The Get Up Kids Celebrate 25 Years of Something to Write Home About with an Intimate South Florida Performance – Photos and Review of “The Get Up Kids” Concert at Revolution Live in Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Elder Emos from all over South Florida gathered at Revolution Live this past thursday to witness a night of nostalgia, raw energy, and heartfelt performances as The Get Up Kids, one of the most influential bands of the late ’90s and early 2000’s midwest emo scene, took to the stage to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their iconic album Something to Write Home About. This unique, once in a lifetime tour featured the entire album played front to back, and the night was made even more special with an opening set by Hot Rod Circuit who set the tone for an unforgettable evening.

The night kicked off with Hot Rod Circuit, another band that has long been a staple in the emo and alternative rock scene. Known for their melodic hooks and earnest lyrics, the band delivered a tight and energetic set that resonated with the crowd, focusing mainly on their most famous album, “Sorry About Tomorrow“. Tracks like “At Nature’s Mercy” and “Radiation Suit” had fans singing along, their voices blending with the band’s driving guitars and anthemic choruses. Finishing up their time on stage with “The Pharmacist“, Hot Rod Circuit’s performance was the perfect warm-up for the main event, reminding everyone why they also remain a beloved act in the genre.

As the lights dimmed once again and the members of The Get Up Kids took to the stage, the crowd erupted in cheers, and the band wasted no time diving into the album that defined a generation. From the opening chords of “Holiday“, it was clear that this was going to be a night to remember as The Get Up Kids played Something to Write Home About in its entirety, track by track, just as it was released 25 years ago. The album, which has become a cornerstone of midwest emo and indie rock, sounded as fresh and poignant as ever, and songs like “Action & Action“, “Valentine“, and “Ten Minutes” were met with roaring sing-alongs as fans relived the emotions and memories tied to the music.

Singer/Guitarist Matt Pryor’s voice carried the same emotional weight it did decades ago, while Jim Suptic’s harmonies added depth and texture to the performance. Rob and Ryan Pope locked in tightly as the rhythm section, providing the backbone for the band’s dynamic sound, and Dustin Kinsey’s keyboard work added the perfect atmospheric touches, rounding out the band’s signature sound. What made the night truly special was the connection between the band and their fans. Between songs, Pryor and Suptic shared anecdotes about the making of the album, reflecting on how far they’ve come since its release, and the crowd hung on every word, laughing at the band’s self-deprecating humor and cheering at their heartfelt gratitude for the support they’ve received over the years.

After the band finished off the album with “I’ll Catch You“, they launched into an encore that featured a selection of fan favorites from the band’s broader discography, including “Campfire Kansas” and “Stay Gold, Ponyboy“. These tracks served as a reminder that while Something to Write Home About was the centerpiece of the evening, The Get Up Kids’ legacy extends far beyond a single album. As the final notes of “Don’t Hate Me” echoed through the venue, it was clear that this was more than just a concert—it was a celebration of a band, an album, and a community that has grown together over the past 25 years. The Get Up Kids brought Something to Write Home About to life, reminding everyone why the album remains a timeless classic, proving that their music still resonates deeply and their songs serve as a soundtrack to the lives of countless fans.