N.H.C (New Hope Club) Takes N.Y.C
Baby’s All Right in Brooklyn, though a small venue, on Monday, filled up with big energy from New Hope Club and company. After a long hiatus, fans ventured near and far and gathered to see the boys perform back in the States.
“I’ve been listening to them for six years, I’m so happy they’re back!” says hardcore fan Elenora Vega.
Some wore old t-shirts to show their New Hope Club dedication, and others purchased new shirts at the merch booth. It was evident that these fans missed one of their favorite bands. They’ve been patiently (or not so patiently) waiting for them to come back for years.
Mercer Henderson
Sweetly voiced singer-songwriter Mercer Henderson kicked the night off singing songs of lost love, heartbreak, and life being a young woman. Henderson held fans’ hands and jammed with her guitarist as she sang her catchy melodies. Just as sweetly as she came in, Henderson left the stage thanking everyone for coming out, even plugging that she is returning to the venue soon for a headline show.
New Hope Club
The crowd filled up even more in the 15-minute break. Chatter filled the air with anxious excitement, waiting for the moment New Hope Club took the stage.
Lights from behind the stage illuminated three figures. Shouts ensued, and with a lick of the guitar, the show was rolling. “Hello New York!!” New Hope Club shouts, “Are you ready for some fun, we’ve missed you!” Screams back showed the feeling was mutual.
Covering hits from 2020 like Medicine, all the way to their most recent single, Trouble in Paradise, New Hope Club jumped, yelled, and jammed with enthusiasm for performing all night long. You could tell the stage felt like home to them. That they belonged there. In between songs the boys through in playful banter with the fans. Even singing happy birthday to one. Heartfelt looks at the crowd, and nods of afirment, the appreciation flowed out of them. Regardless of how many times they vocalized it.
The way they interacted with fans explicitly showed that this was something they deeply missed about performing live. Throwing t-shirts in the audience, and smiling through the whole set, there was no question about their gratitude. The band and fans alike danced the night away. Leaving their problems at home to spend time with their favs. And leaving the venue with a possible sore throat after all the singing.
The last song had finally arrived after 75 minutes. Know Me Too Well, the band’s most famous track. Blake Richardson, one of the band’s members, stopped after the first verse to tell New York he wants all their energy for this one. “I’m gonna need a little bit more from you, the loudest you can be, it’s the last song, give it to us!” With Richardson’s encouragement, fans screamed the lyrics of the last song. Undeniably showing the love fans have for this group. But don’t worry, this isn’t the end, New Hope Club assured the fans this before they left. They’ll be back in NYC soon. Making sure fans have new hope for 2025.