Yellowcard - O2 Academy Brixton, London 17/11/2024 | Live Reviews

There was a buzz around Brixton as Yellowcard’s Celebration of 20 Years of Ocean Avenue Tour arrived at the O2 Academy Brixton on November 17, 2024. For many fans, it was a long-awaited return, with the band rarely embarking on UK headline tours in recent years. The excitement in the air was clear as fans streamed into the venue, ready for a night of nostalgia and energy.

Opening the evening were acoustic duo This Wild Life, who quickly won over the crowd with their humor and engaging stage presence. With singalong-worthy tracks and a playful cover of Country Roads, they made the most of their set and left a strong impression on those who arrived early.

As the lights dimmed, rockers Story of the Year burst onto the stage with Tear Me to Pieces, immediately igniting the room. Frontman Dan Marsala and his bandmates leapt from platform to platform, their stage presence lifting the atmosphere to new heights.

Leaning into their heavier tracks, with War standing out as a crowd favorite, the band kept the energy high. By the time their set concluded, Story of the Year had whipped the crowd into a frenzy, setting the stage for the main act.

Yellowcard stepped onto the stage to cheers that filled the room. The band launched into Way Away, the first of many tracks from their Ocean Avenue album.

Rather than play the record in order, Yellowcard mixed hits from the album with other fan favorites. Tracks like Only One and Breathing had the audience singing along at full volume, while their spontaneous setlist kept the energy flowing.

The night wasn’t all about nostalgia, though. Yellowcard included newer tracks in their setlist, showing they remain relevant two decades into their career. While there were no songs from their latest album, A Hopeful Sign, fans are hopeful this means another UK tour is on the horizon.

As the set reached its finale, the band saved their iconic title track, Ocean Avenue, for last. The moment the opening chords rang out, the entire room united in a massive singalong, a fitting end to a night of celebration and connection.

Yellowcard’s return to the UK was memorable. From the heartfelt performances of This Wild Life to the energy of Story of the Year and the nostalgia-filled set from Yellowcard, the evening was a masterclass in live music. For fans at the O2 Academy Brixton, it was a night to treasure, proof that even 20 years on, Yellowcard’s music still resonates.