Summer Wasn't So Sad After All- Sad Summer Festival 2021 Review

Written by Katelynn Williams

Sad Summer Fest returns for their second cross-country tour. The lineup for the 2021 run at the time consisted of Destroy Boys, Grayscale, Movements, The Maine, The Story So Far, and All Time Low. I had the privilege of attending Sad Summer Fest in Orlando, Florida on August 20th, 2021. Since that date, Destroy Boys has since stepped down from the tour and has been replaced by different acts varying by date!

Unfortunately, due to a rainstorm that flooded the amphitheater, Destroy Boys, Grayscale, and guest performer Derek Sanders of Mayday Parade’s sets got cut. Movements were also unable to play because a member of their crew had been exposed to COVID-19.

The Maine nearly didn't get to play their set as frontman John O’Callaghan had to rush from the airport after catching two flights to make it to Florida after their tour bus broke down. During their set, John thanked the members of Grayscale for helping them with their gear after the bus broke down by welcoming Grayscale’s frontman, Collin Walsh, onto the stage to play “Black Butterflies & Deja Vu” which was an exciting moment for fans of both bands.

Complications out of the control of the bands aside, the energy of the crowd was undeniable. For many, myself included, this was the first time they were seeing live music in nearly 18 months.

The familiar feeling of the bass overtaking your body and screaming back the words that had gotten you through the past year and a half was a very cathartic experience. This energy was something that All Time Low’s Alex Gaskarth commented on in order to get the crowd going during their set.

This excitement is best described by the mosh pit that broke out almost immediately into The Story So Far’s set. Setlists comprised of old fan favorites along with newer, yet equally energetic, material kept fans engaged and crowd surfers hovering forward.

Make sure to follow them Twitter @sadsummerfest to stay up to date with next years lineup! Tweet us @lgndsoftmrw and let us know what live event you are planning on attending next.