All Time Low's Fort Lauderdale Show: Twenty Years In, Still Getting Better

Erin Lee
5 days ago
3 min read

By Erin Lee

All Time Low brought the fun and excitement to War Memorial Auditorium last night in Fort Lauderdale for their Everyone's Talking tour, in support of their brand-new album.

The band assembled an excellent support lineup in The Paradox, Four Year Strong, and Mayday Parade.

Each opening group delivered a strong set. Judging by the people around me, they all had fans present to cheer for them and sing along.

A recorded video set the tone for the evening, a Saturday Night Live-style montage of clips featuring the supporting acts, then All Time Low's members, finally introducing Alex Gaskarth and encouraging the audience to applaud.

Having seen All Time Low perform live several times before, I noticed a similarity with how they begin their shows. Typically lead singer and guitarist Alex Gaskarth arrives on stage first, singing an introduction. Last night was "[Cold Open]" from the band's newest album, Everyone's Talking. He played an acoustic guitar and sang before exiting the stage to rejoin with each bandmate taking their position before launching full energy into "Oh No!" and "SUCKERPUNCH" back-to-back.

The first half of the set was sprinkled with fan favorites like "Damned If I Do Ya (Damned If I Don't)" from 2009's Nothing Personal, and new setlist additions like "Time-Bomb" from 2011's Dirty Work.

Midway through the set, a girl in the audience held up her phone with text making a song request. Alex jokingly quipped: " 'Remembering Sunday?' that one's not on the setlist." His comment was met with such an enthusiastic response from the crowd that the band ended up playing it. At first, I was expecting they'd end after the chorus but seeing the smiles on the band's faces as we all sang along was an indicator we'd get the entire song. Guitarist Jack Barakat grabbed his cell phone to record the audience for a moment. It was a beautiful reminder of how impactful this band's music has been on all of us fans for the last two decades.

I try to take turns and stand stage right or left each show, to get a different perspective. Last night I was on bassist Zach Merrick's side, being treated to his outstanding backing vocals and dynamic playing.

Jack Barakat is always a treat to watch bounce around the stage; hugging and kissing his bandmates and singing in their ear: a whirlwind of playful chaos.

Close to the end of the evening we were treated to an All Time Low show staple: a kiddo in the crowd playing "Rock, Paper, Scissors" with Alex, who ultimately treated them to a guitar pick he personally came down from the stage to deliver.

Alex's authenticity and gratitude make it easy to be a fan, his talent as a singer-songwriter and musician is the icing on top.

Before closing the night out, Alex took a moment to encourage us to attend local shows and support local bands. Having been going to local shows since I was a teenager, and having many friends who gig, this message was much needed and so wonderful to hear.

As the boys rounded the finish line for a three-song encore, the video screen lit up with a couple of joke lines about Rian Dawson avoiding a drum solo for 20 years. Dawson is a proficient drummer, a heavy hitter who doesn't get near enough credit for his talent. The drum solo was long overdue!

Speaking of underrated talented, utility player and co-songwriter "fifth member" Dan Swank really held it down upstage right. He adds a distinct flavor to the band.

Looking back at last night's setlist, it truly spanned the band's entire discography. A little something for everyone, whether they have followed All Time Low since "Dear Maria" or jumped on board with 2020's smash hit "Monsters."

Every All Time Low show feels like a unique experience, and they keep getting better than ever!

All images by Larry Marano: