SWITCHFOOT & RELIENT K REMIND PLAYSTATION THEATER OF THEIR GREATNESS

When I heard that the “Looking for America” tour with Relient K and Switchfoot was coming through New York City to the PlayStation Theater, nostalgia quickly washed over me. I remember seeing Relient K at Warped Tour back in my teenage days screaming along to “Be My Escape” and “Who I Am Hates Who I’ve Been.” I also remember watching A Walk To Remember and hearing “Dare You to Move” by Switchfoot for the first time and being overwhelmed with emotion.

Both bands are on tour in support of their most recent albums that both came out in July – Where the Light Shines Through by Switchfoot and Air For Free by Relient K. Switchfoot also brought their partnership with CURE International on the road with them – an organization that helps kids with treatable disabilities in 29 countries around the world – and had a donation area set-up where band merchandise would usually be.

Relient K emerged on stage in a sea of red, Matt Thiessen took his seat at the piano and a big, white buffalo stared on in the background. Their set consisted of a good amount of songs off their newest album including my favorites “Running” and “Mountaintop.” I couldn’t stop staring at lead singer Matt Thiessen’s hair the entire time – it was fluffy and blonde and the perfect hair to photograph. I think an audience member agreed because I heard someone shout, “You have great hair!” at one point. Jon Foreman from Switchfoot came out during the last song of Relient K’s set and sang along getting the crowd excited for what was to come.

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The anticipation was high as the buffalo got wheeled off stage, the lights dimmed, and the sound of The Rembrandts’ song “I’ll Be There For You” filled the room. The members of Switchfoot ran out on stage and the crowd burst into a roar of excitement. Within the first three songs Jon already stripped off his hat and leather jacket and was leaning over the barricade getting cozy with the crowd. Their energy only grew throughout the night as Jon kept coming into the crowd where at one point he walked across the mini balcony to connect with fans in the back. Add a little crowd surfing, confetti and bubbles and the night just escalated into greatness.

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Switchfoot performed about half of their new album including the anthemic title track “Where the Light Shines Through,” in which Jon held up a giant sheet with the title on it. They also performed an acoustic version of their song “Hello Hurricane” with all the guys in the band around one mic. They didn’t forget the oldies like “Meant to Live” and “Dare You to Move” which they ended their encore with in a flood of emotion. Everyone was singing along to every word – it was a powerful moment.

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It’s obvious these two extremely talented bands have a great friendship. They have the same values and are both committed to their fans – the connection they create with their music is a strong bond that has help them both last almost two decades.