Ontario punks light up Peter Clark Hall
PUP returned to the University of Guelph for a sold-out show on Friday, Nov. 24, and it was absolutely wild. PUP singer Stefan Babcock said they have now played in Guelph 40 times.
In just over an hour and a half, PUP blasted through the bulk of their repertoire, from their self-titled debut to 2016’s The Dream Is Over.
“Reservoir” is still the song that gets people in a rage at their show, the one song that affects the crowd instantly and sends the people into a frenzy.
True to their word, no new music was played, but they were sure to let the audience know that a new album is in the works. Guitarist Steve Sladkowski did mention a surprise cover in store for anyone attending their New Year’s Eve concert, but you’ll have to already have a ticket for the sold-out show in Philadelphia.
Flailing bodies thrashed across the more-than-sizeable mosh pit at the centre of Peter Clark Hall. The sweaty crowd came together and made sure everyone stayed on their feet and that any lost shoes were held high until claimed.
PUP finished the night by ruling out an encore — they don’t do them — and playing crowd-pleasers “If This Tour Doesn’t Kill You, I Will” and “DVP.”
If you’re reading this and you’re not on the PUP bandwagon yet, there’s no better time to get the heck on.
Photo by Karen K. Tran/The Ontarion.