EVERYTHING YOU MISSED AT THE WHEN WE WERE YOUNG MUSIC FESTIVAL 2023

By Dove Clark and Leanne Leuterio

Thousands of music fans stepped back in time to the exhilarating days of the ’90s at the When We Were Young music festival in Las Vegas. Over the weekend of October 21-22, the festival grounds were filled with roughly 70,000 enthusiastic fans, all ready to relive the golden era of punk-inspired tunes. Despite the unusually hot October weather, with temperatures reaching an unrelenting 90 degrees, the nights brought cool breezes that added to the magical atmosphere.

The energy was electric as fans eagerly awaited performances from iconic 90s bands such as Green Day, Blink-182, and Sum 41, among many others. The festival grounds were a sight to behold, with a multitude of food stands, bars, and relaxing spots equipped with misting systems to help festival-goers beat the heat. It was a true haven where fans could unwind, connect with fellow music lovers, and revel in the incredible performances for a remarkable two-day extravaganza across four stages.

The success and smooth execution of the When We Were Young festival is nothing short of extraordinary. To entertain and cater to such a massive crowd without any major incidents is a testament to the organizers’ meticulous planning and dedication. In a city known for its big celebrations, this festival has undoubtedly left its mark as an unforgettable event.

When We Were Young brought together a lineup of prominent and fresh-faced cross-genre bands, each offering an unforgettable performance that left the crowd in awe. From surprise collaborations to wild stage antics, the event was a true spectacle of music and entertainment.

There were so many stand out performances that we can’t list them all here, but here are a few highlights.

Yellowcard took the stage by storm, celebrating the 20th anniversary of their iconic album “Ocean Avenue.” But that wasn’t the only surprise they had in store for their fans. Singer/songwriter Cassadee Pope made a special appearance, joining the band to sing their hit song “Only One.” The crowd erupted with excitement, savoring the unique rendition. Not to be outdone, Pierce the Veil delivered an emotionally charged performance, highlighted by a heartwarming gesture. During their performance of “Hold on Till May,” the lead vocalist brought a lucky fan onstage and gifted her his guitar. It was a touching moment that confirmed the band’s connection with their audience.

Good Charlotte returned to the stage after a five-year hiatus, and they made sure to make it a weekend to remember. In an unexpected twist, on Sunday night’s performance they brought out the legendary rapper Lil Wayne, who delivered an electrifying performance of “A Milli” and “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.” The collaboration was a fusion of genres that had the crowd in a frenzy.

Simple Plan brought the element of surprise to a whole new level. Not only did they showcase their own high-energy performance, but they also invited special guests on stage. Members from Plain White T’s, Bowling for Soup, and MXPX bands joined forces with Simple Plan while their lead singer, Pierre, showed off his drumming skills. The stage was transformed into a collaborative hub, leaving fans with a medley of cover songs, including “All Star,” “Sk8r Boy,” and “Mr. Brightside.”

When it comes to stage antics, Blink-182 never disappoints. Travis Barker took his performance to new heights, quite literally. His drum set floated on risers during “Miss You”, captivating the audience. And to top it all off, the band concluded their set with a grand display of fireworks, illuminating the night sky and leaving the crowd in awe.

Green Day brought their signature energy to the festival. Before even starting their set, a bunny-suited hype man wearing a black tee with a red tie worked fans into a playful spirit. Their opening song, “American Idiot,” set the tone for an electrifying set. Throughout their performance, they commanded the audience to put their hands in the air, clap, and jump, creating an infectious energy that reverberated throughout the fesrival grounds.

WWWY 2023 was a testament to the power of live music and to the love of retro bands, offering an array of unforgettable moments. From surprise collaborations to awe-inspiring stage antics, each band brought their unique flair. It was a celebration of music that united fans and artists alike, leaving everyone with memories that will last a lifetime.