NECK DEEP
LIVE AT THE NOVO
NOVEMEBER 11, 2021
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
PHOTOGRAPHED BY TYLER CHOW

On November 11th, 2021 Neck Deep brought their North America tour to the Novo in Los Angeles, California with their friends: Oxymorrons, Heart Attack Man, and Boston Manor. The show was packed with both dedicated fans and new fans alike. Some of the other fans informed us that this was their first time experiencing a Neck Deep show and seeing some of the bands live for the first time! 


The show opened up with Oxymorrons. As soon as the lights went on the band brought amazing energy and got the crowd moving to their unique sound. The band was not afraid to get up on the stage and dance their hearts out. They put on an inspiring set, and seeing more representation in the music scene is something we love to see! We had an opportunity to meet the band after the show and they were fantastic to talk to. We shared stories and chatted as if we were close friends. Definitely need to see them live again, soon! 

Heart Attack Man took the stage next. This was the first time some had the honor of sharing the room with THE Heart Attack Man, or Hammy as some like to say, and they brought fun and even more energy to the room. The crowd was already itching for a mosh pit and Heart Attack Man delivered. Eric took the stage and did his “silly dance” as they played Leap Year to the Los Angeles Crowd. Photographing from the pit, I noticed others in the mosh pit swaying along with Eric as they danced to the catchy beat. 

Boston Manor was an absolute joy to experience live. The band’s theatrics were nothing short of amazing as they brought some of their biggest hits to the stage. The crowd was eager to showcase one of the biggest "wall of deaths" I have ever seen at a show. Everyone was cheering as they clashed into one another and singing along to the song. Boston Manor ended their set with “Halo” and the entire room jumped in excitement. It was a fantastic way to end their set just before announcing their upcoming tour that’s soon to be announced.

Finally…the lads themselves, Neck Deep. Talk about a performance and stage setup! My friend and I had the honor of seeing them during their VIP set before the show so we knew how the stage was going to look. For the crowd, I listened in from the photo pit as they awed at the theatrical bedroom set upon the stage. Neck Deep themselves revealed that they wanted to recreate an homage to the bedroom where they first started as a band to pay tribute to how far they’ve come together as a band. That, and Ben revealed during the VIP set that getting an LCD screen would cost too much. However, I am sure we can all agree that this was way better than some screen. 


The bedroom had lighting fixtures, couch, Neck Deep Wall Flags, a mini basketball hoop on the back of the door, and so much more to make it feel like a real bedroom! The band walked through the bedroom door and started off with their opening track “Sonderland” to get the show going. Fans cheered as it was the first time they’ve played this song in Los Angeles. Neck Deep noted that because of the pandemic, they never got to do a tour for their Sonderland album release and that this tour was a mix of new songs and older favorites. The band shared the bedroom stage, often moving around and jumping on the beds and couch, and provided the much needed energy the crowd had been anticipating from Neck Deep. 

Neck Deep played favorites from the entire discography. They even played the “rock” version of December and lit up the entire audience. The room sang along to what would normally be Mark Hoppus’ portion of the version and cheered as they transitioned into “Part of Me” before cutting the lights and requesting the audience to hold up their cell phone lights. Someone in the crowd even brought out an actual lighter which Ben pointed out from his point of view. After leaving the stage, the band returned almost immediately with Ben shouting, “F*ck Neck Deep, Mate! They’re sh*t! Ben’s dad owns a record label!” into the mic as a nod to their closing lines from opening track “Citizens of Earth” off their “Life’s Not Out To Get You” album. The band closed with the fan favorite “In Bloom” song and the room was just as alive as it was when they first appeared on stage. Neck Deep always puts on an amazing show that’s full of fun, energy, and pop punk goodness. They took the stage with grace and brought along some amazing bands that matched their energy. The theatrics and variety of songs made this memorable show and one that will be tough to beat! Knowing Neck Deep, I’m positive they’re already gearing up for the next round of shows to outdo themselves once again! Can’t wait until then! 

Overall some of the things that stood out to me was the crowd engagement. It’s been a while since I’ve photographed an event and was constantly reminded by friends, security, and other crowd members to watch out for the mosh pits and others jumping around as I carried equipment. However, the bands reminded the crowd to look out for one another and to pick others back up and encouraged to have fun in a respective manner. I was also fortunate to have security and total strangers watch out for me in the pit. Others stood in front of me just before I was about to get hit or asked if I needed them to move to photograph (I am fairly short and had taller audience members near me). 


After thanking the strangers I never met for everything, I reflected on those interactions. Most people associate punk shows with mosh pits and violence, but I’ve always had positive interactions and people do look out for each other. To me, that is the proper etiquette I expect from these types of shows, and this show was no different. I would like to thank Sofi and the entire Punkganda team for this opportunity. Looking forward to the next one! Cheers!