The Get Up Kids rose to fame in the mid-‘90s thanks to their powerful emo punk sound and adrenaline-filled live performances, and they remain just as emotionally rousing two decades later. Heavily distorted guitars, breakneck drums, and heart-on-sleeve lyrics are the order of business at any Get Up Kids show, and fans in the pit feed on the band’s infectious energy as they dance and sing along to anthems like “I’ll Catch You” and “Your Petty Pretty Things”. Frontman Matt Pryor is a commanding showman, alternating between passionate vocals and casual anecdotes delivered between songs. Whether they’re tearing through early favorites like “Ten Minutes” or performing cuts off 2011’s There Are Rules, The Get Up Kids always treat ticket buyers to enough punk energy and heartfelt sentiment to satisfy any diehard emo fan.

BACKGROUND SNAPSHOT:

The Get Up Kids formed in Kansas City, MO in 1995 and quickly rose to the top of the Midwest emo scene with their edgy sound and emotional lyrics. After releasing several 7” records the band made their album debut in 1997 with Four Minute Mile, a stellar first outing that garnered critical acclaim and drew them out for a European tour. Their 1999 sophomore album Something to Write Home About was an ever bigger success, wowing critics and cracking the Top 40 on Billboard’s Heatseekers chart. After several years of touring they returned to the studio to record 2002’s On a Wire, a more alt rock-oriented release that peaked at No. 3 on the Independent Albums charts. Their 2004 follow-up album Guilt Show also reached No. 3 on the chart, leading to a high-profile tour with emo giants Dashboard Confessional. The band went on hiatus in 2005, but reunited in 2008 to celebrate the tenth anniversary of their most highly regarded album Something to Write Home About. Since then they’ve continued to tour and release music, including 2011’s popular There Are Rules.