Last Saturday, the 8123 Festival day 2 took over Mesa Amphitheatre in Mesa, Arizona, for a massive and unforgettable day of music celebration with a lineup that had music goers and The Maine’s core fan base delighted. Hosted by the Tempe-based rock band and their 8123 crew, the festival, which centered around The Maine, brought together a mix of indie rock, alternative, and pop-punk acts, turning the Arizona valley into a musical oasis.
The festival attendees were in for a show as the lineup was packed with a lot of talent as it featured seven acts. The show was kicked off by the Phoenix-based band Practically People, which brought an indie rock sound with retro flair, captivating their core fans and the audience from the beginning to finish. They then were followed by the act Cliffdiver from Oklahoma, which also brought their A game, bringing a burst of energy at the 8123 Festival, turning their set into a celebration of punk-infused pop rock. The band’s mix of gritty and catchy songs and the chemistry of both vocalists and the band members were undeniable, with each song feeling more like a call to action than just a performance.
The third act, Hellogoodbye’s performance at the 8123 Festival was a fun, feel-good trip down memory lane with their signature synth-pop sound along with the frontman’s auto-tuned vocals. Lead singer Forrest Kline’s charismatic presence and playful banter with the audience made the set feel like an intimate party even in a festival crowd.
Followed by the iconic Charlotte Sands, she lit up the Mesa Amphitheatre with a fiery and rebellious set that showed her perfect blend of alt-pop power and raw sound. Charlotte’s vulnerability and confidence in her performance made every song feel really personal as she showed her energy and powerful presence with every song she performed. Charlotte Sands proved to the audience once again as to why she’s one of the most sought-after voices in the alternative pop and rock scene. Even little siblings with their family showed up to show their support and admiration for her, proving Charlotte is well loved by everybody. They were lucky enough to say hi to her after her set and got their prized autograph.
Real Friends, one of the most beloved acts in the pop-punk scene, showed up to rock the 8123 crowd and proved why they are the best at what they do. Lead vocalist Dan Lambton’s connection with the Arizona audience was undeniably amusing as he shared heartfelt moments between songs, creating a real connection with everyone in attendance.
Their hits “I’ve Given Up On You” and “Me First” kept the Mesa crowd jumping up and down while Dan crowd-surfed during both songs. Their high-energy punk spirit had everyone immersed during their set, which is a reminder of why they remained such a staple in the emo and pop-punk scene.
Before the 8123 Festival treated the entire audience with the main act, the godfathers of pop-punk and emo music, The Starting Line, graced the stage with such a nostalgic, angsty vibe performance, it felt like a reunion of long-lost friends.
The band that defined the early 2000s emo music scene took every Arizona fan way back as they performed major throwback hits like “The Best Of Me” and “Bedroom Talk” paired with their youthful energy and emotional depth. The band’s frontman, Kenny Vasoli effortlessly led the crowd with every word to the songs together with his vocal performance as compelling as ever.
The second day of the festival was as good as the first day as The Maine matched the energy for both days giving the 8123 family all they got. The moment the stage dimmed, you know their hometown fans undeniably loved them as every one of them screamed the countdown to their set. Compared to their all-white look during the first day of the festival, this time, they showed up with a black and white signature formal look, ready to make everyone groove to every song they plan to perform.
Their 19-song setlist was a meticulously made list consisting songs from all of their albums. The Arizona emo group packed the show with not just their well-received songs but also majestic light shows and displays beautifully curated for every song.
Each song during that set from The Maine felt like a chapter in their group’s story, and John O’Callaghan, the band’s frontman, took his time to reflect on the journey the band had shared with their Arizona fans over the years of being in the scene. Their hits “Into Your Arms” and “Am I Pretty?” had every soul in the venue singing to their heart’s content, while songs with deeper cuts like “How Do You Feel?” showed their depth and growth as musicians.
The Maine’s performance at the 8123 Festival was more than just a show; it was also a celebration of their dedicated fanbase, old and new, and the unique bond that has sustained them for over a decade with the 8123 community. They proved once again why they’re one of the most beloved bands not just in the Arizona alternative scene, leaving everyone at Mesa Amphitheater wanting more and eager to attend the next 8123 Festival again.
GALLERY: 8123 Fest Day Two at Mesa Amphitheatre in Mesa, Arizona (January 18, 2025)
