I had to do a double take when I saw the bolded title "Good Charlotte" on 9:30 Club’s website. The band had walked away from the punk rock music scene years ago when they took a hiatus in 2011 and temporarily disbanded. However, they've recently struck back, releasing their sixth album "Youth Authority" this past May. This is the first time the band has produced music in over five years.
Formed in 1996, the band -- vocalist Joel Madden, guitarists Benji Madden and Billy Martin, bassist Paul Thomas, and drummer Dean Butterworth -- is known for their international chart toppers "The Anthem" and "Lifestyles of the Rich and the Famous". Their listeners easily connect with the songs' angsty lyrics, screaming choruses, hard bass, and punk rock tunes.
While DC-arena Echostage is normally filled with listeners from the surrounding DC and Virginia areas, last night it was packed with Maryland residents who came to support the Maryland-born band.
The night started off with a bang as the group led off with a high energy, hard rock rendition of "The Anthem." I didn't have to think twice before reciting all the lyrics; I was brought back to my own angsty teenage years when I constantly listened to my MP3 while gazing out the window, counting the falling raindrops like I did all my then-inconsequential problems.
At one point, Joel Madden asked the crowd, "How many of you guys listened to us in middle school and high school?" After a round of shouts of agreement, he said, "that means we've been through some real shit together, you know." Yes, Joel, yes.
Good Charlotte does not conform to societal norms: they use their music to point out problems of the society we live in (just listen to “Lifestyles of the Rich and the Famous”). Beyond that, the guys also use their songs to motivate and encourage listeners to make a change for the better. In “The River,” they sing:
We're going down to the river
Down to the river, down to the river to pray
Let's get washed by the water
Washed by the water and rise up in amazing grace
Let's go down, down, down to the river (You will leave changed)
Let's go down, down, down to the river (Never the same)
Their ability to connect with concert-goers and bring them back to the sentimental times from their prepubescent and teenage years created a transparent sense of frankness and linked the audience and performer with a strong emotional tie. This relationship propelled the energy in the concert hall to unforeseen levels. The guitarists jumped high in the air, bringing their instrument with them with ease and familiarity. They were rock stars, and they didn't let themselves forget it, even after such a long hiatus.
The musicians sported impressive body tattoos and exuded the auras of punk rockers. The group incorporated some of their new music into the setlist, performing hits like "Makeshift Love" and "The Outfield" from the Youth Authority album. The crowd was comprised of a variety of concerts goers; most of them, like the performers, wore all black and sported multiple piercings. They came to Echostage for an old-school throwback, some nostalgic lyrics, and a lot of head-banging – and they were not disappointed.
All in all, a great performance by classic punk rock band Good Charlotte. Taking the stage after a 5 year hiatus, they showed the packed crowd that they have maintained their talent and energy. Be sure to check out some of their latest music – here’s “Makeshift Love” – and some of their classics – here’s “Lifestyles of the Rich and the Famous.”
Formed in 1996, the band -- vocalist Joel Madden, guitarists Benji Madden and Billy Martin, bassist Paul Thomas, and drummer Dean Butterworth -- is known for their international chart toppers "The Anthem" and "Lifestyles of the Rich and the Famous". Their listeners easily connect with the songs' angsty lyrics, screaming choruses, hard bass, and punk rock tunes.
While DC-arena Echostage is normally filled with listeners from the surrounding DC and Virginia areas, last night it was packed with Maryland residents who came to support the Maryland-born band.
The night started off with a bang as the group led off with a high energy, hard rock rendition of "The Anthem." I didn't have to think twice before reciting all the lyrics; I was brought back to my own angsty teenage years when I constantly listened to my MP3 while gazing out the window, counting the falling raindrops like I did all my then-inconsequential problems.
At one point, Joel Madden asked the crowd, "How many of you guys listened to us in middle school and high school?" After a round of shouts of agreement, he said, "that means we've been through some real shit together, you know." Yes, Joel, yes.
Good Charlotte does not conform to societal norms: they use their music to point out problems of the society we live in (just listen to “Lifestyles of the Rich and the Famous”). Beyond that, the guys also use their songs to motivate and encourage listeners to make a change for the better. In “The River,” they sing:
We're going down to the river
Down to the river, down to the river to pray
Let's get washed by the water
Washed by the water and rise up in amazing grace
Let's go down, down, down to the river (You will leave changed)
Let's go down, down, down to the river (Never the same)
Their ability to connect with concert-goers and bring them back to the sentimental times from their prepubescent and teenage years created a transparent sense of frankness and linked the audience and performer with a strong emotional tie. This relationship propelled the energy in the concert hall to unforeseen levels. The guitarists jumped high in the air, bringing their instrument with them with ease and familiarity. They were rock stars, and they didn't let themselves forget it, even after such a long hiatus.
The musicians sported impressive body tattoos and exuded the auras of punk rockers. The group incorporated some of their new music into the setlist, performing hits like "Makeshift Love" and "The Outfield" from the Youth Authority album. The crowd was comprised of a variety of concerts goers; most of them, like the performers, wore all black and sported multiple piercings. They came to Echostage for an old-school throwback, some nostalgic lyrics, and a lot of head-banging – and they were not disappointed.
All in all, a great performance by classic punk rock band Good Charlotte. Taking the stage after a 5 year hiatus, they showed the packed crowd that they have maintained their talent and energy. Be sure to check out some of their latest music – here’s “Makeshift Love” – and some of their classics – here’s “Lifestyles of the Rich and the Famous.”
