Three days ago, I went to Birmingham, AL, to see AWOLNATION at Iron City. Opening for them was IRONTOM and Family of the Year, respectively. This show was absolutely worth it! I highly suggest getting a ticket for one of their shows.
I had the great fortune to be upfront, almost center stage.
IRONTOM opened. They immediately blew the crowd away. Harry Hayes, front man, can hold a note. It set the bar for their set. IRONTOM did not disappoint. This band brought energy to the room and had everyone entranced. This Los Angeles based band declares that they aren’t “music that you dispassionately slip into your back pocket for a convenient conversation piece. You wear it on your sleeve.” This is accurate. There is an immediate reaction upon hearing them. The crowd in Birmingham loved them. IRONTOM sounds like a bit of classic rock and a lot of hard rock collided. There is a timeless quality with edge. These guys are also constantly moving. Harry Hayes brings his own dance moves to the stage. His moves are mildly reminiscent of Mick Jagger, but Hayes definitely feels the music and has to move. It’s great!
Each guy clearly has his own style, and they are apologetically themselves. If you get a chance to see them, meet them. They are also incredibly amiable, funny, and so excited for anyone to take an interest in them. To me, that is my favorite place for a band because they are doing what they love without a ton of fans and earning them along the way. Rest assured IRONTOM, you were arriving with two people excited about hearing you live (because yes, my friend and I listened to you after we saw you on the lineup), and you left with us as even bigger fans. I definitely hope they return to Alabama or the South, maybe even headlining next time.
Family of the Year played afterwards. They were very enjoyable, but they were also a completely different pace than either IRONTOM or AWOLNATION. Family of the Year definitely calmed down the crowd with their indie rock. In the moment, it was confusing to have such an abrupt change. By far, one thing I suggest to look for is the drummer, who could maintain a straight face for about 5 seconds and would break into the biggest grin. Seeing his joy made it much more fun. Looking back, it was a great way for the crowd to calm down before AWOLNATION began. Check them out. They are definitely a pretty chill band.
The moments to follow you could feel the crowd growing in excited energy. As the sound guys slowly stopped coming out to make final adjustments, the crowd’s anticipation was palpable.
AWOLNATION took the stage and were warmly welcomed. Their open was perfect. That is the only way to describe it. They began with Run. The entire group was fascinating to watch as they played and sang. Front man, Aaron Bruno, did an amazing job leading the crowd and is also quite the dancer. Everyone knew the words to each song they played. The crowd either jumped, head banged, fist pumped, or danced along. It was amazing experience to be in the crowd, and the band seemed to enjoy the crowd as well. Before “All I Need” began, Bruno asked everyone to put their arms around each other for this slow down and sing along. He further showed his command of the crowd in asking everyone to get down as low to the floor before leading the crowd in a giant jumping pit for their final song, “Burn It Down.” This was a fun ending! However, the crowd wasn’t ready to be done.
Per usual to any concert I’ve been to, after the band exited, the crowd demanded more with screams and cries of encore. However, it was definitely a first for me (and I would be curious to know if for AWOLNATION) to begin hearing the crowd started a common football chant. Let me explain. Remember the chant: “Let’s go ____! *clap* *clap* *clap clap clap*” The crowd actually yelled: “A-WOL-NATION *clap* *clap* *clap clap clap*” After several rounds of this, more screams, and cheers, the band returned. They continued to play a few more songs and brilliantly ended with by far their most popular song: “Sail.” Their ending was also perfect. Overall, AWOLNATION killed with their set. It was a wonderful combination of their work.
Hopefully, you had a chance to see these bands all play together. If not, definitely see them individually at some point. AWOLNATION is still on tour until August 1st. Family of the Year will finish with AWOLNATION. IRONTOM finishes their stint on the RUN Tour and on the East Coast tonight (June 13 in Atlanta), but of course, they’ll be back in LA soon.
I must admit that until yesterday I really had wished that I had taken more pictures, especially one with the bands and gotten autographs. However, I had such an amazing experience to be able to talk with some of them and just enjoy the moment that I don’t regret it. Would I get pictures with the bands or autographs next time? Most likely, but getting a pick from AWOLNATION and having IRONTOM sign my friend’s book (because we forgot about our tickets) was by far the better way to go. Thanks to these bands for an incredible experience and sharing your music.
Steps and Sounds 