Last night was bittersweet.

The last time I saw Bayside and Silverstein together was October 28, 2005 only three days before the tragic bus accident that killed Bayside’s drummer at the time John “Beatz” Holohan. I remember hearing about the accident so vividly and I could not help but think about it last night. Even though it’s been nearly six years I can’t imagine how the rest of the guys feel nor would I ever want to. 

However, both of those bands have been a part of my life for so long it also brought up all these feelings like I was in eighth grade again — back when I thought I was invincible. Even though I probably haven’t listened to Silverstein since Sophomore year their set consisted of a lot of their early stuff so it was enjoyable. “Call It Karma” has always been one of my favorites of theirs and “My Heroine” was one of the first songs I learned how to play on guitar. 

Bayside on the other hand… their music has always been one of the constants in my life. I can always rely on Sirens and Condolences to bring me back when I’m breaking down. I haven’t really given their latest album the listen it deserves but the crowd last night was so into it. When they played “Sick, Sick, Sick” you would have thought it was a classic, everyone was singing along. That’s another thing I love about Bayside, no matter where they are the crowd always gives 100%.

I just can’t even explain it, but last night took me back (back to where it starts). I really needed that. I really needed Chicago.