Closing Songs
(Photo Credit via YouTube)

10 classic songs you can always expect to close a band’s set

Everyone knows that one song. Once you hear the opening cords, you immediately know this is the beginning of the end. This is the closing song, so it’s the last chance to sing your heart out and push that raspy voice one last glorious mile. While setlists among bands can vary from show to show, some artists stick to one song before the curtain drops. In absolutely no order or ranking, here are 10 of those classic songs that have concluded many memorable, sweaty evenings.

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State Champs – “Secrets

State Champs’ “Secrets” is an anthem of individuality and vulnerability inspiring all who attend their shows. In this track, Derek DiScanio boldly admits his secrets to the audience, emboldening listeners while making himself as vulnerable as a frontman can get.

All Time Low – “Dear Maria, Count Me In

This pop-punk closing anthem is legendary for concluding the evening on an energetic note. The song became All Time Low’s first to chart on Billboard in 2008, reaching No. 86 on the Pop 100, luring more ears beyond their already solid fanbase.

Strung Out – “Matchbook

Nothing gets fans moving like the opening chords of “Matchbook,” Strung Out’s longtime pop-punk concert closer. It’s an empowering song that shows vulnerability and a sentimentality in the Californian band who were just beginning their nearly 30-year career.

The Bronx – “History’s Stranglers

Some bands end their shows on a quiet, more subdued note. The Bronx are not one of those bands. At the end of their legendary live shows, which usually includes lead vocalist Matt Caughthran dangling from the ceiling, the Bronx leave the crowd more energized with this hardcore classic.

Black Veil Brides – “In The End

A longtime closer for Black Veil Brides’ shows, “In The End” is an uplifting finale to a night of songs that don’t always reflect positive experiences. Philosophical and existential, the song has frontman Andy Black asking listeners, “In the end, as you fade into the night, who will tell the story of your life?”

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New Found Glory – “My Friends Over You”

While the lyrics can be misconstrued as a bit adolescent, “My Friends Over You” is actually a pop-punk classic about relationships and now serves as a nostalgic anthem about growing up. The song has surprising longevity, making it something you’re looking forward to every time you go to a New Found Glory show.

Rise Against – “Swing Life Away

Recorded in their gritty hometown of Chicago, the poignant video for “Swing Life Away” shows Rise Against as a band who treasure their roots. Known for their loud live performances, Rise Against end their shows on a reflective note, illustrating another side to this dynamic, political band. This is a song about embracing love as well as getting through the rigors of life, and thanks to Rise Against, we have a song to help us do that.

Senses Fail – “Bite To Break Skin

While their sound has evolved quite a bit over the years, “Bite To Break Skin” is a quintessential Senses Fail song. The track features soaring guitar riffs, hard and soft vocals as well as Buddy Nielsen’s gushing, heart-on-his-sleeve lyrics. Over the years, Senses Fail have recorded many classics, but this closer seems to take the crowd back to a place no other song can.

blink-182 – “Dammit

Probably one of the most classic of closers, “Dammit” goes all the way back to blink-182’s second album. The catchy chorus are the perfect words to be shouted, making this song a sing-along moment for any blink-182 show.

Pennywise – “Bro Hymn

The opening riffs of “Bro Hymn” are the beginning of the end for Pennywise’s live show. This classic song is actually a touching tribute to close friends lost over the years, achieving almost mythological status since it was first recorded in 1991. Once the signature bassline starts, the mass clapping begins, and soon the classic whoas fill the entire space. The closing song is so iconic, it even ended the final, full cross-country run of the Vans Warped Tour.