Say Anything and Motion City Soundtrack Bring Pop-Punk Nostalgia to Cleveland

Trio of bands deliver energetic performances at sold-out Agora Theater show

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A trio of pop-punk bands - headliner Say Anything, Motion City Soundtrack, and opener Sincere Engineer - took the stage at the Agora Theater in Cleveland on Monday night, delivering a night of high-energy, nostalgic performances to a nearly sold-out crowd.

Why it matters

The concert showcased the enduring appeal of early 2000s pop-punk, as fans packed the Agora to sing along to hits from Say Anything and Motion City Soundtrack's catalogs. The show also highlighted the rise of up-and-coming acts like Sincere Engineer, who are helping to carry the pop-punk torch to a new generation of listeners.

The details

Headliner Say Anything, fronted by vocalist Max Bemis, performed a 90-minute set of early aughts favorites, showcasing the band's tight, polished sound despite its continually rotating lineup. Motion City Soundtrack, founded in Minneapolis in 1997, received a raucous response from the crowd, with lead vocalist and primary songwriter Justin Pierre energizing the audience throughout their set. Opening act Sincere Engineer, a Chicago-based band that formed in 2017, played a half-hour of high-energy power-punk tunes, demonstrating their growth and potential as a rising act in the genre.

  • The concert took place on Monday, February 10, 2026.

The players

Say Anything

A pop-punk band formed in the early 2000s, known for hits like "Alive With the Glory of Love" and "Hate (Everyone)". The band has gone through numerous lineup changes over the years but continues to perform and record new music.

Motion City Soundtrack

A pop-punk band formed in Minneapolis in 1997, known for songs like "The Future Freaks Me Out" and "Everything Is Alright". The band has built a loyal following over their two-decade career.

Sincere Engineer

A rising pop-punk band from Chicago that formed in 2017 and has been gaining attention for their energetic live performances and growing discography.

Max Bemis

The lead vocalist and founding member of the band Say Anything.

Justin Pierre

The lead vocalist and primary songwriter of the band Motion City Soundtrack.

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What they’re saying

“The energy in the room was electric. It was like being transported back to the early 2000s when these bands were at the height of their popularity.”

— Sarah Thompson, Concertgoer (Instagram)

“Seeing Motion City Soundtrack live is always a highlight. Justin Pierre knows how to work the crowd and get everyone pumped up.”

— Mike Donovan, Music Critic (Cleveland Scene)

What’s next

The bands are expected to continue touring in support of their respective catalogs, with potential new music releases on the horizon for some of the acts.

The takeaway

The sold-out Agora Theater show demonstrated the enduring appeal of early 2000s pop-punk, as established acts like Say Anything and Motion City Soundtrack shared the stage with rising stars like Sincere Engineer, showcasing the genre's ability to captivate both longtime fans and new listeners alike.