Article by: Wendy Podmenik Darugar
Photos by: Glenn Woodell and Wendy Podmenik Darugar

The line went down past the venue and wrapped around the block, coiled in anticipation for the comeback of Good Charlotte, returning after a six year hiatus. Ages ranging from young 20’s to folks in their 40’s, the old and the new, some traveling from North Carolina, Maryland, and Northern Virginia, to catch these bands here in Hampton Roads for the “Youth Authority” tour.

Like Pacific opened, returning to Norfolk for a second show after only just playing here in Norfolk this past March 2017 with Senses Fail. Follow-up Crown the Empire‘s new vocalist Andy Leo Velasquez was a perfect storm on the forefront of the stage, promoting latest album “Retrograde” (2016) and winning over fans.

The evening took a sharp turn towards ska and a party atmosphere replete with balloons, streamers, confetti and cannons when Florida’s Less than Jake took their place at the front. Formed in 1992, there were plenty of cracks about “old” age and a lot of horseplay with some audience participation, in particular, with a used car salesman wearing an aqua mohawk wig and having the time of his life in front of 1000 + concertgoers.

You could literally feel the love for Good Charlotte as they dramatically stepped onstage in the dark. The first song was “Anthem”, and in pauses during their 17 song-strong setlist, there were moments for conversation, for song writing inspirations and explanations, and the warm feeling of long lost friends having returned home. Norfolk was the last date for Good Charlotte’s east coast leg of their tour, as they are heading towards Europe for the month of June. Crown the Empire will finish up three more dates in the southern US before also heading to Europe for June. To catch these bands please visit http://www.crowntheempire.net/ and http://www.goodcharlotte.com/