Real Friends performs at Irving Plaza 11/24/24

Photography & Review by Amber Bintliff

Published on December 6, 2024

Real Friends have had such an explosive year in 2024, especially with the release of their latest album Blue Hour. Consisting of Cody Muraro (Lead Vocals), Kyle Fasel (Bass), Eric Haines (Rhythm Guitar), David Knox (Lead Guitar) and Brian Blake (Drums), the band has been a staple in the pop-punk scene since the early 2010s. They brought their Real Friends Forever and Ever and Ever and Ever Tour to New York City’s Irving Plaza on November 24, 2024 with support from Slowjoy, Carly Cosgrove, and Can’t Swim. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Slowjoy started off the night with an amazing set. It was my first time ever hearing of or seeing him and I can now confidently say I’m a big fan! Next up was Philly’s own Carly Cosgrove and I couldn’t have been more excited to see them. I’ve been listening to them for quite some time now and it was awesome to hear some of my favorites, including “Don’t Lick The Swingset,” live. 

Lastly, before Real Friends finally took the stage, Can’t Swim delivered an insanely energetic performance. So many crowdsurfers and mosh pits occurred during their set and it was so much fun to watch what was happening around me. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Real Friends lit up the stage with their infectious energy the second they stepped out on stage. They opened with “Our Love Was Like A Sad Song” and immediately got everyone singing along, moshing, and even crowdsurfing. I have yet to see a band with as much stage presence and excitement as Real Friends. Everytime i see them, they are completely immersed in the music and deliver an incredible performance to whoever may be in the crowd.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The night continued on with the band playing a good mix of older classics like “Late Nights In My Car” and “From The Outside” along with newer songs from Blue Hour like “Cold Blooded” and “Never Has Become Always.” It was amazing to see how alive the room was around me. Everyone was moving and having such a good time watching Real Friends bring their favorite songs to life. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My favorite part of the night was when Cody went into the crowd to sing “I’ve Given Up On You.” This song is so beautiful and to watch the crowd around him scream along to every lyric was magical. The main thing I love about Real Friends’ music is their ability to connect people. All of these people around me were complete strangers, however, we were all loudly singing the same lyrics, exchanging smiles, and living in the moment together.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There aren’t enough words in the English language to describe the appreciation I have for Real Friends. They have been one of my all-time favorite bands in the scene for as long as I can remember. This tour was truly the experience of a lifetime and I am so glad that I got to catch the show. I wish I could be in a Real Friends pit forever.