"I have to psych myself up for it every f***ing show... what if somebody f**ing k*lls me? I have kids, you know what I mean?"

At Riot Fest 2025, we caught up with Dan Campbell from The Wonder Years for an intimate conversation about the band's 20-year journey in the emo and pop-punk scene. Campbell reflects on the emotional weight behind their songwriting process, discussing how The Greatest Generation continues to resonate with fans years later. The conversation takes a powerful turn as Dan opens up about the very real consequences of the band's outspoken support for Palestine and trans rights - from death threats to lost opportunities - and why he continues to speak out despite the fear. We also explore the band's upcoming No Closer to Heaven remix, their fall arena tour with A Day to Remember and Yellowcard, and Campbell's touching tribute to late booking agent Dave Shapiro through Kevin Devine's cover of "Whole of the Moon."

Key Topics & Timestamps:

• [00:00 ] Most emo song Dan's listening to - Kevin Devine's "Whole of the Moon" tribute
• [01:25 ] What makes The Wonder Years so emo - honesty and self-understanding through songwriting
• [01:56 ] The Greatest Generation's lasting impact and ranking Wonder Years albums
• [02:44 ] No Closer to Heaven remix announcement - game-changing for the album
• [03:36 ] Free Palestine and trans rights speech - the fear and consequences
• [05:41 ] Warped Tour main stage activism and community support
• [06:05 ] Building community and putting newer bands on
• [06:28 ] Fall arena tour with A Day to Remember and Yellowcard

Episode Highlights:

• "I just write... to try to better understand myself. So it means kind of like sounding the depths of what has me feeling down often."
• "When I say something, I get death threats sent to me... I understand why people would be afraid to do that. I'm afraid to do it."
• "At this point we are an older band in the world that we play in. And like my goal is to put people on."

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