Arriving in Las Vegas for the third annual When We Were Young Festival felt like stepping into a living, breathing shrine to emo culture. The entire city seemed transformed, buzzing with excitement and packed with fans dressed in black tees emblazoned with band logos, studded belts, ripped jeans, and Converse sneakers that had seen countless mosh pits. Walking down the Strip, I could feel the energy radiating from every corner, with groups of fans laughing, singing, and snapping photos. You couldn’t go far without hearing snippets of someone’s favorite song or spotting a tattoo commemorating an album or a lyric that had meant everything to them.

The Las Vegas Festival Grounds were alive with the hum of thousands of fans who, despite coming from all walks of life, felt united by this music. The festival organizers had gone above and beyond to make it feel like an emo wonderland with themed installations and iconic album artwork everywhere. Massive banners showcased each band performing their full album, and every corner of the grounds was decorated with imagery reminiscent of the early 2000s — from graffiti-style murals to neon signs that illuminated as the sun set, casting the whole festival in an atmospheric glow.

As I moved from stage to stage, I noticed little details that made the atmosphere feel electric. There were giant inflatable hands making rock-and-roll signs, photo booths with props straight out of our high school yearbooks, and even a life-size replica of an old-school emo bedroom, complete with posters, band tees on the floor, and journals left open to lyrics we’d all written in our own rooms once upon a time.

The vendors selling merch were practically mobbed, fans eagerly grabbing limited-edition tees, hats, and hoodies that would serve as treasured mementos. One of the quirkiest and most unexpected details at this year’s When We Were Young Festival was the merch stand — not for the designs themselves, which were full of nostalgic references, but for the hilariously misspelled band names including, “We Are In The Crowd”, “New and Glory”, “Amor for Sleep” to name a few on some of the shirts and posters. Fans who flocked to the merch booths quickly noticed oddities in the lineup listings printed on the backs of shirts and hoodies as they ran to social media sharing photos of the “exclusive” misprinted merch, making it that much more collectible.

As with every year, the sense of unity was palpable, as if we were all part of a huge, extended family. People high-fived strangers, swapped stories about the first time they heard their favorite band, and bonded over the albums that shaped their lives. It was impossible not to get swept up in the enthusiasm — the thrill of being surrounded by thousands of people who felt just as strongly about this music as you did.

The festival’s setup was a pop-punk and emo fan’s dream come true, with more than 50 bands playing across multiple stages and an atmosphere buzzing with pure nostalgia. This year was special: most bands were performing full-length albums in their entirety, and the idea of hearing these records — which had soundtracked so many of my own memories — from start to finish was exhilarating. I wasn’t alone in my excitement; the grounds were packed with people who were just as thrilled to relive these iconic albums that defined our youth.

My Chemical Romance: The Black Parade in Full

Headliners My Chemical Romance gave an unforgettable performance of The Black Parade in its entirety, a show that felt almost like a theatrical experience, pulling us through a rollercoaster of emotions. From the opening notes of “The End.,” chills ran down my spine, and it seemed like the entire crowd felt it too. The intensity was electric; Gerard Way appeared on stage with his iconic presence, instantly transforming the atmosphere into something almost sacred. As the band moved into “Dead!” and “This Is How I Disappear,” everyone around me was screaming along, hands raised, totally immersed.

When “Welcome to the Black Parade” started, it felt like time stopped. Thousands of voices joined together to sing every word, and for a few minutes, it felt like the entire world was singing our anthem. Gerard’s voice carried an incredible emotional weight, and it felt as if he was singing directly to each one of us, acknowledging our memories, our hardships, and our resilience. As the set continued, violinist Kayleigh Goldsworthy joined them for “Cancer” and “Mama.” Hearing these songs with a live violin added an eerie, almost haunting quality that hit me hard, especially during “Cancer” — there was a raw, vulnerable beauty in the performance that made it impossible not to get emotional.

By the time they reached “Famous Last Words,” the energy was both triumphant and bittersweet, as if we were all bracing ourselves for the inevitable end of this epic journey. Everyone sang the final line — “I am not afraid to keep on living” — like it was a battle cry, a reminder of why this music had gotten us through so many of our own struggles. Seeing The Black Parade performed live as a seamless story, each song flowing into the next, reminded me of why this album defined a generation and why it continues to resonate with such intensity. It was more than just a performance; it was a collective experience, a chance to relive the memories and emotions this album had created, and a night I’ll never forget.

Fall Out Boy

Fall Out Boy didn’t just perform — they put on an absolute spectacle. From the start, it was clear they were here to leave a lasting impression, and they pulled out all the stops, treating fans to a massive 23-song set that spanned the full arc of their career. The energy was electric as they moved through an incredible mix of past and present hits, each song met with wild cheers and collective sing-alongs from the crowd.

