On the second night of the UK leg of their European tour, State Champs returned to Bristol’s O2 Academy with a performance that was equal parts nostalgia and forward momentum. Playing to a near-capacity crowd, the New York pop-punk stalwarts reaffirmed their status as one of the genre’s most consistent and compelling acts.
Kicking off with “Silver Cloud”, the band wasted no time in igniting the energy in the room. Frontman Derek DiScanio was in fine form, his vocals effortlessly cutting through the high-octane instrumentation provided by Tyler Szalkowski (guitar), Ryan Scott Graham (bass), and Evan Ambrosio (drums). The setlist spanned their discography, blending fan favorites with newer material, ensuring there was something for both long-time devotees and recent converts. Tracks like “Losing Myself” and “Light Blue” showcased their ability to balance anthemic hooks with raw emotion, while a standout “Perfect Score / Frozen / Fake It” medley kept the audience on their toes.
Bristol has long held a special significance for State Champs. Despite being thousands of miles from their Albany, NY roots, the band has cultivated a devoted following here, playing the city multiple times over the past decade. That connection was on full display throughout the night, as the crowd sang along with every lyric, turning the venue into a sea of voices and raised fists.
The encore delivered the final punch, with “Everybody But You” and “Secrets” bringing the night to a climactic close. As pop-punk experiences yet another resurgence—driven by a new generation discovering its angst-fueled anthems on TikTok and artists like Machine Gun Kelly bringing guitars back to the mainstream—State Champs stand as a band that never needed a revival. They’ve spent the last decade refining their craft, evolving without ever straying from the high-energy, hook-laden sound that defines them. Not quite elder statesmen like Billie Joe Armstrong or Mark Hoppus, yet far more seasoned than the genre’s latest wave of disruptors, they occupy a unique space: a band with the hunger of newcomers and the stage presence of veterans.
State Champs’ return to Bristol was not just a reminder of their longevity but a statement of intent. As they continue to evolve, one thing is certain: the city will always welcome them back with open arms.
@thebristolnomad / @bristolnomad_gigphotography
Role: Photographer / Reviewer / Interviewer
Chief, the one that bugs the team for team for their reviews and images. Creator and founder of The Bristol Gig Guide. Can usually be found swamped in admin or getting cramp kneeling at the front of a gig.
Available for: Gig Shoots, Gig Reviews, Photo Shoots, Album and Single cover shoots, Videography work, Interviews and Touring
First attended gig: Republica, circa 1996.
First gig shot: Hands Off Gretel, at The Louisiana!
Dream gig: Huge metalhead and my ultimate dream gig would be shooting my heroes Slipknot at a huge stadium gig, or as festival headliners. And to experience shooting a headline tour outside the UK
