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Live at Observatory Festival Grounds
June 10th, 2026 Review by Joey Clark
Outside of the historic Observatory OC lay a simple field of asphalt. What normally serves as an ordinary parking lot for the venue’s plethora of shows became the foundation for a truly special night.
Yellowcard brought their Up Up Down Down tour to the festival grounds, and the night would prove to be incredible for those who remembered Vans Warped Tour fondly being a Mecca for pop punk fans. Cars were replaced with thousands of fans, merch tents, vendors, and of course an impressive stage that one wouldn’t dare want to take their eyes away from.
It was evident that many were fans of all three acts performing – Plain White T’s, New Found Glory, and of course, Yellowcard. With the parking lot being taken over, we were shuttled from Santa Ana college and fans were electrified with excitement on the packed buses – all before hearing so much as a single chord.
Plain White T’s were the first to take on the Orange County crowd. It’s not an easy feat, but the band forged together in full force for their eight-song set, led by frontman Tom Higgenson. What was evident from the beginning of their set was their joy and excitement; that sentiment carried through the crowd as each song passed.
The band’s current lineup has remained consistent since 2003, and their performance reflected that fact. They were dialed in on every level without taking away a moment of fun from their set.
What amazed me is that the crowd sang along to the lesser-known cuts from the band’s catalog – like “Would You Even” and “Feeling (More Like) Myself” – as much as they did the massive hits – like “Hey There Delilah” and “Our Time Now.”
What started as a small band from Lombard, Illinois fighting for a chance in the clubs of Chicago, is now a staple in our playlists and they reaffirmed their status in the pop punk scene for everyone in attendance.
The gaps between audience members began to lessen. New Found Glory would have to follow an impressive performance and deliver, and they would do nothing short of that. The level of enthusiasm that emanated from each of the band members was nothing short of extraordinary.
With lead vocalist Jordan Pundik spearheading the charge, everyone followed with a fun sense of chaos and mischief. There was no hiding that these guys loved to play and at the highest level through and through.
It’s rare to see a band have its original lineup still intact for nearly 30 years. Unfortunately, lead guitarist Chad Gilbert’s presence is sorely missed by fans as he is away battling cancer, but Dave Knox from Real Friends has stepped in during this difficult time and has afforded New Found Glory a stellar live performance.
The band kicked off the night with a new deep cut from the album, “Listen Up!” called “A Love Song.” The crowd was instantly won over by the heartfelt, yet punchy anthem.
What was thoroughly impressive is that the energy never dwindled throughout their set, they only upped the ante. From playing brand new songs like they were the staples we grew up with and remember so vividly, to performing the hits with a renewed sense of passion the boys brought their A-game.
I would be remiss if I failed to mention one of the biggest highlights of the night: Jordan Pundik asked if there were any Disney fans in attendance knowing full well the parks were in close proximity. The audience screeched with excitement as the band launched into their rendition of “Part of Your World” from “The Little Mermaid,” off the pop punk Disney album, “A Whole New Sound.” It was truly a spectacle as Pundik did the song justice and flowed through the high notes of the tune effortlessly.
The band ended their night with “My Friends Over You” and the crowd was singing at the top of their lungs, then bidding them a heartfelt farewell as they departed the stage.
One aspect of an Orange County crowd that never fails to amaze me is that they show up. Not only as attendants, but as participants. The crevices between concertgoers were filled, the pit was locked and loaded for Yellowcard.
After a hilarious encounter with t-shirt gun armed Ghostbuster and the Stay Puff Marshmallow Man, the stage went quiet.
Lead guitarist Ryan Mendez entered the stage performing the “Top Gun Anthem.” As the song progressed, members of the band emerged one by one – Josh Portman (bass), Sean Mackin (violin), Jimmy Brunkvist (drums), and then frontman, Ryan Key. The crowd’s response was insane to say the least.
The band launched into “Better Days” off their latest release of the same name. It has become the band’s first single to chart at number one in their storied career.
The stage was reminiscent of a vintage Nintendo system and Key had a Fender Telecaster made to fit the overall motif of the Up Up Down Down Tour name. The vintage look paired with a fresh sound was a clever and artistic juxtaposition. About mid-way through the set, a slight changeover took place, and a bedroom set now stood in front of the NES design. Upon the flannel patterned couches that now adorned the stage, sat the band. They toned down the pace for a few songs, giving the audience an intimate segment that served as a nice transition between the larger portions of the set.
To close out the night Yellowcard played an additional eight songs that included the hits, “Breathing” and “Bedroom Posters,” and closed with the pop punk staple, “Ocean Avenue.”
After the latter, the audience rejoiced with thunderous applause at the spectacle that they just witnessed.
Yellowcard, New Found Glory, and Plain White T’s gave the OC a phenomenal show that most of us will remember for decades to come.
FESTIVAL PHOTO GALLERY
by Highway One Photography
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SID 260609 | TRACI TURNER | EDITOR
