The Driver Era Concert Review

Nov. 28, 2024, will go down in history on Penn State’s University Park campus. Ross Lynch blessed poor college students with a free concert hosted by Penn State’s student-run organization, SPA.

Starting at 5:30 p.m., Lynch's fans started hovering in the HUB Robeson Center, waiting for the line to open at 6 p.m. for the performance, two hours before it was slated to begin.

To say the least, fans were dedicated.

The opening act, Almost Monday, came out with a bang. Leading the crowd in their vibey songs and groovy dance moves.

The band emerged in 2020, during the peak of Covid-19. They brought a sunny and exciting feel to the music industry.

Lead singer, Dawson Daugherty, ushered a very cool energy to the stage. He was very engaging with the crowd and wore a very trendy outfit.

He was accompanied by bandmates, Luke Fabry and Cole Clisby. Fabry was giving the vibe of any actor playing the hot guy in an early 2000s movie.

The highlight of the group’s performance was their cover of “What I Like About You” by The Romantics. Daughtery got to show off his harmonica skills.

Almost Monday played for about a half hour before ending their set and exiting the stage.

The amount of time they performed was perfect for an opener. It was not too long or too short, and they played songs that people were able to follow along easily too. It appeared that most of the audience was unfamiliar with the band prior.

After a quick turnaround of the stage by SPA members, out came The Driver Era.

Ross made his way to center stage. Strutting in a pair of baggy Levi’s and a thin button-up shirt, that did not stay on long.

To his right was bandmate and brother Rocky Lynch on guitar and vocals, and to his left was brother Riker Lynch on bass and vocals.

Ross and Rocky are the only official members of the band, however, they regularly feature any number of their three other siblings on a variety of instruments.

They started off with one of their most popular and well-known songs, “Feel You Now," a great upbeat banger to start the show.

This led to “Natural” and then into their new single “Rumors."

Before “Rumors” Ross removed his button-up and replaced it with a white baby tee with the word rumors across it, a moment that bonded the crowd for sure.

After this, he remained shirtless for the majority of the show.

Interesting to think of the students who saw Ross Lynch shirtless in the same room they may have had a job fair or other scholarly function. Fascinating.

Other notable songs included, “Afterglow," “Heaven Angel," “San Francisco” and “Malibu” from their most recent album “Summer Mixtape."

Towards the middle of the set, the crowd went wild when they played “On My Own” from
“Teen Beach 2," a movie that Ross Lynch starred in during his time on Disney Channel.

These boys knew their audience. It was clear that people’s inner children were being healed then and there in Alumni Hall.

An incredible moment was when Rocky transitioned from singing “Low” to “Pony” by Ginuwine. It was a smooth and well-done changeover.

Their set ended with “Preacher Man," “Heart of Mine" and a crowd favorite “A Kiss."

During their last song, Ross swept across the stage wearing a pink glitter cowgirl hat that was thrown on stage. He slayed that hat.

Seeing The Driver Era live is an experience that should be had by any and all people. They are such a talented and gifted group. It is clear they truly love and enjoy what they do.

Penn State SPA did it again by delivering a phenomenal concert to students free of charge.

All there is to do now is stay in this era until Ross Lynch blesses State College with his presence again.

Savannah Swartz is a third-year communications major. To contact her, email sms9072@psu.edu.