For many fans of Four Year Strong, the band’s triumphant return to the stage after years of anticipation felt like a long time coming. On a chilly March evening in London, the beloved pop-punk heavyweights made their presence known at KOKO, a venue that feels like the perfect backdrop for their high-energy, emotionally charged performances. With support from Shoreline and Koyo, the night was set up to be a celebration of the genre’s enduring power — and to say it delivered would be an understatement.
Germany’s Shoreline kicked things off with an energetic set that had the crowd nodding along in approval. Their blend of melodic punk and post-hardcore intensity set a solid tone for the night ahead. Though their set was brief, Shoreline’s intricate guitar work and raw, emotive vocals hinted at the potential they have within the scene, proving that they’ve earned their place as one to watch in the years to come.
Next up, Koyo took the stage, bringing a more aggressive edge to the evening. Their mix of hardcore punk and anthemic choruses had the crowd bouncing and moshing with infectious energy. Songs like “What’s Left To Say?” and “Life’s a Pill” hit hard, and the band’s intensity set the stage for what was to come. By the time they wrapped up their set, the energy in the room was at a fever pitch, and fans were primed for the main event.
Then, Four Year Strong hit the stage. The moment the band began their opening track, “Aftermath/Afterthought,” the crowd erupted into cheers. The unmistakable energy that comes with seeing Four Year Strong live was immediately evident as they ripped through the song with precision and passion. From the very first note, it was clear that the crowd was in for an unforgettable night.
The set was a whirlwind of nostalgia, anthems, and pure chaos. With “Bad Habit” leading the charge, it was clear that the crowd was ready to lose themselves in the music. The band’s ability to make old songs sound just as fresh and exciting as their newer material was apparent in every riff and chorus. The pit was alive, with fans jumping and singing along to every word.
“Heroes Get Remembered, Legends Never Die” was one of the night’s defining moments, as the whole room seemed to shake with the energy of thousands of voices shouting the lyrics in unison. There’s something special about hearing that track live, a perfect reminder of how deeply Four Year Strong’s music resonates with fans of all ages. It felt like a victory lap for a band that has been a staple in the pop-punk scene for years, and it was clear that the crowd knew every word by heart.
As the set progressed, “Get Out of My Head” added a refreshing layer of intensity to the show, with its infectious hooks and driving rhythms. The crowd was in a frenzy, and the chemistry between vocalists Dan O’Connor and Alan Day was as tight as ever. Their harmonies effortlessly glided over each riff, and the crowd fed off their infectious energy.
One of the more interesting moments of the set came with “It Must Really Suck to Be Four Year Strong Right Now,” a track that blends biting sarcasm with emotional depth. It was a perfect example of the band’s unique ability to balance humor with raw, heartfelt emotion, and the crowd ate it up. Similarly, songs like “Find My Way Back” gave the audience a more reflective, intimate moment, reminding everyone that Four Year Strong isn’t just about fast riffs and loud choruses — they can tug at your heartstrings too.
As the night went on, the energy only seemed to escalate. “Uncooked” and “Bada Bing! Wit’ a Pipe!” kept the momentum going, with the crowd moshing and crowd-surfing like there was no tomorrow. The pit was alive, and for those in the audience, it felt like an all-out war against gravity and time.
Later in the set, “Daddy of Mine” and “Brain Pain” brought an added emotional depth that kept the crowd engaged, balancing the chaos of the earlier tracks with a more introspective, melancholic vibe. But no moment hit harder than when the band launched into “Seventeen.” As soon as the first notes rang out, it was clear that the crowd had been waiting for this one. The entire venue seemed to explode in a frenzy of nostalgia, with fans shouting the lyrics like they were 17 again. It was a moment of pure catharsis for anyone who grew up with Four Year Strong’s music.
Closing the show with “Wasting Time (Eternal Summer),” Four Year Strong proved once again that they’re masters of capturing that perfect, timeless blend of youthful exuberance and punk-rock defiance. As the song ended and the crowd filed out of the venue, there was a collective sense of exhaustion, but also satisfaction. The night had been everything fans could’ve hoped for and more — a celebration of the band’s legacy, their ability to still bring the heat, and the unbreakable bond between Four Year Strong and their die-hard followers.
From start to finish, Four Year Strong’s set at KOKO was a masterclass in what makes them one of the most beloved bands in pop-punk today. The crowd’s energy never waned, the band’s performance was flawless, and the setlist was a near-perfect blend of fan favorites and newer material. If you weren’t there, you missed out on one of the most raucous, heartfelt, and fun punk shows of the year.
If you ever get the chance to see them live, take it. Because nights like this are what legends are made of.
High Fives & Stage Dives 