New Found Glory didn’t waste a second waking up the crowd at Budweiser Stage, opening their SUPERCHARGED: Worldwide tour set with the hype one-two of “Y’all ready for this?” and Kernkraft 400 blaring over the PA. It worked instantly to jumpstart the energy just in time for the band to dive straight into Understatement, a satisfying gut punch of early-2000s nostalgia that had the whole pit bouncing in sync.
The pop-punk veterans clearly knew how to make the most of their quick set. All Downhill From Here and Dressed to Kill followed in quick succession, keeping the momentum high while showcasing just how tight the band still sounds after 25 years. Then came Hit or Miss, their breakout track, with frontman Jordan Pundik spending most of the song in the pit, singing shoulder-to-shoulder with fans new and old.
What stood out, though, was how they balanced their classic material with a nod to where they’re headed. 100%, their latest single, was a great follow-up. It landed right in the middle of the set and sounded just as energetic and dialed-in as anything from their earlier catalogue. It’s proof that their sound is still evolving while keeping the DNA fans love.
It also felt like a mini pop-punk crossover episode. Touring with NFG is Dan O’Connor (of Four Year Strong) and Zach Comtois (of Motion City Soundtrack) who brought an extra jolt of energy on guitars, while Zach also stepped in on the keys for Failure’s Not Flattering. The addition made the set feel like a low-key supergroup moment for fans in the know.
Closing with My Friends Over You, NFG proved they didn’t need a long set to make a big impact. With barely a pause between songs and constant crowd interaction, they packed in everything a fan could want: nostalgia, new music, crowd dives, and a party-like atmosphere from start to finish. Expectations were totally met.
In a tour with heavy hitters, New Found Glory showed that their pop-punk power still holds strong. Their set was tight, fun, and a real treat for fans that really understand how cool it is to see this music live. Some bands just make opening a show look easy.