After the tragic and premature loss of guitarist Casey Calvert on November 25, 2007, it was a struggle for Hawthorne Heights to get back on their feet. But when their management approached them with the opportunity to perform at Bamboozled Left on Sunday, they felt it was the right time to get back out there. Bassist Matt Ridenour explained that it gave them a goal, a reason to practice again.

Not knowing what to expect from the guys, who say they have no plans of replacing Calvert, I went into their performance with an open mind and a heavy heart. They started the set by thanking fans for their love and support through this hard time in their lives, and the crowd roared with enthusiasm and encouragement. Their set list consisted mostly of songs from The Silence in Black and White, plus three brand-new songs they wanted to test in front of a crowd. As expected it was strange not to hear Calvert’s notorious scream, but fans did a good job of filling in the blanks with their own interpretations.

After the first two songs, Silence’s “Niki FM” and “This Is Who We Are” from If Only You Were Lonely, I watched the rest of the set from the back of the stage, which was a treat (although the sound is much better in the photo pit). The crowd stretched as far as I could see, and what had earlier in the day been a calm swarm of toe tappers and head bobbers had suddenly transformed into crowd surfers and singers. Fans were appreciative (to say the least) that Hawthorne Heights had decided to perform again.

Unfortunately their set was cut a little short and they had to skip “Blue Burns Orange.” However, their final song, tentatively named “Five Becomes Four” — a tribute to Calvert — was something to be seen. Hawthorne Heights, who said this experience had only brought them closer, exited the stage to the sound of thunderous applause and with smiles on their faces.

After their performance, the band sat for an autograph signing in order to connect with the fans who had been so supportive through their struggles. A line of kids wearing the Casey Calvert “To Write Love On Her Arms” T-shirt (all proceeds of which go directly to Calvert’s widow) wrapped around the merch tents and one by one they thanked the band for performing again.

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