Say Anything Tickets

I have an admission up front: I did not attend this concert to see Say Anything. In fact, I had never heard of them up until Spotify recommended me an AJJ concert mere miles from my house. I've lived most of my life in areas where they'll, for instance, host "If Taylor Swift came here concerts", playing her music over karaoke machines or speakers while people make friendship bracelets. That's it's own sort of good time if you enjoy bonding with 11-year-olds and free popsicles, but it doesn't take a keen eye to see that doesn't quite mimic actual concert-going. So, when I saw a band I've loved for 10 years performing in my area as an opening act I jumped on it and brought my boyfriend with me! We did stay for Say Anything's opening (they started playing around 9:30 PM) , but to be honest the main singer entered the stage after taking a big bong rip and the entire theater started smelling like weed, the first song wasn't my vibe, and it was getting kind of dark outside. We left early, but from what I saw people were really resonating with the performance! My ears started ringing from everyone singing along in unison, and someone attempted to crowdsurf right off the bat. It did not pan out, but I think tunes that inspire a couple buddies to hoist up their friend and cause a minor spinal injury are pretty impressive! Anyhow, I mostly want to discuss the opening acts, Greet Death and AJJ (my beloved). We were delayed by infuriating city parking, so I can't say anything about GD's opening songs, but the four I was present for were pretty good! There was some headbanging and guitar-diddling, but the biggest impression they made on the crowd was when the lead singer gave some really strong metal-style screams. He came off as a little unenergetic at first, but those really woke him and the audience up! The singer thanked us for a warm reception, as in other cities they'd apparently had food, knives, and a chinchilla(?!) thrown at them. They were attempting to re-home the chinchilla, as they're a bunch of young 20-somethings from Michigan and, quote, "want him to live a better life than we can give!"If you're reading this review that pretty much only covers the openers for a 20-year anniversary album concert tour and are also looking for a little fuzzy love in your life, book your tickets now! My boyfriend found the group the highlight of the concert :). They had about 30 minutes in the spotlight with a brief intermission between them and AJJ. I was thrumming like a catnipped kitty up to AJJ's first song. Once they came on, the lead singer was personable, making eye contact with people singing along in the crowd, and basically doing whatever he could to make this a good night for the fans. They performed a mix of songs from their newest album "Disposable Everything", fan favorites (e.g., "Brave as a Noun", "Body Terror Song"), and slower, prettier b-sides. I won't reveal the whole set-list, since I'm not sure how much that changes show-to-show, but there was a nice variety! The real highlight, though, was AJJ's pianist. Man was doing little dramatic hand pulls on held notes, funky side jigs to the music, headbanging... He was such an icon someone pulled out their phone to specifically record him throughout the show. They performed for a solid hour, with a 30-or-so minute intermission between them and Say Anything. My boyfriend and I both had a really fun time, and he really didn't know any of the bands before we came to the concert. If you're an AJJ fan, or maybe someone with limited knowledge of all three bands, may this be a glowing recommendation! I can't speak as much for Say Anything folks, but know I saw a satisfied full house AND two great openers!

Max Bemis was drunk, I left early. The whole audience knew and sang the words better than him. Could not have been more disappointed with his performance. The band was great but wow. Talk about unprofessional.

The concert was amazing and I had a great time. But it was genuinely distressing to not have the band play Wow, I can get sexual too, as it’s the most popular song on the album they were celebrating the anniversary of. The crowd was super confused and almost no one left when the band went offstage because we were all anticipating hearing that song. Just the weirdest vibe.

The openers both fit the vibe and then Max came out sick but still pulled an hour and a half set. Every second was amazing.

As someone who’s been listening to Say Anything for 20+ years this was a phenomenal show. Max played a full set with a head cold and you couldn’t even tell he was so full of energy.

Every anniversary tour I’ve been to, the album is played in order cover to cover. Say Anything sang halfway and then stopped. I understand the lead singer wasn’t feeling well, but then I would’ve rather him cancelled and got refunded instead of getting half. My favorite song was literally next, and he stopped right before. Then his encore was a song from a different album… His performance was good tho, and the crowd was good vibes too.

I am so glad I finally had the chance to see them live!

Seeing Say Anything was a high school throwback that was sure to meet the same expectations. Two things would have made that true, one of which was organization on behalf of the venue. It seems like they oversold standing first-floor tickets, and ended up with too many VIP seats on the second floor. Instead of offloading those for a lower price, it was still $125-$150 to sit up there. I’m glad that we didn’t just bite the bullet for the seats, because Say Anything put on a terrible show. It was both sad and cringe-worthy to watch a wildly inebriated Max Bemis struggle to recall lyrics, remain standing, and to keep his tongue under control. Like, the tongue flailing only uppers can elicit. The band did their best to save him, song after song. I don’t know if the venue can intervene in such situations, but maybe a new policy is in order. I hope Bemis can get some real help at some point as well. Anyway, Greet Death crushed it and should be invited to open for more bands. They truly rocked!

I’ve definitely seen better shows at The Ritz, Yacht Rock Review and Big Wild as the most recent, both of which were just as amazing. Seeing Say Anything was a high school throwback that was sure to meet the same expectations. Two things would have made that true, one of which was organization on behalf of the venue. It seems like they oversold standing first-floor tickets, and ended up with too many VIP seats on the second floor. Instead of offloading those for a lower price, it was still $125-$150 to sit up there. I’m glad that we didn’t just bite the bullet for the seats, because Say Anything put on a terrible show. It was both sad and cringe-worthy to watch a wildly inebriated Max Bemis struggle to recall lyrics, remain standing, and to keep his tongue under control. Like, the tongue flailing only uppers can elicit. The band did their best to save him, song after song. I don’t know if The Ritz can intervene in such situations, but maybe a new policy is in order. Anyway, Greet Death crushed it and should be invited back. They truly rocked.

Loved the show, say anything was amazing! But the venue itself was far too little for the amount of people there. Couldnt move around very much anywhere in the venue without bumping into at least 3-4 people. And the price of drinks were a little over the top. Overall we had a great time but I don't think we will come back to the Ritz for anymore shows.