Topics

More

Please Add Some Variety: An Open Letter To The People Behind THON’s Setlist

There’s nothing quite like live music at THON. However, it could use some work.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m a huge fan of the cover bands that have played so far this THON Weekend. Live music is the easiest way to make time pass quickly and the energy immediately levels up when they take to the stage.

Knowing that they are playing during the wee hours of the morning and the dead of the night, most of them have opted for classics they know will get the crowd moving. I am a big fan of this logic except for one flaw.

Unlike them, we have watched every band perform over the course of the weekend and because of that, we know all too well the songs that we have already heard.

Although “Mr. Brightside” is a surefire way to get a crowd screaming at 3 a.m., there are only so many times we can hear it performed by a cover band before it becomes stale. The same logic applies to other classics like “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield, “HOT TO GO!” by Chappell Roan and some variation of “Shiver” by John Summit.

Of course, the performers have no idea what the other acts are going to come on stage and do, so it is up to THON to check out what each band is playing before the big weekend comes around. THON checks carefully over every detail of the weekend so I am not asking for much by wanting the elimination of repeats.

Next year, I dare them to stray from the most listened-to TikTok hits and delve slightly into a larger category than just Billboard Top 100. Maybe we could even get crazy and let the bands play an original song or two.

People just stopping in would most likely have no complaints with what they are hearing, but for the dancers and those of us there for hours on end, there are only so many times we can do the “HOT TO GO!” dance, or get energized when someone on stage yells, “Coming out of my cage and I’ve been doing just fine.”

Your ad blocker is on.

Please choose an option below.

Sign up for our e-mail newsletter:
OR
Support quality journalism:
Purchase a Subscription!

About the Author

Maggie Alderisio

Maggie is a sophomore from Albany, New York majoring in broadcast journalism and English. She enjoys skiing, music, sarcastic banter, and staying up until ungodly hours of the night for no good reason. You can find her on Instagram @maggiealderisio, email her at [email protected], or bump into her eating a bagel in the Irvings basement.

Penn State Football Head Coach Candidate Deep Dive: Brian Daboll

Multiple of Daboll’s kids attended or still attend Penn State.

Riley Green Rocks The BJC With ‘Damn Country Music’ Tour

The 37-year-old singer songwriter is well known in the country music world for hits like “There Was This Girl” and “I wish Grandpas Never Died.”

Pushing The Envelope: Mike ‘The Mailman’ Herr & His Daughter Marykate Delivering Positivity Through New Memoir

When it comes to Penn State icons, few are more beloved than Herr.

113kFollowers
66.4kFollowers
4,570Subscribers
Sign up for our Newsletter
Other posts by Maggie

Riley Green Rocks The BJC With ‘Damn Country Music’ Tour

The 37-year-old singer songwriter is well known in the country music world for hits like “There Was This Girl” and “I wish Grandpas Never Died.”

THON Director Thursday: Meet THON 2026 Merchandise Director Reese Butler

State College Police & Fire Respond To Incident At Susan Welch Building