Fall Out Boy’s back after 4 years in Singapore since their last concert here at the Singapore Indoor Stadium in 2009, rocking it out at Fort Canning Park no longer as boys, but men.

Dressed in denim and leather jackets, plaid shirts and skinny jeans (other than Andy who was topless), the punk rockers looked all dressed to save rock and roll, as their concert tour’s named. But you’d think since this is their third time on the island that they’d know their outfits aren’t friendly to the humidity and the heat radiating from the jam-packed open-air venue.  Still, they braved the heat till the encore when they changed out to something more suitable for our climate.

The almost sold-out on Aug 6 show saw 4,000 punk rock-loving teens and young adults packing the outdoor venue, screaming, headbanging, fists pumping and showing off their rock n roll hand signs. What started as an unenthused crowd during the opening act by Aussie band, Empra, soon escalated to a passionate and wild crowd chanting “Fall Out Boy… Fall Out Boy”, hoping for the band to emerge.

Almost an hour into the wait, the lights dimmed, and the FOB logo was projected on the giant projector screen. Out came frontman Patrick Stump, guitarist Joe Trohman, drummer Andy Hurley and bassist Pete Wentz . From the get-go, they started to rock the crowd with “Thriller” from their 2007 album, Infinity on High.

It was obvious that Stump’s slim and sleek new look is gaining popularity with his female fans and he’s taking over Wentz as the Singaporean fans’ fave member, even if the bassist was still the one doing the talking for the band, and the who interacted most with the fans.

As they had been playing familiar hits from their old records, such as From Under The Cork Tree and Folie à Deux, people were excited to hear something from their new album, Save Rock and Roll. Needless to say, the crowd erupted when “Phoenix” came on.  That’s when the crowd really “rose from the ashes” and got pumped up.

“This Ain’t A Scene, It’s A God Damn Arms Race” had fans reminiscing about the glory days for the boys as they sang along to the song and shouted back the lyrics to Stump. The positive energy exchanged between the band and the fans as they sang out the lyrics “it’s a god damn arms race” and continued each other’s sentences, definitely had both sides feeling great.

The next song from their new album, “Alone Together”, saw thousands yelling “yeah” and singing “oh oh oh” the way it goes on the track. Stump’s vocal abilities, in no way diminished when performing ‘live’, was apparent when “Death Valley” came on. The audience sure showed off their animal side, jumping and screaming while shaking their heads.

When “What a Catch, Donnie” came on, the slower nostalgic song from Folie à Deux got the fans waving in the air. It was déjà vu for those who caught them here for their 2009 concert. It was a welcome break before all hell broke loose with “Dance Dance”. One of their most iconic songs, and a firm favourite, the 2005 hit single from From Under The Cork Tree was the highlight most people didn’t expect.

As the boys from Illinois exited the stage after “My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark (Light ‘Em Up)”, the crowd continued singing, chanting “Fall Out Boy” and “We want more” relentlessly.

It turned out they’d just gone backstage to shed their stuffy layers of clothing, returning with a 4-song encore that started with the title track “Save Rock and Roll” which Stump banged out on a white grand piano. As a tribute to the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson, Fall Out Boy delivered its cover of “Beat It”, which everyone lapped up.

Ladies man Wentz scored another point when he complimented Singapore women on their beauty. “Singapore is one of our favourite places,” Wentz said as he went on to tell fans how our tropical and bustling city is one of his ideal place to live. Well, if you’re ever bored in US, Wentz, you’re one foreign talent who’s most welcome here anytime.

Photos: Marcus Lin, Live! Empire and Denise Kang

Setlist:

1. Thriller

2. I slept with Someone in Fall Out Boy and All I Got Was This Stupid Song Written About Me.

3. A Little Less Sixteen Candles, a Little More “Touch Me”

4. Disloyal Order of Water Buffaloes

5. The Phoenix

6. This Ain’t a Scene, It’s an Arms Race

7. Alone Together

8. What a Catch, Donnie

9. Death Valley

10. Hum Hallelujah

11. Grand Theft Autumn/Where is Your Boy

12. Sugar, We’re Goin Down

13. Young Volcanoes

14. Dance, Dance

15. I Don’t Care

16. My Songs Know What  You Did in the Dark (Light ‘Em Up)

 

Encore:

17. Save Rock and Roll

18. Beat It (Michael Jackson Cover)

19. Thnks fr th Mmrs

20. Saturday