Taking Back Sunday created a memorable highlight at the When We Were Young Festival 2025 by reuniting both John Nolan and Fred Mascherino on stage for a special performance. This reunion came after the band’s announcement over the summer that Nolan would be stepping back from touring, paving the way for Mascherino—who was part of the band from 2003 to 2007—to rejoin and fill in for Nolan during their co-headlining tour alongside Coheed And Cambria.
Earlier this year, the band revealed through a seven-minute video that the arrangement of their performances had evolved organically after Mascherino reconnected with them for their 2024 holiday shows. The dynamic led Nolan to express a new vision: “It could be something where it’s not just he’s stepping in for me, but that for the first time, we’re all playing a set together.”
At the When We Were Young Festival, that vision was realized as both guitarists shared the stage, performing fan favorites from their extensive catalog. This nostalgic performance was a significant moment for fans, embodying a full-circle experience that drew on the band’s rich history.
Taking Back Sunday is scheduled to perform again on Sunday, October 19, at 6:45 PM on the Ghost Stage. The festival lineup features a variety of iconic bands, with Taking Back Sunday set to take the stage after acts like The Gaslight Anthem and before names like Beartooth and I Prevail.
The When We Were Young Festival continues to celebrate the vibrant and nostalgic essence of early 2000s alternative music, drawing in fans old and new for a spirit of community and shared musical history.