Waterparks Wraps Up Sneaking Out Of Heaven Tour 2024
The Hollywood Palladium, 04.06.24
Gallery & Review by Caitlin Schmidt
Stepping into the venue, the sight of a packed house brimming with excitement was no surprise. The pop-punk/electropop/you name it sensation, Waterparks, fresh from touring major cities across 18 states (and Toronto), delivered an electrifying grand finale at The Hollywood Palladium, supported by the rock duo, Loveless.
Kicking off the night with the explosive "Watch What Happens Next" from their third studio album, FANDOM, accompanied by bursts of red and green confetti, the band set the tone for an unforgettable evening. The energy from the crowd was palpable from the outset, fueling a night of non-stop hits.
From "Stupid for You", to "Blonde", and the raw honesty of "I Miss Having Sex But At Least I Don’t Want To Die Anymore," Waterparks delivered a setlist that catered to every fan's craving. Not to mention, the inclusion of tracks from their latest masterpiece, "Intellectual Property," such as “Funeral Grey”, and "Sneaking Out Of Heaven," of course, and an unforgettable medley from their third studio album, “Greatest Hits”, mashing up Fuzzy, Violet!, American Graffiti, The Secret Life of Me, Just Kidding, See You in the Future, and Lowkey As Hell – an instant crowd pleaser, and a concert photographers dream of a third “song”!
A standout moment occurred mid-show when the band paused to address the theme of severe religious trauma, delivering a powerful message about finding peace and embracing one's true self amidst the long-lasting effects of abuse at the hands of the church. It was a unique and thought-provoking interlude that added depth to the concert experience.
In a quieter, more intimate segment, lead singer Awsten Knight ventured into the heart of the crowd, where he performed "High Definition", "Snow Globe", and “Crying Over It All” on a piano nestled within a charming enclosure adorned with ivy, lanterns, and a previously pictured Victorian statue. This serene moment underscored the bond between the band and their devoted fans, illuminated by the lights of countless phones, really capturing the magic of shared musical experiences.
As the night drew to a close, Waterparks returned for an electrifying encore, culminating in the infectious energy of "Real Super Dark." Reflecting on their journey, Knight shared a heartfelt moment with the audience, expressing gratitude for their unwavering support throughout the band's rise to headlining status, within the same venue they’d only previously supported other acts.
While this may be the only Waterparks tour of the year, it's a show that fans won't soon forget. From the explosive opening to the poignant reflections and exhilarating encore, Waterparks delivered a concert experience that left a lasting impression.
