Bayside returned to Chicago to perform a headlining show at the legendary Metro Chicago. It also was my return to the venue just blocks from Wrigley Field after not covering a show there for at least a couple of years now. I was as glad to be back at the Metro, which just celebrated its 40th Anniversary, to document the show as Bayside fans were to be watching it. Bayside, currently on its “Just Like Home” tour, had strong support on the bill from fellow Empire Staters Koyo opening and I Am The Avalanche in the middle spot. It all added up a fun Sunday night.
Bayside, founded in the Queens/Long Island area, made a stop at one of its favorite U.S. venues. Frontman Anthony Ranieri told the crowd that they should play all of their shows at the Metro, even the out-of-state ones. With its large stage, intimate size floor space, and a balcony affording a great view, it’s no wonder both musicians and fans love the Chicago icon. Ranieri, who made a brief appearance during the I Am The Avalanche set led his bandmates through a rip-roaring performance. The set was jam-packed with some of Bayside’s very best songs, including, “Sick, Sick, Sick,” “How To Ruin Everything (Patience),” “Already Gone,” “Duality,” “Hate Me,” and “Go To Hell.” The band also performed a cover of Smoking Popes’ “Megan.” At one point, I Am The Avalanche singer Vinnie Caruana bounded on stage to join Bayside for a tune, just as Anthony Ranieri ran on to stage during the IATA’s set to hug and sing with his tour mate. Bayside appeared to be having a blast on this tour. For the fans, including some who traveled from as far as California, to see the band live, there is little doubt they could feel it and experience that feeling as well.
Once Brooklyn, NY’s I Am The Avalanche, blasted onto the stage, hardly a breath was taken. Its powerful set included “I Took A Beating,” “Amsterdam,” “Green Eyes,” “The Shape I’m In,” and “177.” The highlight was easily a rousing edition of “Brooklyn Dodgers,” the band’s wistful ode to its hometown and the people from it.
Koyo is also from Long Island, as am I, born and raised. Though I haven’t lived on the Island for many years, I still put that down as a point in the band’s favor. However, not much help was needed in scoring Koyo. A muscular performance start to finish, the group drove through “Moriches,” “A Song For Anthony,” “Fifty First Dates,” “Straight North,” and “Ten Digits Away.” Koyo provided a pretty strong kick-off to a very fun evening.
Please check out more photos from the show below!
Bayside Bayside Bayside Bayside Bayside Bayside Bayside Bayside Bayside Bayside Bayside Bayside Bayside Bayside Vinnie Caruana of I Am The Avalanche joins Bayside on stage Vinnie Caruana of I Am The Avalanche joins Bayside on stage I Am The Avalanche I Am The Avalanche I Am The Avalanche I Am The Avalanche I Am The Avalanche I Am The Avalanche I Am The Avalanche I Am The Avalanche Bayside’s Anthony Ranieri joins in a song with Vinnie Caruana during I Am The Avalanche’s set Bayside’s Anthony Ranieri joins in a song with Vinnie Caruana during I Am The Avalanche’s set Koyo Koyo Koyo Koyo Koyo Koyo Koyo Koyo Koyo Koyo Koyo Koyo
