The 502s Bring Joy and Energy to Bristol on Their Great Road Trip Tour
On a bitterly cold Thursday evening, The 502s transformed Bristol’s Trinity Centre into a jubilant celebration as part of their Great Road Trip tour, spanning the UK, Europe, and Australia. Known for their electrifying live shows, the Florida-based indie folk band delivered yet another sold-out performance, a recurring theme throughout this extensive tour.
From the moment the six-piece band took the stage, it felt less like a concert and more like an intimate carnival. With boundless energy and a genre-spanning sound, The 502s effortlessly created a connection with the crowd. By the second song, the audience was singing along to every lyric, their voices and smiles filling the room. The atmosphere was one of unbridled joy, a rare antidote to the cold outside.
True to their roots, the band exuded a sunny, carefree vibe. Despite the UK’s chill, some members donned shorts and t-shirts, embracing their Floridian style. The musicianship on display was nothing short of exceptional. Each band member—Eddie Isola (vocals and guitar), Matthew Toner (piano), Sean Froehlich (drums), Nick Melashenko, Joe Capati (saxophone), and Graci Phillips (guitar)—brought their unique flair to the performance, weaving together a sound that was as technically impressive as it was fun.
A Florida-Born Band with a Global Reach
Hailing from Maitland, Florida, The 502s formed in 2015, led by frontman Eddie Isola. The band’s name is a nod to the street number of Eddie’s childhood home, and their origin story is as organic as their sound. Eddie began writing songs in his college dorm room during his freshman year, inspired by the folk revival scene and his newfound love for the banjo.
After cutting their teeth at local open mic nights in Orlando, the band’s breakout moment came when they won a contest to perform at the Okeechobee Music and Arts Festival. Sharing the stage with the likes of Mumford and Sons and The Avett Brothers, they used their $500 prize to record their debut EP in 2016.
Since then, The 502s have carved out a significant presence in the indie folk world, amassing over two million monthly listeners on streaming platforms and releasing a string of acclaimed projects. Their breakout hit Just A Little While has surpassed 100 million streams, cementing their status as a global act. To date, the band has released four EPs and three studio albums, with their latest self-titled album, The 502s, arriving earlier this year.
A Band That Redefines Live Performance
The 502s are more than just a band; they’re a celebration. Their Bristol performance was a masterclass in how live music can uplift and unite an audience. For a few hours, the Trinity Centre became a space where the outside world faded away, replaced by unrelenting positivity and connection.
It’s no wonder their shows consistently sell out—The 502s deliver more than music; they deliver joy. If you haven’t experienced one of their performances yet, you’re missing out on something truly special.
