Notably one of the most iconic names in the world of punk-rock, Alkaline Trio are a band whose music has continued to thrive through generations, and has shaped and influenced many the music fan over the years. It was probably back in the early 2000’s when I myself, still a Undergrad in Uni and based in Halifax, Nova Scotia at the time, picked up their record Good Mourning for the very first time, and instantly was wooed by the brilliant works of Matt Skiba and co.
Having had the good fortune of seeing the band live a good 9 or 10 years ago, I wondered to myself would I ever be lucky to see them play again with my own eyes. Thankfully it seemed those prayers had been answered when the band announced that they would be returning to my home city of Newcastle Upon Tyne this July, as part of their UK and Europe Headline Tour, and boy, full of excitement I sure as hell was determined to not let this golden opportunity pass me by.
Hosted at the Boiler Shop in the heart of Newcastle City Centre, music fans turned up in their numbers, ready to spend a night of brilliant live music in the presence of punk-rock royalty. As you look in the audience there was just a buzz of adrenaline flowing through the air, fans stood checking out the merch, others stood chatting to friends about what could be in store during the set and others just living in the moment and soaking up the good vibes in the atmosphere.
With the energy at 1000%, it was time to get the crowd even more geared up, as support band Lowlives took to the stage. 2 Parts US, 2 Parts UK, Lowlives fresh from their recent tour across Europe with Atreyu, are one of those bands to keep a close eye, because they have the ability and potential to become one of the best emerging names in music you could ever discover.
With their debut album Freaking Out released in May 2024 via Spinefarm Records, and the fire in their bellies, Lowlives gave this Newcastle crowd one stirling live performance, with a lot of very impressed faces, nods of approval and some good ol harmless moshing in the crowd as they shared awesome, infectious and high octane songs such as Freaking Out, I Don’t Like You, Swan Dive and Closer Than You Know. Members Lee Downer (vocals & guitar), Steve Lucarelli (bass), Luke Johnson (drums) and Jaxson Moore (guitar), put so much heart and soul into their live set, so it such a special feeling when you can see that passion being radiated through every corner of the Boiler Shop.
After just over 35 minutes of great Lowlives tunes, it was almost time for the band to bring their set to a close, but not without one more tasty Lowlives treat to leave this Newcastle crowd on a high, their track Hate Greed, Lists Thieves, leaving the audience hungry for more until their next Lowlives encounter.
There used to be a time where support band’s used to be over looked, but you know what, thank fuck times are changing, because I always have this belief of never underestimating the power of your supporting artists, because in all my years of going to live shows I have come away feeling happy and grateful to have discovered some fresh new music. Band’s like Lowlives don’t just give us music we can all get hyper to in a live setting, they also through the passion I touched upon before are creating music which makes such a valuable impact.
With Lowlives setting the bar high, it was time to nip to get a quick drink, check out the merch, say a few hellos to a few familiar faces in the crowd, while the crew got the stage ready for tonight's hosts, Alkaline Trio.
With everything ready, and everyone trying to get a good view as possible, the lights went down as Matt Skiba, Dan Adriano and Atom Willard, all dressed smart in black tie attire stepped onto the stage, which cheers of appreciation from the crowd before going straight into their opener Hot For Preacher taken from their brand new record Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs which was released back in February of this year.
Recognising that this audience were here to experience Alkaline Trio in their entirety, with both the old school and recent material, the band wasted no time in diving into the archives as they followed their opening track with a classic tune, We’ve Had Enough taken from their 2003 Good Mourning album. This crowd were loving it, as everyone joined in singing along in unison, doing a little boogie as they lived in the moment enjoying their best life ever (myself included haha).
Taking a moment to catch their breath, not wanting to forget their manners, Matt Skiba and the gents made sure to say a quick hello to the Newcastle crowd, which was received with cheers of praise and I am pretty sure I heard a couple of people yell out ‘Matt I love you’....FYI it wasn’t me…honest haha!
Anyway back to the music. While this tour was an opportunity to hear some of the tracks from the latest album Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs live for the very first time, I loved the fact that the band also used it as an opportunity to take a deep dive into the Alkaline Trio archives, because let’s face it, what makes them such a fan favorite as a band is their very rich music pedigree which has continued to flourish over the past 25+ years.
With that being said songs from their live set included Take Lots With Alcohol and Mr Chainsaw (both from the From Here To Infirmary album), Calling All Skeletons (from Agony and Irony album) and even dabbling in a bit of their record Crimson in the shape of their track Crimson. Safe to say that this audience was taken along for the ride as everyone had the honor of indulging and reminiscing on some of the important chapters of Alkaline Trio’s history. Its those nostalgic moments which make the magic of live music so powerful.
With the night in full swing, and the audience dancing and singing their hearts out, things went up a gear even more as the band showcased even more tracks from their new album, including Versions of You and headline track Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs. I for one was totally feeling the vibe of the new record as it just reflects the ever so natural flow of Alkaline Trio’s evolution as a band, a path of continuous enriching.
Having performed an impressive 16 track set, it was almost time for the band to love us and leave us, but not without a few more treats up their sleeve including Stupid Kid, Private Eye and Time To Waste, the bread and butter of any hardcore Alkaline Trio fan. With us Newcastle folk loving our live music, and not quite ready to go home yet, it would be rude not to request a little cheeky encore to help put that extra spring our step.
Ever so gracious and not ones to disappoint their punk-rock family, the band stepped back on to stage one final time, however with a slight special surprise for one audience member, as unknown to her, her partner and her were summoned on stage by Matt Skiba, and with the audience and band watching in curiosity, a knee was bent and proposals were made…and yes she said yes.
Such a sweet moment to such a epic night of live music. With cheers and applause, plus the newly engaged couple getting a hug and congratulations from the band, the encore resumed as Alkaline Trio with a energetic performance of their track Radio, taken from their album Maybe I’ll Catch Fire, ended their visit to Newcastle in style.
As a music fan, there are shows we go to which we wish we could relive each and every day, and this night of music with Lowlives and Alkaline Trio is definitely up there as one of my favorite gigs ever. I am sure I speak on behalf of many when I say thank you to both bands for giving us all a night to remember, see you again next time!
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