Central Iowa rock fans were in their element Wednesday night as Fall Out Boy brought back the nostalgic tunes of the early 2000s to today during their “So Much For (2our) Dust” Tour at Wells Fargo Arena. The concert, featuring an eclectic mix of elder emos and younger fans, boasted an energetic lineup including Jimmy Eat World.
Fall Out Boy the stage a bit after 9:00pm, blending newer tracks with timeless favorites spanning over two decades, including iconic tunes like “Sugar, We’re Goin’ Down” and selections from their breakout album “From Under the Cork Tree.”
The visual spectacle of the concert took on a surreal, “Alice in Wonderland” vibe, complete with giant snails, rabbits, a ticking clock, and even a large octopus… Chutulu… Squid? Whatever, it was big. Pyro was plentiful including a fiery performance of “Uma Thurman.” But the theatrics didn’t stop there. Throughout the show, pyrotechnics and flash bangs lit up the stage, adding to the high-energy atmosphere as the band delivered hit after hit and b-side after b-side. Hardcore FOB fans were served well by the helpings of tour rarities like “Thriller” and “What a Time to Be Alive.”
Pete Wentz’s bass guitar was a big hit of the night. The neck of the bass spewed fire, adding an extra element of spectacle to the show. Fall Out Boy’s status as the elder statesmen of emo/pop-punk rock was evident as they commanded the stage with theatrical flair, incorporating big set changes, props, and even a giant inflatable doberman head during “This Ain’t a Scene, It’s An Arms Race.”
The midpoint of the show saw frontman Patrick Stump serenading the crowd with an intimate acoustic and piano set, where he delighted fans by pulling out old FOB b-sides on the fly. Throughout the night, friendly banter between Patrick and Pete endeared the band even further to their devoted fans, especially since Patrick noted that he wasn’t the one who usually spoke to the crowd, being content with Wentz taking the chatter lead.
As the show drew to a close with a hit-heavy crescendo that didn’t include the band “fake leaving” the stage, it was evident that Fall Out Boy’s legacy as one of the few remaining pillars of emo rock is as vibrant as ever, leaving fans eagerly anticipating their next stop in Des Moines or even Heaven, Iowa.
FALL OUT BOY SETLIST
Love From the Other Side
The Phoenix
Sugar, We’re Goin Down
Uma Thurman
Thriller
Dead on Arrival
Grand Theft Autumn/Where Is Your Boy
Calm Before the Storm
This Ain’t a Scene, It’s an Arms Race
Disloyal Order of Water Buffaloes
Heaven, Iowa
Bang the Doldrums
Headfirst Slide Into Cooperstown on a Bad Bet
Fake Out
Nobody Puts Baby in the Corner
I’ve Got All This Ringing In My Ears and None On My Fingers
What a Catch, Donnie
Don’t Stop Me Now (Queen cover)
So Much (for) Stardust
Baby Annihilation
Song 2 (Blur cover)
Dance, Dance
Hold Me Like a Grudge
What a Time to Be Alive
My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark (Light Em Up)
Thnks fr th Mmrs
Centuries
Saturday
