Photos and review by: Megan McGinnis
Edited by: Morgan Kohler
It’s almost time to go back to school, and class was certainly in session at the idobi Radio Summer School Tour at Stage AE in Pittsburgh on July 26th, 2024. The tour brought to Pittsburgh a mini festival experience with six bands on the bill, each hitting the stage with their top hits and leaving the audience wishing for more. The best part was how the four headliners rotated time slots each night, so fans couldn’t just show up for their favorite artist’s set time and skip the rest—almost forcing them to really experience the full show and get to know some newer bands.
Despite the show starting right as many people were getting off work, the crowd was pretty substantial right as Letdown started their set. The lights were kept low throughout the set, pairing well with singer Blake Coddington’s deeply personal lyrics. Then, in complete contrast, Honey Revenge came booming onto the stage with bright colors and a huge stage presence. Singer Devin Papadol was great with crowd engagement and there was never a dull moment. While their sets seemed like total opposites, having Letdown and Honey Revenge open for the headliners on this tour were two perfect choices.
Now it’s time for the guessing game. Who comes on next? Some buzz echoed throughout the room as the crowd tried to piece it together, followed by excitement when they realized it was Stand Atlantic.
Australian band Stand Atlantic took the stage after a short changeover (props to the team behind the scenes; all of the changeovers were short and sweet) and played a good mix of old and new songs. Some technical difficulties came up partway through their set, which gave singer Bonnie Fraser some time to chat with the crowd, including congratulating a couple that got engaged during their performance of “LOVE U ANYWAY!” Back in action, the band finished their set with a handful of bangers including a crowd (and personal) favorite, “pity party.”
Curious who could possibly follow Bonnie, the crowd buzz began again and guesses were thrown out for a few minutes until the first hint of The Home Team appeared on stage. The crowd once again cheered, and yet another band showed up with massive energy and stage presence. Playing through some new songs and some old, The Home Team curated a great balance of their discography to please all of their fans. Their setlist included newer songs like “Brag” and “Loud,” while still including classics like “Move It or Lose It” and “Watching All Your Friends Get Rich,” all of which singer Brian Butcher absolutely nailed.
With only two bands left, it was anyone’s guess, but up next was Magnolia Park! They, along with The Home Team, were both in Pittsburgh in 2023 for the ninth Four Chord Music Festival, and let’s just say there was a massive overlap between the crowds a year later at this event! Magnolia Park is known for being a bit different in the scene, but blending multiple sounds together to create something unique while still maintaining pop-punk lyrics and themes. Before their set began, a security guard asked me if this next band was any good, as the music so far wasn’t totally their flavor. After their set, they said Magnolia Park was their favorite band from the night and they couldn’t wait to listen to more of their music!
No more guessing—we all know who is closing out the night now. Scene Queen is a newer artist and has thrown a massive wrench in the scene by calling out the “bad” in the world of pop-punk (and beyond). She writes lyrics that intentionally make you uncomfortable, because it’s often uncomfortable to be anything but a man in this scene. One song, “18+,” calls out abusers who are still in headlining spots on shows and have relations with underage girls. As a woman in music, I appreciate someone like her having the guts to call out this behavior and dedicating her music project to making the scene better for future generations. The crowd seemed to feel the same way—screaming lyrics and cheering quite loudly after each song, making it the perfect end to the night.
The idobi Radio Summer School Tour is certainly an event to see—with a rotating lineup and a diverse group of bands, there is something for everyone who enjoys pop-punk. With only a handful of dates left, now is the time to hop on the bus and get to class!