On February 15, the American band State Champs took the stage at Dynamo in Eindhoven. This wasn’t their first time playing here, their debut in the city was over ten years ago at Mildtfest, but it was their first time headlining. As the cherry on top, they performed tracks from their latest 2024 album, State Champs, to a sold-out crowd. All the ingredients for a perfect Saturday night were there. But did State Champs manage to get all 500 fans moving to their infectious pop-punk sound?
Text and photo: Sanne de Vos
From balcony to bar staff
As is often the case in the genre, State Champs didn’t come to Eindhoven alone, they brought not one, but two support acts. The infectious energy of Broadside and The Home Team undoubtedly helped set the crowd’s energy levels high. By the time State Champs took the stage, it didn’t take long for the first wave of crowdsurfers to launch. As soon as the band kicked into their second song, Losing Myself, fans wasted no time making their way over the crowd toward the stage. This continued throughout the night, with frontman Derek DiScanio standing ready to help them up. While it may seem unnecessary, bassist Ryan Scott Graham still took a moment to remind everyone of proper mosh pit etiquette (“If someone falls, pick them up”) and to emphasize looking out for one another.
Even the bar staff is singing along
State Champs takes great pride in their self-titled album, released just a few months ago. They’ve called it their best work to date, so it’s no surprise that much of the setlist featured new tracks. Fortunately, the crowd didn’t seem to mind. Whether it was a classic from their debut album (Remedy) or a newer track (Light Blue), every song was met with full-throated singalongs. Even Derek took note: “You know the vibes are right when even the bartenders are singing along.”
State Champs completely captivated the audience, and the fans eagerly followed every cue. When Derek called for a circle pit, the crowd wasted no time making it happen, as if Eindhoven needed any encouragement to go all out. When the band asked everyone to throw their middle fingers up for Tight Grip, the audience didn’t hesitate. The occasional predictable “How are you doing?” was thrown in, but there was no doubt, Dynamo was having the time of its life with State Champs. And, of course, the band crowned Eindhoven their favorite stop on the tour.