When they launched into “My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark (Light Em Up),” the stage practically exploded. Fire shot up with each beat, casting an intense orange glow across the entire crowd. It felt like the flames were fueling our excitement, as everyone jumped and screamed the lyrics. The pyrotechnics were perfectly timed to the song’s pounding rhythm, making the performance feel larger than life.

But the grand finale was the real showstopper. Wiz Khalifa joined them for a surprise rendition of “See You Again,” which felt like a true moment, bringing an unexpected and moving twist to the set. The band then closed with three powerhouse tracks: “G.I.N.A.S.F.S.,” “Centuries,” and finally, “Saturday.” With each song, the energy kept building, and just when I thought it couldn’t get more intense, the sky erupted in fireworks. The stage was glowing, the air was thick with confetti, and the crowd was left in total awe. It was visually stunning and musically unforgettable, the kind of performance that felt like it would go down as a legendary moment in festival history.

A Day to Remember

A Day to RemembeR took the crowd on a journey with Homesick, an album that many of us had blasted on repeat during our angstier years. The moment they launched into “The Downfall of Us All,” inflatable balls were unleashed into the audience, and everyone joined in the chaotic fun of bouncing them around. Their performance of “All I Want” was met with confetti cannons that filled the air with swirling colors, adding to the party-like vibe. Hearing every track from Homesick brought a fresh energy to the day and showed just how timeless these songs are — their anthemic choruses and raw power had the whole crowd shouting along, lost in the moment.

Jimmy Eat World

Jimmy Eat World delivered a somber, emotionally resonant performance by playing Bleed American in full. Opening with the title track, they set the tone for an intense and nostalgic experience. Jim Adkins’ vocals were heartfelt and powerful, particularly during “The Middle,” where the entire crowd joined in, singing along to the lyrics that had guided us through tough times. “Sweetness” and “Hear You Me” struck a chord with everyone, and by the end of the set, I felt as though I’d relived a defining era of my life. Their music has always had a raw emotional edge, and hearing it live from start to finish made it all the more meaningful.

Pierce the Veil

Watching Pierce the Veil at When We Were Young 2024 was nothing short of exhilarating. The band went all out, bringing Collide With the Sky to life on stage with a stunning set design inspired by the album cover, complete with dark, haunting visuals that matched the intensity of their music. They kicked things off with “Hell Above,” immediately igniting the crowd as everyone screamed along with every word. As they moved through the album, they pulled out all the stops, bringing out incredible surprise guests that had the crowd going wild. Jason Aalon Butler from Fever 333 joined for “Tangled in the Great Escape,” giving the song an extra layer of raw power and energy that electrified the whole crowd. Then, Jenna McDougall of Tonight Alive came out for “Hold on Till May,” and the chemistry between her and Vic Fuentes was so intense it felt like they were pouring their souls into every note.

But the highlight was when they brought out Kellin Quinn of Sleeping with Sirens for “King for a Day.” Hearing Kellin’s high notes blend with Vic’s gritty vocals live was absolutely surreal — the whole crowd lost it, and the energy in that moment was palpable. For a special treat, they even performed “One Hundred Sleepless Nights” live for the first time, which made the set feel even more unforgettable. Pierce the Veil truly delivered a set that celebrated both their legacy and their fans, creating a memory that felt like it would last a lifetime.

Cobra Starship

Cobra Starship’s set was one big party, filled with the vibrant energy that only they can deliver. Performing ¡Viva La Cobra! in full, they brought back the quirky, neon-soaked vibe of the late 2000s. Gabe Saporta was all charisma, dancing across the stage and keeping the crowd hyped with hits like “Guilty Pleasure” and “The City is at War.” They even threw in “Snakes on a Plane (Bring It),” which had everyone bouncing and singing along. The set felt like a blast from the past, complete with confetti and flashing lights, reminding us why their unique blend of pop-punk and electronic music was so beloved.

The Used

Watching The Used perform is always an unforgettable experience, but in a setting as special as When We Were Young Fest, it just hits differently. As soon as the band launched into “Take It Away,” the crowd went wild, and I could feel that familiar, electric intensity that only The Used can create. Bert McCracken’s stage presence was magnetic — he was all over the stage, screaming, laughing, and interacting with the crowd in a way that made every song feel alive. “I Caught Fire” followed, and the entire crowd sang along passionately, creating this beautiful mix of energy and nostalgia that swept everyone up in the moment.

When they played “All That I’ve Got,” the atmosphere turned reflective; people around me held up their phones, recording the moment and singing every word with that deep emotion that The Used’s music always seems to evoke. The setlist was packed with favorites, each song hitting harder than the last, but it was the closing song, “The Taste of Ink,” that truly brought the crowd together. Just as the song reached its peak, the festival organizers had to cut the sound due to time constraints — but instead of letting the moment end, the entire crowd took over, singing the final lyrics in unison. Standing there, surrounded by thousands of voices finishing the song, was surreal. It was a reminder of the community and connection that this music fosters, a powerful and unifying moment that turned the night into something truly special.

