Live on Tour Twenty Twenty-Four Review: State Champs in Berkeley, CA

Derek DiScanio in Berkeley, CA November 14th. — Derek DiScanio in Berkeley, CA November 14th performing at the UC Theatre.

Albany, NY pop-punk band, State Champs made their way to Berkely, CA on their North American tour with Chicago’s very own, Knuckle Puck! Stacked with this lineup is female pop-punk trio, Meet Me @ The Altar paired with New York’s finest, Daisy Grenade. The night took place at family and non-profit music venue, The UC Theatre.

I’ve been a massive fan of State Champs since 2014 when they hopped on “It’s Like They Never Left” tour with We Are The In Crowd and I haven’t missed a single show. Being a fan for a decade comes with a badge of honor along with having the pleasure of photographing them more times than I can count. Although their show was on a cold Thursday night, I couldn’t pass up this gig along with their opening acts. It was also refreshing seeing a balanced ratio of female and male artists. So, I definitely had to check it out.

Arriving to the venue after a long day at work, I was fortunate enough to beat the line of crowd goers, and surprisingly enough, Bay Area traffic. After checking in for credentials, I was greeted by “you can’t bring your camera in” the irony? I was already applying my Media Pass while he was distracted patting me down. In the process of me replying with “I’m on press tonight” a voice across the hallway shouts “she’s always clear man!” Looking across the way, I noticed my regular security guard that I check in with. Befriending security is key you guys, they’ll always take care of you.

Unfortunately, I missed Daisy Grenade’s performance, but I was able to catch Meet Me @ The Altar with about 4 songs left. Walking into the venue, they were wrapping up their cover of “My Own Worst Enemy” by LIT-probably one of the most iconic Indie Rock songs everyone should know. I stood at the 2nd level watching these girls absolutely kickass during their set. Frontwoman Edith Victoria, has her hair brilliantly colored neon blue and green, to which I found myself drawn too. How impressive is that? Your hair is so vibrant someone can’t look away?! I can’t fully give my opinion on their set only getting a glimpse of 10ish minutes, but, looking at the crowd, everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. I need to see them again for redemption.

As Knuckle Puck’s flag draws down, it’s time for me to make my way to press pit. The last time I saw and photographed Knuckle Puck was eight years ago in 2016, so being excited is a complete understatement. Opening their set with “Want Me Around” from their 2017 Shapeshifter album, I knew their set was going to absolutely rip. Lead singer, Joe Taylor brings an energy that’s chaotically organized. What I mean is that he’s constantly moving on stage while simultaneously engaged with his crowd, kind of like Anthony Green from Circa Survive.

Knuckle Puck has always been a crowd surf band due to their heavy guitar riffs, drum snares, and heavy bass tones and seeing crowd members flying into the press pit was no shocker. As I’m watching other photographers being bumped and shuffling around, I already prepared myself on ques when to get out of the way. As Knuckle Puck continues with “Tune You Out”, “Gone”, “But Why Would You Care?” They brought back “Untitled” and “No Good” from their 2015 Copacetic album. This album was my soundtrack for so many years and finally hearing OG tracks made their set so much better for me.

Knuckle Puck is a band that definitely isn’t for the weak. There is constant mosh-pits, crowd surfers, and jumping. Being engaged with this energy is 100% from Joe Taylor. I mean, seeing him perform makes me tired! I’m glad to see his energy is exactly the same from almost a decade ago! How impressive is that? Seeing this Berkeley crowd singing their hearts out to songs from “Shapeshifter” “Losing What We Love” and “Copacetic” was such a beautiful moment because I truly do miss seeing Knuckle Puck and it was a nice “we miss you, come back” crowd and moments being shared and made.

As 9:30 hits, it’s time for State Champs to stimulate this Berkely crowd one last time. Opening their set with “Silver Cloud” off their new album State Champs which released on November 8th, 2024 their set was bound to be a night to remember.

State Champs’ production was so much fun! Their drummer Evan was on an elevated drum kit, strobe lights, confetti + smoke cannons, and talk about an incredible light set! Lead singer, Derek was wearing a vintage Dallas Star jacket due to the team winning the night prior. Personally, he should’ve worn a Steph Curry Jersey due to his killer play from his former member, Klay Thompson- maybe next time?

Ending “first three songs” for pit access, was “Mine Is Gold” off their Living Proof album. This song is perfectly balanced with bass rhythms, drum struts, guitar riffs/strums and it’ll have your cranking the volume up, dancing, and maybe want to join the mosh pit too. It’s a song that’ll have you stop what you’re doing and singing at the top of your lungs.

The main reason why I love seeing State Champs perform and scan the room is how connected their fans are. Singing each lyric from these new set of songs, crying, laughing, it was a memorable sight to see just how much this band means to their fans and vice versa. At no point did State Champs seem to take any of this for granted. They love what they do and they do it very well.

State Champs would medley together some of my favorite songs ranging from “Perfect Score,” “Frozen,” and “Fake It” as these songs perfectly get the crowd surfing, dancing, and screaming. I’m very sure everyone’s feet are screaming at them today just like mine are writing all of this out. But, I would do it over and over again without a second thought.

Like Knuckle Puck, State Champs is a well-oiled machine from their presence to the song selections. There’s something for every era of fan. Derek would go on to bust out an acoustic guitar for the tour debut of their song “If I’m Lucky,” which certainly got the crowd hyped and excited. Also, just like the Derek shout-out, I have to give one to bassist Ryan Scott Graham for his nifty dance moves at the start of “Remedy.” I was on Twitter the other day and saw him repost a video of crowd goers chanting “Go Ryan! Go Ryan! Go Ryan!” he’s such a fun guy to interact with. Keep smiling, RSG!

State Champs would make their way through “Elevated,” “Dead and Gone,” “Save Face Story,” and “Everybody but You” before wrapping up their set with “Secrets.” Their setlist was beautifully orchestrated from their beginning songs to their new ones. It felt like as if it was a timeline memoir to themselves and their fans as a “thank you for being here with us from the start”.

The atmosphere was perfect, the crowd-to-band love was amazing to experience, and the song selections were on point. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience to remind myself why I love this band, the pop-punk scene, and everyone who makes this space so special.

State Champs and company will continue to roll through city after city throughout the Live On Tour Twenty Twenty Four North American tour with tons of dates left to come. So, if this pop-punk tour is in a city near you I can’t scream loud enough that you should pick up tickets, put on your best pair of Converse, and lose yourself in the wall of high-energy fun that is this tour. Tickets can be picked up via State Champs’ official website including VIP options. To keep up with the bands check out the links below!

State Champs: Instagram | TikTok | X | Facebook

Knuckle Puck: Instagram | X | Facebook

Meet Me @ The Altar: Instagram | Threads | TikTok | X | Facebook

Daisy Grenade: Instagram | Threads | TikTok | X | Facebook