I wasn’t sure if I was going to make it to their sound check due to a parade in the city slowing traffic down. I finally get to the Gramercy Theatre and bassist Ryan Zweifelhofer comes outside to get me. My heart is pumping and head is racing. It’s been 9 years since I’ve talked to or seen some of the guys in Acceptance. I used to go to all of their shows in or near Los Angeles. I spent hours upon hours with these guys, but I was nervous to see them. I was excited for this to be happening and happy to be in the presence of some very good, long-time friends who are amazing musicians.

I walk in and I wave to everyone and start to tear up. It’s that moment your heart explodes from happiness because you’ve realized that pieces of your heart are all in one room again. I take a seat for a little bit to watch them. They start sound checking and I close my eyes, I’m instantly taken back while listening to them rehearsing ‘Glory/us’. It was as if the band never broke up and they have been doing this non stop. It was perfect.

It’s show time!

The show opens up with Modern Chemistry from New Brunswick, NJ. Their music was catchy and you can hear a distinct Brand New feeling to their writing and sound. Definitely worth checking out if you see that they are playing in your town!\

Back in the dressing room Acceptance gathered in a huddle before hitting the stage. The most nervous I have ever seen them, but the music starts playing and they start walking out on the stage. The crowd goes insane! This was the first time Acceptance has ever headlined a tour, let alone a tour that has sold out for the most part faster than you can flip a record. They started the show with ‘Take Cover‘ playing everything from In Too Far and Different. The crowd sang along perfectly with Jason Vena to every song. During ‘Different’, Sean Mackin from Yellowcard joined them on stage to play violin for the song. Sean is an amazing musician who adds that extra special touch to such an already amazing night. The guys ended the show with their new song ‘Take You Away’ and the promise to come out with a new record in the near future. Now we can rejoice Acceptance is back, they’re selling out show after show and letting all of us know that ‘nothing is permanent‘.

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WORDS AND PHOTOS BY MEG LOYAL PHOTOGRAPHY