Boys Like Girls and Their Emotional Connection

Boys Like Girls blended the best of their early hits with some fresh material that showed how much they’ve grown. They kicked things off with a quick snippet of “Dirty Little Secret,” which set the tone for what would be a high-energy set. As they moved into “Five Minutes to Midnight,” the crowd was singing every word, and the energy was contagious. Hearing “Thunder” live was a surreal experience; it’s one of those songs that takes you back to so many moments, and you could feel that nostalgia in the crowd. When they hit “Two Is Better Than One,” everyone swayed together, singing the lyrics as if it were a shared anthem. They closed with a medley of “The Great Escape” and “Love Drunk,” and by that point, the entire audience was jumping and singing along, creating this electric atmosphere that left me buzzing. This set was the perfect balance of old favorites and new sounds, making it clear that Boys Like Girls still knows exactly how to capture a crowd.

Hey Monday

Hey Monday’s set at When We Were Young Festival 2024 was an exhilarating trip back to the pop-punk scene of the late 2000s. From the moment they took the stage, the crowd’s excitement was undeniable as fans prepared to relive the energy of their youth. The setlist was a perfect selection of favorites from Hold On Tight, along with some deeper cuts that had fans singing along to every word. They kicked things off with “Hold On Tight,” setting the tone for a high-energy performance. A highlight was “Homecoming,” which featured surprise appearances by Jenna McDougall, Taylor Jardine, and Daisy Grenade, making the classic track feel fresh and exciting. The set also included some rare live tracks, like “Obvious” and “Hurricane Streets,” which hadn’t been performed live in over a decade, adding an extra layer of nostalgia for longtime fans. Cassadee Pope’s vocals were as powerful as ever, bringing every song to life and reminding everyone why Hey Monday was such a staple of the genre. By the time they closed with “How You Love Me Now,” the crowd was fully immersed, and the band’s infectious energy made their set one of the highlights of the festival.

Atreyu

Atreyu’s performance at When We Were Young Festival 2024 was a powerful throwback to the peak of metalcore, showcasing their seminal album The Curse in all its raw, intense glory. For long-time fans, this set was nothing short of an emotional journey, as the band played The Curse in its entirety, creating a collective nostalgia that united the audience from start to finish. From the first haunting notes of “Blood Children (An Introduction),” the crowd felt the anticipation building, and when “Bleeding Mascara” exploded through the speakers, fans immediately responded, screaming the lyrics and fueling the pit that opened up almost instantly.

The set concluded with “Five Vicodin Chased With a Shot of Clarity,” delivering a final surge of adrenaline that left the crowd exhilarated and grateful for the experience. By the end, Atreyu had taken everyone on a journey, reminding fans why The Curse remains a defining album in metalcore. This set was more than just a performance; it was a celebration of the album’s impact and a perfect homage to the music that shaped a generation.

Story of the Year’s High-Energy Set

Watching Story of the Year perform at When We Were Young 2024 was like reliving the best parts of my teenage years in one powerful set. They played Page Avenue from start to finish, and as soon as they launched into “And the Hero Will Drown,” the crowd exploded with energy. The pit opened up immediately, and it was clear that everyone was there to release some pent-up adrenaline and nostalgia. When they hit “Until the Day I Die,” the entire crowd was shouting every word, fists in the air, and I felt that rare thrill of being part of something bigger, a moment that felt like it mattered.

Each track brought back memories, from the anthemic “Anthem of Our Dying Day” to the haunting “Swallow the Knife.” Dan Marsala’s vocals were raw and intense, bringing out the emotion in every lyric, while the band’s tight instrumentals hit just as hard as they did years ago. “Sidewalks” was a standout — everyone was swaying and singing, and you could see the emotion in people’s faces as we all got swept up in the song. They ended with “Falling Down,” closing the set with an intensity that left the crowd buzzing. Story of the Year reminded us of why Page Avenue has stood the test of time, and watching them play it in full was like a gift, a chance to relive those songs that had once been the soundtrack to so much of our lives

Final Reflections
When We Were Young Festival 2024 was a unique experience, one that brought fans together to relive the music and memories that shaped us. Hearing so many bands perform full albums made the festival feel like more than just a lineup of performances; it felt like a celebration of an era, of a shared history. As I left the festival grounds, hoarse from singing and tired from hours of dancing, I felt a renewed connection to the music that had carried me through so many stages of life. This year’s festival was more than just a throwback — it was a reminder of the community, the resilience, and the passion that make emo and alternative rock so much more than just music.

As When We Were Young Festival 2024 wrapped up, fans were already buzzing about what next year would bring. With the recent news of Vans Warped Tour’s heavy promotion around Vegas, some wondered if WWWYF might face competition or perhaps even collaborate with the iconic tour. However, if this year’s turnout and enthusiasm were any indication, When We Were Young is here to stay, promising yet another unforgettable year of nostalgia, music, and community. Fans are already counting down the days, knowing that 2025 is bound to raise the bar even higher.