Mayday Parade: Three Cheers for Twenty Years
w/ Like Roses, Grayscale, Microwave, Mayday Parade
Three Cheers for Twenty Years: Mayday Parade Brings the Celebration to Stroudsburg
On May 24, 2025, Mayday Parade, along with Like Roses, Grayscale, and Microwave, made their way to The Sherman Theater in Stroudsburg PA to celebrate twenty years of pop punk greatness.
To kick off the night, California-grown Like Roses opened with electric energy that immediately excited the sold-out theater. Lead vocalist Amy Schmalkuche delivered the band's hits with raw emotion and intensity. Like Roses was the perfect opener for this tour, as their sound is reminiscent of early pop punk greats, and their ability to promptly animate the crowd was unlike anything I have seen.
Following Like Roses’ electrifying set, Philadelphia based Grayscale took to the stage to the roar of fans filling the venue. From the start, Grayscale’s set felt fully alive, with lead vocalist and guitarist Collin Walsh making the most of the stage. Grayscale’s new-age pop punk sound blends together elements of rock, alternative, and pop punk, creating a fusion of addictive songs. This set was a lightning-charged performance full of depth and passion.
Following the addition of some giant light-up mushrooms on the stage, psychedelic contemporary rock band Microwave emerging from Atlanta, Georgia began as the final opener of the night. The excitement building from the crowd was nearly knocking the stage barriers down, and Microwave did not hesitate to continue building the hype. Frontman Nathan Hardy was radiating excitement and the crowd of 1,800 could feel it. Wrapping up their set, the announcement of the night's headliner, Mayday Parade, sent the crowd into euphoria.
Even before taking the stage, Mayday Parade’s stage display was notably impressive, with dozens of stage lights, platforms, screens, and even mirrors. Ahead of their performance, a video played of an interview dating back to 2008, a nostalgic callback to their humble beginnings at Vans Warped Tour. Soon after, frontman Derek Sanders began playing “By the Way” on the piano, a track from their newest album release Sweet. The crowd erupted at the first note, and it may have been the loudest crowd I’ve ever heard.
Sanders couldn’t hold back his gratitude and excitement for everyone in the room that made 20 years of Mayday Parade possible, and it was seen in every song and every performance. The energy from everyone on stage was truly unbelievable. As the night carried on, it seemed as if it would never end, and it felt incredible.
Finishing off the night, confetti cannons blasted away at the final song, and it was a perfect way to close out what was an unforgettable night. Few shows will leave you with the feeling of wanting more, and this one undoubtedly did. This tour is definitely a history maker, and is one you won't want to miss.
Photography by Kara Rook
