Dean McAdam's verdict: four stars
It is safe to say that Fall Out Boy like to go out with a bang, with the Illinois rockers marking the final date of their Save Rock and Roll European tour with a typically loud and energetic display in the cavernous realms of Glasgow's Hydro.
Drawing on their expansive back catalogue, they produce a professional display, highlighted by drummer Andy Hurley's relentless drum beats expertly backed by a strong vocal performance from singer Patrick Stump.
The Phoenix provides a brash, assertive opening to proceedings, with its catchy chorus emanating among the vast crowd. Whilst not one of Stump's stronger efforts vocally, the rhythm section provides a colossal start to the action.
As expected, Fall Out Boy excel during the high-tempo, busy numbers. This Ain't a Scene (It's An Arms Race) provided a frenetic, confident performance that assured its status as the band's signature tune, one that fed into the energy of the crowd and delivered a performance of merit.
Stump provides another strong vocal performance in Death Valley, a powerful number that entirely suits the band's rocky edge. Hurley provides scintillating back up on drums adding power to an effective number. Furthermore, their cover of Michael Jackson's Beat It is one of the strongest numbers of the set, with Joe Trohman's searing guitar riffs puncturing the night air.
Fall Out Boy provide the two strongest performances towards the end of the set with I Don't Care and My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark. Both numbers provide the band's signature hard edge. I Don't Care in particular is a crowd favourite with its catchy chorus line while the latter is the strongest song from their latest album, Save Rock and Roll.
The set does not come without its issues, however. The three-song acoustic section in the middle has the sole effect of losing the momentum and energy built up previously, whilst the drum solo that directly follows provides an unfavourable immediate switch from the softer edge of the acoustic set.Young Volcanoes is quite a poor choice likewise, with its clunky lyrics and soft edge giving a rather poppy vibe.
However, all in all Fall Out Boy provide a fitting conclusion to their tour, sticking firmly to their rock principles to satisfy their ample crowd.
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