confessional took the stage. Chris Carrabba’s emotionally charged vocals and defining voice have not changed since inception of the band. Delivering yet another unforgettable performance and captivating the AYF festival goers, Chris’ effortless charismatic ability to seamlessly transition between fan favourties and deeper cuts reaffirmed their place in the punk rock scene.

An absolute electric atmosphere with the crowd singing along to classics including “Hands Down” and “Stolen”.

Dashboard Confessional performing at All Your Friends Festival in Burls Creek; Photographed by JH

Jimmy Eat World performing at All Your Friends Festival in Burls Creek; Photographed by JH

The sun was setting and the crowd was growing larger and larger. Jimmy Eat World was the second closing artist on the Main Stage and they performed on of the most nostalgic performances I have experienced. The set was a composition of infectious tunes including “Pain” and resonating tunes including “The Middle” and “Sweetness.” Highlights of the concert came during “The Middle” performance with the audience’s harmonious signing, creating a powerful sense of inclusion.

The performance was enhanced by an impressive light show, illuminating the dusky sky and creating a picturesque backdrop. It was cleat that Jimmy Eat World not only delivered a stellar performance, but also reinforced their enduring impact on the Alt-Rock scene.

Jimmy Eat World performing at All Your Friends Festival in Burls Creek; Photographed by JH

Fall Out Boy performing at All Your Friends Festival in Burls Creek; Photographed by JH

Set the stage ablaze—literally—Fall Out Boy delivered one high-octane performance to close out the All Your Friends Festival. I honestly don’t know what was more impressive during this final set; the vocal choir erupting from the crowd as each song continued, or the beyond warming pyrotechnics displays they designed. The band’s signature blend of pop-punk and emo anthems was only more amplified by the fiery effects, creating one heck of an immersive experience. Each song, each section of the performance, felt to intricate and precisely planned. This was not a just a performance, this was an entire theatrical show. Having props including flying unicorn sheep, the mystic magic 8 ball, and Pete Wentz literally flying on stage, the audience had no idea what to expect next.

Playing ALL the crowd favourites including “The Phoenix”, “Sugar, We’re Going Down”, “Dance, Dance” and so many others, with the carefully choreographed pyrotechnics, added an extra layer of excitement for the crowd. Slowing down mid-set and performing songs like “Save Rock and Roll” allowed Fall Out Boy to showcase their versatility, proving that they could effortlessly transition from crowd bursting anthems into intimate reflective moments with the crowd.

Fall Out Boy performing at All Your Friends Festival in Burls Creek; Photographed by JH

Ending the very first All Your Friends Festival with the combination of soaring melodies by Fall Out Boy and dazzling pyro and firework display, the audience was exhilarated. The final explosion of flames and the last chord rang out, filling the night air with passion and sceptical. This festival’s ability to fuse the musical charisma of these amazing artists with the audiences lust and desire for another Warped Tour is what I fully believe contributed to an amazing first year. It was a perfect blend of artistry and celebration, leaving fans with lasting memories and a sense of unity that will resonate long after the festival season concludes.

Fall Out Boy performing at All Your Friends Festival in Burls Creek; Photographed by JH

Some bands we missed, but you shouldn’t –  Full Throttle, Charlotte Sands, and The Main

Check out some of our photos from Day 2 featuring Stereos, SUCKERPUNCH!, Fefe Dobson, We The Kings, Grandson, Plain White T’s, Dashboard Confessional, Jimmy Eat World and Fall Out Boy.