Worcester Palladium Theater Four Years Strong/Microwave Live Performance
Mia Palazzo
December 14, 2024 – four years strong The Christmas show at the Worcester Palladium was sold out and the atmosphere was electric. The event was packed with fans eager to end the year with a bang, as five killer bands brought their unique energy to the stage: Oklahoma’s Ben Quad, Prince Daddy & The Hyena, Free Throw and Microwave.
First up is Ben Quad, a relatively new name but gaining momentum quickly. The emo/math rock quartet played a tight and passionate set that won over early attendees. “You Gotta Learn to Listen” sets the tone with its intricate guitar work and heartfelt vocals, drawing the audience closer to the stage. Another standout song, “Blood for the Blood God,” showcases the band’s skill at combining precise technique with raw emotion. Although they were the first act, they managed to trigger the first pitfall of the night, a sign of the mayhem to come.
Photos Mia Palazzo
Next up was Prince Daddy & The Hyena, a band known for their quirky yet sincere brand of punk rock. The Albany-based band are on a roller coaster of emotions, constantly shifting between introspective lyrics and explosive choruses. Songs like “Lauren (Track 2)” got the crowd singing along, while “I Forgot to Take My Meds Today” ignited the pit’s first real burst of energy. Their last song, “C’mon & Smoke Me Up,” got the audience excited, and lead singer Kory Gregory’s raw and passionate performance became a highlight of the entire show. By the end of the show, it was clear that the audience was ready for the night’s more popular performance.
Photos Mia Palazzo
Free Throw took the stage next and their emotive pop-punk resonated with the crowd. Based in Nashville, the band’s performance is a masterclass in vulnerability and catharsis. The band has released five full-length albums: Those days are gone forever, remember your heart, Everything in the past is a prologue, piece it togetherand Lessons we swear to followand three EPs: penalty, lavender townand missing part. Following their debut album, they toured as openers for Empire! empire! (I am a lonely manor).
Photos Mia Palazzo
“Two Beers” had the crowd screaming, proving its relevance and staying power. “Tongue Tie” kept the energy high with its infectious melody reverberating throughout the venue. But it’s “Pallet Town” that really steals the show, with its nostalgic lyrics creating a palpable sense of unity among fans. At this point, the pit was getting bigger and the number of crowd surfers was being saved.
Microwave brought a darker, more brooding energy to the lineup, a stark contrast to previous performances. The Atlanta-based band’s post-hardcore sound is haunting and explosive, captivating audiences from start to finish. “Drown” is a standout moment, its slow development erupting into a cathartic crescendo. “Stovall” showcases the band’s ability to weave personal stories into music, striking a deep emotional chord with the audience. They ended with “Trash Stains,” a chaotic song that had the crowd losing it, with crowd surfers practically raining down on the barricades. By the time the show ended, the energy in the room was at an all-time high.
Photos Mia Palazzo
at last, four years strong Taking to the stage, Palladium exploded. The Worcester natives are clearly in their element, feeding off the energy of the crowd and giving it back tenfold. They opened with “Heroes Are Remembered, Legends Never Die,” setting the tone for a high-octane performance. The pit was already huge, but the intensity seemed to double, with fans screaming at every word. “Four Years Strong Now Really Sucks” delivers a wave of nostalgia that reminds everyone why they fell in love with this band in the first place.
Photos Mia Palazzo
Other highlights included “Find My Way Back” and “Brain Pain,” both of which had the crowd jumping in unison. But the peak of the night came during “Historical” and “Waste of Time (Eternal Summer).” The chants had the entire room moving, from the pit area to the balcony, as crowd surfers flew overhead and security could barely keep up. The band’s stage presence is unparalleled and their connection with the audience is palpable. They ended the set with “We All Float Down Here” leaving the audience in a euphoric state, filled with adrenaline and a festive atmosphere, looking forward to next year’s annual event four years strong Holiday Show.
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