Feb 132 min read

Shots From The Road: Thursday in Santa Ana

20 years of "War All The Time" was celebrated at a sold-out Observatory.

thursday tour, thursday war all the time. — Photograph by Bryan Greenberg

Text, Photos by Bryan Greenberg (@bdgstills) at

The Observatory in Santa Ana, CA on February 10, 2024:

New Jersey's own Thursday are on the road in celebration of the 20th Anniversary of their seminal release, War All The Time. The live rendition of the release just received a new vinyl pressing via Velocity Records (sold out as of this time), so it's only right that the band breathe new life into the trailblazing post-hardcore experience. The Observatory in Santa Ana was host to Thursday's moving composition over the weekend and with a sold-out attendance established well in advance, one knew it was going to be a special night.

The Keith Buckley (Every Time I Die) led Many Eyes opened the show with an electrifying display that garnered excitement for an upcoming debut full-length, which has been prefaced by a strong array of lead singles so far. Powerful hooks and melodic choruses lifted the spirits of the many in attendance early on, setting the stage for an exciting night to come. This is a band (and a record) to keep eyes on.

From Many Eyes we went to New York's Rival Schools, who delivered big on nostalgia with selections from across their celebration discography.

The enthusiasm was strongly felt from wherever you stood in the room moments before For the Workforce, Drowning opened up the thrill that was Thursday in the live setting.

A commanding Geoff Rickly kneeled, jumped, screamed, and made use of every inch of that Observatory stage, wearing his heart on his sleeve as he sang through each passing lyric from the fan favorite album. The title track and Signals Over The Air among others drew great praise from an engaged crowd that had each track engraved in their hearts. The energy and uncompromising power of the band's musicianship was on full display here, spearheaded by the roaring drums of Tucker Rule and Rickly's soaring persona.

Beyond it being a celebration of War All The Time, Thursday dusted off hits from other eras, including Jet Black New Year, Cross Out The Eyes, and the cathartic closer that was Understanding In A Car Crash. All were left breathless as bodies were moved and heartstrings were pulled throughout the splendid performance that many will remember for years to come. It was a communal celebration, one that found friends at their most honest for all to feel and witness. Few dates remain on the celebration, so head below for tickets and photo galleries from the performances.