Hawthorne Heights

On May 26, 2026, Hawthorne Heights returns to Paris at Backstage & O’Sullivans By The Mill. Formed in Dayton in 2001, the band crafted a tense, melodic sound that sits between post‑hardcore, emo and 2000s punk. JT Woodruff’s songwriting probes themes of distance, identity and perseverance, carried by his clear vocals, Mark McMillon’s guitars and Matt Ridenour’s bass. That blend of tension and melody, alternating abrasive passages and catchy choruses, became their live signature.

Two decades of career have seen them weather trials while staying the course, with two gold-certified albums — The Silence in Black and White (2004) and If Only You Were Lonely (2006) — and tracks that became touchstones of the genre like “Ohio Is for Lovers” and “Saying Sorry.” In 2026 the band celebrates the 20th anniversary of If Only You Were Lonely: an opportunity to revisit that era while also looking ahead, from Bad Frequencies (2018) to The Rain Just Follows Me (2021). In Paris, Hawthorne Heights promises a no‑frills set, rooted in their emo/post‑hardcore heritage and tailored for the stage.