Review: The 502s

Last night at Summerfest, the 502s defied the cloudy skies and brought a wave of summer energy to the Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard stage. Despite the threat of rain (which thankfully held off!), the crowd was electric, eagerly awaiting the band’s high-octane performance.

The set kicked off right at 6:00 PM with “If Good Times Were Dollars,” setting the tone for an evening of singalongs and infectious grooves. The 502s wasted no time showcasing their signature sound: a blend of classic rock influences with a modern edge. Their tight musicianship and frontman’s captivating stage presence kept the energy high throughout the entire set.

Highlights included a scorching rendition of “Backstage in Glasgow” that had the crowd headbanging, and a heartfelt performance of “Perfect Portrait of Young Love” that showcased the band’s softer side. They even threw in a surprise cover (which, unfortunately, escaped my memory!), demonstrating their musical versatility.

The new material they played from their upcoming album sounded fantastic, with a couple of tracks leaving me eager to hear the full release. The crowd responded positively to the fresh tunes, singing along to the catchy choruses.

While some fans might have wished for a longer set (myself included!), The 502s packed a powerful punch into their performance time. They left the stage with a roar of applause, having undoubtedly earned themselves some new fans in the process.

Overall, The 502s’ Summerfest set was a perfect example of why they’re quickly becoming a must-see live act. With their infectious energy, tight musicianship, and a mix of classic and modern rock influences, they’re a band guaranteed to get you moving.