Brooklyn Paramount | The Camera Affect

Real Friends deliver a night full of sad songs and unforgettable memories to Brooklyn Paramount | Photos + Review

February 6, 2026 Leave a comment

When you think about the pop-punk genre, it’s hard not to have Real Friends come to mind. The Chicago natives have cemented themselves as a staple act within the scene since 2010, delivering emotionally gut-wrenching tunes that have become the soundtrack to the lives of so many.

Now consisting of Cody Muraro (vocals), Kyle Fasel (bass), Eric Haines (rhythm guitar), David Knox (lead guitar) and Brian Blake (drums), the band recently wrapped up a short run of shows supporting State Champs for their Around The World and Back 10 Year Anniversary Tour. Real Friends brought the intensity that their live shows are known for to their opening slot at Brooklyn Paramount on January 16th.

The band wasted absolutely no time once they got on stage with “Late Nights In My Car” as Muraro immediately called for two mosh pits on each side of the massive 2,700 capacity room. The thing about Real Friends is that they don’t just encourage the action, they join in on it. Waves of crowdsurfers began to glide through the air before Muraro made his way to the barricade and jumped on top of the crowd, grabbing the hands of those who surfed past him without missing a single note.

Though the band released their latest album not too long ago in the fall of 2024, their setlist mainly consisted of older fan favorites. It was practically 2016 all over again once “Mess” kicked in next. The crowd was over the moon for this one as multiple circle pits raged on from the center and Brooklyn Paramount echoed with every word.

When it comes to catharsis and connection, Real Friends are experts. Serving as one of the first singles from their recent record Blue Hour, “Waiting Room” is a gut-wrenching account of the daily battle that accompanies grief. This one is always tough to get through while watching the band’s raw emotions shine and many in the crowd sing along through tears. It’s a beautifully resonating part of the set that slaps you in the face with a reminder of how powerful and healing music can be.

The crowd’s energy quickly returned as the mosh pits opened back up and even more people began to float towards the barricade for “From The Outside.” The contrast between the depressing and upbeat songs throughout the set is what makes these shows as fun as possible. You never know if you’re going to be sobbing uncontrollably or headbanging when you’re at a Real Friends show and I think that’s what makes the experience so beautiful.

An extra special part of Real Friends’ live shows is when Muraro joins the crowd for “I’ve Given Up On You.” The singer hopped in the middle of the large sea of people to deliver an exceptionally emotional performance of the band’s most popular track. I’ve been lucky enough to find myself up close for this part twice now and each time has brought a wave of intensity that’s hard to describe. The raw emotion from the fans as they sing along with Muraro is what makes this moment integral to Real Friends’ sets. It’s heartwarming and a privilege to witness attendees connect with strangers over their shared love for this song and the band themselves.

“Me First” followed right after, once again showcasing some serious musical whiplash. They ended their set with “Tell Me You’re Sorry” and urged the crowd to go as crazy as possible for this last song. Real Friends took over Brooklyn Paramount from the second the lights dimmed at 7:45pm until they stepped off stage 30 minutes later.

I can confidently say that this band gets better every time I see them, each show outperforming the last. Whether as a support act or the headliner, Real Friends are a phenomenal band that I will always grab a ticket to see whenever they tour near me. While they currently have no upcoming shows for the rest of 2026 just yet, I am eager for the next time I find myself in a room full of people screaming “It’s been a lonely year” at the top of my lungs.