If there’s one thing everyone knows when coming to Pittsburgh, it’s to not mess with the sports teams. Whether it be the Penguins, Steelers or even the Pirates, nearly each person in the city is protective and loyal to the teams and players dressed in black and gold. 

It seems that this was not explained to the bands on the PMA Tour Saturday night. An excited and jovial crowd quickly became defensive when drummer Mike Hrycenko of Man Overboard came onstage in a Philadelphia Flyers T-shirt. After just one song, the crowd began a “F*ck the Flyers” chant, followed by “Let’s go Pens.”

As the members of the New Jersey band joked and played along with the crowd, things went from awkward to hostile when vocalist Zac Eiestenstein decided to add his opinion. “This is all I’m going to say,” he stated, “Sidney Crosby is the biggest bitch in the NHL.” For the remainder of the set, the songs were nearly impossible to hear over the booing, but Eiestenstein egged it on with frequent “Let’s go Flyers” chants thrown into the lyrics. When the following bands threw the obligatory shout out to Man Overboard, the crowd continued to jeer. 

Thursday, March 31st brought exceptional bands and crowds to the Altar Bar in the strip district of Pittsburgh. It was packed full for the COLD show featuring Egypt Central, Kopek, and Oceans Divide. Local band, Shattered, appeared as the opening act and fit right in with the rest of the bands. Fans in the crowd spanned all ages, but the majority seemed to be in their 20’s and 30’s. 

COLD played around 15 songs for their set, spanning the length of their musical career; including some songs from their upcoming album ‘SuperFiction’ (expected to be released in June of this year). With some line up changes since their last album, the band performed well as a whole, and everyone in the band was quick to greet fans waiting in line for the show. Scooter Ward (vocals) was bouncing about the venue, pre-show, high-fiving fans with a smile on his face. It’s good to see COLD sharing their music with us again- and enjoying it so much.