On May 22, 2023, Chicago-based power pop band Beach Bunny stopped for a show at Stage AE in Pittsburgh, PA on a quick three-show East Coast run. Joining them was PUP, a Canadian punk rock band from Toronto, and opener Pool Kids from Tallahassee, Florida.
To start off the show, Pool Kids delivered a captivating set in which the crowd was fully attentive. They have played various shows in the Pittsburgh area in the past, so there were pockets of hardcore fans sprinkled among the giant crowd. The energy that Pool Kids brought to this show was perfect- it warmed the crowd up and helped build on their excitement. I am sure many of the audience members are going to be long-time fans after this show, I know I am!
Next to rush the stage was PUP. I had originally not known much about this band, so I was not sure what to expect. The moment they began their first song, Morbid Stuff, I knew I was hooked. The crowd instantly began to move, leading to a large mosh pit forming in the center of the room. At this point, I was towards the back-right of the venue. I knew I did not want to miss out on this pit, so I began to make my way through the people to jump in. Everyone was having a blast, and even though the mosh pit was intense, all of the participants were looking out for each other. Additionally, the band members all made a quick announcement after seeing the pits form just to remind everyone to be vigilant and caring for one another, but to still go crazy. This showed the care that PUP has for their fanbase. As they continued through their set, they also gave moments in between songs for people to catch their breath.
PUP’s music awoke a feeling of intensity in myself, and was helpful in moving unresolved feelings that I didn’t even know were there. I was surprised by this, especially since I had not known their songs until that night. After talking with a few long-time fans of the band, they said the same kinds of things- PUP writes songs that are not only relatable, but powerful to the listener.
Last to take the stage was Beach Bunny. For years both Madalyn and I have been listening to their music, and to see their growth has been so exciting. Back in 2018, we had the chance to see them play at the Mr. Roboto Project, one of the beloved smaller venues in Pittsburgh. Opening for Beach Bunny was Field Medic and local band String Machine, who we have loved for many years. It was such a stacked lineup, and getting to see the development of Beach Bunny as performers has been huge. In just a few years, they went from playing in a 200 capacity room to a 5,500 capacity venue. Lead singer Lili Trifilio has a stronger sense of confidence now, which greatly translates into her lyrics which are both personal to herself and relatable to many of the young people in our world today. Her voice carried beautifully through Stage AE, with thousands of fans singing along in the background. I was so excited for them because I have seen how difficult the earlier years as a band can be. Now they are on the other side of it and continuing to play bigger and better gigs. Beach Bunny’s well-deserved recognition stems from their ability to convey important messages, particularly to young women, all while consistently creating melodically captivating hits.
Words by Ella Donovan along with photos by Madalyn Schaller. If reposting, please credit @livefromthepitt412 / @madalyns.photos
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