Review by Anita Lande
Good Charlotte could possibly be one of the best pop-punk bands on tour at the moment. Their rise seems fast and furious culminating with the cover of the current issue of Rolling Stone magazine. While the genre is hugely popular right now, the mainly teenage crowd at the sold-out Chicago show would certainly testify that there's no end in site. Founding members, the Madden twins, enegerize the band from within, with Joel providing the edgy vocals and Benji providing the signature power guitar licks.
Photos by Niva BringasFor eight years Good Charlotte has grinded away - getting better each and every year. Promoting their recent platinum album, The Young And The Hopeless, Good Charlotte performed many songs including their mega hits "The Anthem" and "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" which kept the crowd on their feet jumping and moshing during the entire set. Contrary to what prognosticators might say, moshing will never die as long the beat is hard and the vibe is raw. It will just go by another name.
The band with all of it's spiky colored hair and tons of tattoos created it's look more by the fact that they don't give a shit how they appear than trying to be punk rock cool. Early on the boys did have a rough time of it growing up and being the butt of many jokes while in high school. They don't revel in the irony that many of their tormentors are now working boring 9 - 5 jobs. Benji recently said, "There's no room for rock stars in this band. What's cool about shitting on people?"
Joel thanked his fans for their years of support, while Benji wanted to know how many punk girls were in the audience. Hands shot up like unmarried women clawing for the bridal bouquet at Joe Millionaire's wedding. A few guys, carried away by the moment, joined in.
The Madden twins from Waldorf, Maryland were inspired to start a band after seeing a live performance of hard-core rappers the Beastie Boys. They've finally received commercial success just like similar bands Blink-182 and Sum 41, but will hopefully carry on Beasties' torch of originality rather than drop it like many other bands have done before.
GC will continue touring with New Found Glory. Things are looking very good...very good indeed for Good Charlotte...as they continue to weave their web across the country.
