Fall Out Boy's current tour is being billed as Believers Never Die Part Deux, but should have been named after Journey's song, "Don't Stop Believing." There were lots of small town girls and city boys that came to the sold out show at the Allstate Arena, just outside of Chicago. Five bands, one concert, confused parents, confused band members, zealous fans and riot police made this one of the most memorable concerts that I have seen; it was, dare I say, unbelievable.

Staring off the evening was the eternally energetic band, Hey Monday. The band originates from West Palm Beach, and features Cassadee Pope (lead vocals), Michael "Jersey" Moriarty (bass guitar), Mike Gentile (lead guitar), Alex Lipshaw (rhythm guitar) and Elliot James (drums.) They took the stage with an intensity that set the tone for the duration of the show. After the band got the crowd going, Pete Wentz (bassist for Fall Out Boy) came out during the third song to help Cassadee sing "Candles," much to the delight of the fans. It's a good sign for musicians to make cameos in each other's set during a package tour. It was a shame that Hey Monday only had limited time to perform but they got to play "Homecoming," "How You Love Me Now" (their current single), and "Run, Don't Walk." By the time they left the stage they had the whole arena jumping up and down. It's no wonder that they are headlining their own tour after this one ends.

Then it was the ultra chic Metro Station. Vocalist Trace Dempsey Cyrus, the older brother of actress and singer Miley Cyrus, swims in the same talent pool as his half sister by performing hook laden guitar groves with synthpop sensibilities, though you wouldn't suspect it by his appearance. He's a ten foot tall bullet proof version of Tommie Lee, ala Motley Crüe and commands the crowd in an almost creepy like fashion. "Wish We Were Older" and "Shake It "were the two songs that really had the fans rocking out.

Then right smack dab in the middle of the show, was the band All Time Low comprised of Alex Gaskarth (vocals and guitarist) Jack Barakat (guitarist) Zack Merrick (bassist) and Rian Dawson (drummer). These guys are really great and continue a tradition of teen angst bands that somehow come off as adorable instead of pathetic. Their quirky awkward songs really speak to a disenfranchised youth but still enable them to dance. Some of the songs they played were "Stay Awake," "Circles," "Weightless," "Jasey Rae," "Poppin' Champagne," and "Dear Maria Count Me In." These songs have now become timeless and are reminiscent of the 90's poor little rich kid band sound. All Time Low has moved beyond the one-hit-wonder status and has become an influence themselves. When you consider that they just graduated high school back in 2006, and have already made their mark on the music industry, you can expect great things on the horizon from these guys. 

Coming out of the atmosphere and landing on stage was Cobra Starship; act four in this melee of music. They want you to shake your ass and then raise your fist; sometimes even in the same song. Gabe Saporta (lead vocals), comes off like a robin hood-rat with his merry melody making men (and women). Song highlights included, "The City Is at War," "Paparazzi," "Kiss My Sass," "Pete Wentz Is The Only Reason We're Famous" and "Guilty Pleasure." During "Snakes on a Plane (Bring It)," Gabe noted, "…what I like about Chicago, is you don't need to be told, you just knew," in regards for the hand symbol audience participation for the song. For those who don't know, you put your right fist in front or your left hand and extend 4 fingers up on your left with your thumb tucked in your palm. There was such a rush of energy in the arena that even Cassadee from Hey Monday made an appearance during the song as well; she really get's around.

Closing out the evening in a riotous way, literally, was the hometown band Fall Out Boy. The set started with some media footage of Chicago's most famous riots. Then several explosions announced the approach of the band as they were escorted on stage by two of Chicago's finest in full riot gear. Starting off with, "Disloyal Order of Water Buffaloes," the band treated fans to an all out rock show. 

Formed back in 2001, the band consists of Patrick Stump (vocals and guitar), Joe Trohman (guitar and vocals), Pete Wentz (bass guitar and vocals), and Andy Hurley (drums and percussion). Even their old body guard Tony made an appearance and did his gangster rap thing during the set! All the bells and whistles were present; even their guitars had LED lights that synced with the rhythmic strumming, Fancy! Fall Out Boy get's a lot of crap for being just another generic whinny guy sound alike band, but they are far more than just their tongue and cheeky songs.

There's a great quote in the beginning of one of their videos, "I Don't Care," which says, 'What the hell happened to rock and roll. Eyeliner, energy drinks and no guitar solos. I've taken shits with bigger rock stars than that.' It's meant to be some kind of a put down, but it's really what Fall Out Boy as a band has set out to achieve. They're not taking themselves too seriously and that is what makes them great rock stars. They live a little better and will probably be around longer, and less burned out, then some of the rock Gods of days of yore. There is pep in their step and they are able to look at the world around them and just laugh, sometimes with an angry fist.

Their music is efficient rock and roll where you get the riffs, hooky lyrics, and a dynamic stage show, there's a lot of quirk in their intensity. This show was typical of their flash and go show where you really don't have time to take a breath. Pete is all over the stage, sometimes lying down and thrusting his pelvis to the sky, while Patrick keeps it all in check by belting out covert lyrics that many small town boys and gals relate to. Most of the songs have a John Hughes film feel that hastens back to the1980's. The song, "A Little Less Sixteen Candles, A Little More 'Touch Me'", is the pinnacle of scene. They packed in as many songs as they could which included, "Thriller," "Sugar," "We're Going Down," "I Slept With Someone In Fall Out Boy And All I Got Was This Stupid Song Written About Me," "This Ain't A Scene, It's An Arms Race," "America's Suitehearts" and "She's My Winona." They played all that you wanted, and a little more, their best tour to date. The true believers were present and there's no sign that they'll stop believin' anytime soon. 
 

Believers Never Die part Deux: Fall Out Boy, Cobra Starship, All Time Low, Metro Station, Hey Monday

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