Nostalgia was in the air at The Fillmore in Silver Spring tonight as New Found Glory took the stage to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their iconic album Catalyst. The crowd, a mix of long-time fans and newer faces, buzzed with anticipation, eager to relive the early 2000s pop-punk magic that made the band a household name.
From the moment the band launched into their set, it was clear that New Found Glory hadn’t lost a step. They kicked things off with the explosive “All Downhill from Here,” instantly igniting the crowd and setting the tone for the night. The energy in the room was palpable, with the audience singing along to every word, jumping in unison, and crowd surfing just like in the good old days.
As the night progressed, the band treated fans to a full run-through of Catalyst, playing every track with the same enthusiasm and precision that made the album a hit two decades ago. Highlights included a particularly rousing rendition of “Failure’s Not Flattering” and the heartfelt “I Don’t Wanna Know,” where the crowd’s voices almost drowned out the band’s.
Photos & Article by: Jennifer Racho
Between songs, lead singer Jordan Pundik engaged with the audience, sharing memories from the band’s early days and expressing gratitude for the fans who have stuck with them throughout the years. The band’s chemistry was on full display. The stage setup was a brilliant nod to the album’s original cover art, instantly recognizable to any fan. The band performed against a backdrop that mirrored the vibrant, chaotic design of the Catalyst CD, with neon colors and abstract shapes that pulsed in time withthe music. This visual tribute added an extra layer of nostalgia, making it feel as though the album had come to life right before our eyes.
The encore was a perfect ending to the night, with the band performing a couple of fan favorites outside of Catalyst, including “Hit or Miss” and “My Friends Over You,” sending the crowd into a final frenzy of moshing and singing along. New Found Glory’s performance at The Fillmore was a testament to their enduring legacy in the pop-punk scene. Twenty years after Catalyst first dropped, the album still resonates with fans, and the band’s live show is as electric as ever. For anyone who grew up with these songs, tonight was a night to remember.
