Gym Class Heroes Rock SSU

After a grueling six years without a major musical act on campus, the Salem State University community finally saw the concert of their dreams.

More than 800 area people packed the Rockett Arena in the O’Keefe Center April 15 to see the Gym Class Heroes, featuring Timeflies, perform in concert. Within two hours of bringing down the house, the concert proved the age-old saying true: Good things do come to those who wait.

The crowd was alive with energy before Timeflies could open the show.

People were jostling back and forth, attempting to creep towards the stage. As the lights dimmed and the rap-rock duo took the stage, the audience erupted in cheers.

With obscene references to lead singer Cal Shapiro’s private parts sandwiched between swears and bass beats so enticing legs just had to shake, it would have been easy to assume that Timeflies is horrid and unwatchable. Yet nothing could be further from the truth.

Instead of being revolting, the duo-- Shapiro, the vocalist, and Rob “Rez” Resnick, the producer--come off as charming and enduring – a hard task to complete while dropping F-bombs as if they were hot plates.

Before forming Timeflies in 2010, Shapiro and Resnick performed in the Tufts University funk band called The Ride. The duo became a sensation as Timeflies with a series of songs posted to YouTube.

Timeflies woos because they hold nothing sacred, violating classics such as Kansas’ “Carry On My Wayward Son” and Disney’s “Under The Sea.”

With the crowd in a frenzy, hip hop-rock Gym Class Heroes took the stage to endless screams and arm flails.

Lead singer Travie McCoy wasted no time breaking into “Cookie Jar” amidst a violent cornucopia of orange, red and blue lights, as a silent agreement that “This is awesome” spread through the audience.

With his knee-high crimson red socks, McCoy had more than the spotlight on him. After that, GCH quickly sang “Cupid’s Chokehold” and “Ass Back Home” with every voice adding to the overwhelming sound. With their three most popular singles finished, it seemed as if the band had played their song-cards too early, but GCH had a wild card up their sleeve: Travie McCoy.

After the last beats of “Ass Back Home” McCoy told the sea of strangers that they were family, which instigated an impromptu hug-a-thon. It was clear that the crowd belonged to McCoy.

McCoy maintained his crowd control straight through “Billionaire” and “Peace Sign/Index Down” and finished the night with “Stereo Hearts.”

Gym Class Heroes formed 15 years ago when when McCoy met drummer Matt McGinley during their high school gym class. The wide-ranging music of the four piece band is influenced by hip hop, rock, funk, and reggae, and is fueled by an enthusiastic fan base.

The show was not to be missed, and it set the bar high for future concerts at Salem State University.