All Time Low’s Homecoming Triumph: A Night to Remember at Merriweather Post Pavilion
On August 24, 2024, Baltimore’s own All Time Low made a triumphant return to their roots, headlining the iconic Merriweather Post Pavilion for the first time. The night was nothing short of monumental, with a lineup that perfectly set the stage for what would become an unforgettable evening.
Opening the show was Lolo, a rising star who had just dropped her debut album in June. Despite being relatively new to the scene, Lolo commanded the stage with a confidence that belied her recent arrival. Her energy was infectious, setting the tone for the night as she strutted across the stage, with many in the crowd singing along to her fresh tracks. Lolo’s performance was the perfect way to kick off the festivities, warming up the crowd for what was to come.
Next up were pop-rock heavyweights Boys Like Girls, who wasted no time in bringing the crowd to life. They burst onto the stage with their hit “Love Drunk,” immediately igniting a wave of crowd surfers that continued throughout their entire set. The band’s energy was relentless, with songs like “Blood and Sugar” and “Hero/Heroine” keeping the audience in a state of euphoria. The highlight of their set was undoubtedly “The Great Escape,” which sparked a frenzy in the crowd, with some fans starting to mosh while others jumped along to every beat. Boys Like Girls closed their set with “Two is Better Than One,” a cool-down moment that allowed the audience to catch their breath after an intense performance.
As the lights dimmed and anticipation built, All Time Low finally took the stage. Alex Gaskarth began the set solo on the piano, creating an intimate moment before the full band joined in. The opening song was met with confetti cannons and a heartwarming sight—a sea of fans holding up signs that read “Welcome Home.” The connection between the band and their hometown crowd was palpable.
All Time Low’s main set was a tour de force, featuring 30 songs packed with surprises. The night was filled with special moments, including a performance of “For Baltimore” that saw the mascots from the Orioles and Ravens join the band on stage. An impromptu cover of “Blitzkrieg Bop” added a fun, spontaneous vibe to the set, while “Remembering Sunday” was made even more poignant with Gaskarth’s wife, Lisa, joining him onstage for a duet. The band’s performance was enhanced by multiple stage setups, pyrotechnics, and a dazzling light display that elevated the experience to a whole new level.
After nearly three hours, the band closed their set with a five-song encore that left the crowd wanting more. The encore featured yet another surprise, with Lolo returning to the stage to perform “PMA” alongside the band. The grand finale, “Dear Maria, Count Me In,” sent the crowd into a frenzy, a fitting end to a night that celebrated not just All Time Low’s success, but also the pride and support of their hometown fans.
In the end, All Time Low’s headlining show at Merriweather Post Pavilion was more than just a concert—it was a homecoming celebration, a night where Baltimore’s own came back to where it all began and showed just how far they’ve come.
Photos (c) Shannon Flack
