Tuesday 18/03/08 All Time Low, Sonny, The Matches, The Rocket Summer, Forever The Sickest Kids @ The Rialto Theater, Tucson Arizona

It was once thought that being on the cover of Rolling Stone was the ultimate exposure for a band but nowadays, for new rock at least, it’s the Alternative Press that’s prized and many of the bands here tonight have held that honor. People straggle into the Rialto as the Power Pop boyhood chums of Forever The Sickest Kids start to warm them up and solidly win them over as people clap overhead, cheer and sing the “do, do, do” chorus during 'Believe Me I’m Lying.' The band announces that they’ll be on Warped Tour this year, the crowd roars then the lads light up as they jump, spin and crash into 'Breakdown.' Their Pop Rock songs show an expanded melodic and instrumental depth for the genre. It remains to be heard if their new album, slated for release in April, lives up to them live.

Now a lesson as to why everyone should show up early for this tour. The roadies haul out a box with a hand painted sign on it that says “Kells.” The lead singer tentatively takes to the stage. He seems nervous and awkwardly shy as if he’s rusty or inexperienced. I focus my camera lens on him as he drinks in the modest crowd and smiles. He sings.

Were suddenly drop dead stunned at the amazing heights and drifting soul his voice portrays. We stop shooting as our hair stands on end and adrenaline jolts our nervous system. It’s Sonny Moore. A singer who’s real life story is as haunting as his voice. Former lead singer of From First To Last he dropped out of sight as he dealt with throat problems and the lows following the near loss of his voice. Well he’s back with a vengeance as his vox consumes and amazes us with 'Signal.' Shy no longer he jumps into the middle of the audience and sings. Surround by fans and the glow of cell phones he’s at home once again. The bewildered band drinks water and goofs off whilst he makes his way back to the stage. He stands on the rail, leans out over the mob and shouts “It feels good! You let me go crazy!” His microphone breaks and it’s the last we hear from Sonny tonight.