Good Charlotte and Yellowcard

I've seen Good Charlotte over 100 times across the US, UK, Japan, and Canada. While some might consider that excessive, I can honestly say it was time well spent. GC shows are, above all else, a lot of fun.

You can expect to hear their hits, as well as a variety of songs from their five studio albums, though in recent years they've replaced early fan favorites, mostly from their self-titled album, with newer material. For the majority of concert goers attending a GC show, the entirety of the performance is spent dancing, singing, and jumping. So basically, for the most immersive experience, prepare to sweat.

Also you can expect to laugh. There is typically quite a bit of, what I like to refer to as, witty twin banter that takes place between brothers and frontmen Benji and Joel Madden. A Good Charlotte show is also a safe bet for families and younger fans, as there is usually little to no cursing or vulgarity.

Good Charlotte is currently on hiatus, but fear not, notable side projects from bassist Paul Thomas and drummer Dean Butterworth (The Strayed), Benji and Joel (The Madden Brothers), and, for the art fans, guitarist Billy Martin's comic book endeavor (Vitriol the Hunter) should keep fans of the talented quintet occupied for the time being.

If you are not currently a fan, I would suggest sampling each of the five releases: Good Charlotte, The Young and The Hopeless, The Chronicles of Life and Death, Good Morning Revival, and Cardiology, as they are all unique records and there is definitely something for everyone amongst their massive discography. In closing, to quote Benji "See you at the show!"

Recently reformed alt-rockers Yellowcard are back on the live circuit to play to fans with their melodic rock, bringing sets made of old and new music to venues around the globe. Despite the several line up changes and numerous hiatuses, the fans have stuck by Yellowcard and as the lights go down in Coventry's Kasbah the cheers that erupt are evidence of the band's unwavering popularity.

Beginning with a number of tracks from 2012 LP 'Southern Air' the crowd remain enthusiastic as the energetic band tears through the new material with vigour. The violin is an unusual addition for a rock quartet but when watching the intensity in which Sean Mackin plays the instrument spurs the crowd on to cheer and shriek during his personal solos.

It didn't take long for the band to bring out the old singles such as 'Way Away' and 'Lights & Sounds' and they seem as excitable as the crowd during the intro to these cult favourites. The largest cheers of the night though are definitely reserved for the encore duo of 'Only One' and their most recognisable hit 'Ocean Avenue'. Despite some time away, Yellowcard seem refreshed and re-energised onstage.