Matthew Koma has big homecoming at Coliseum
Matt Koma, from Seaford, performs at the Nassau Coliseum. (June 26, 2012) Credit: Bruce Gilbert
Homecomings don't get much bigger than this.
Seaford native Matthew Koma returned to Long Island for his first performance in years by taking the stage at Nassau Coliseum Tuesday night, kicking off LMFAO's "Sorry for Party Rocking" tour.
"It's a special night for me," Koma told the crowd. "I don't want to forget it."
His 20-minute set, which included his first single, "Parachute," got the crowd jumping and fist-pumping early -- a reaction that brought a smile to the 25-year-old's face. After all, the first concert he ever saw was Bruce Springsteen at the Coliseum.
"There's so many people who have been behind me and seen me build this from ground zero," Koma said before the show. "It's a way to celebrate a step of success together."
Koma's homecoming was extended when Far East Movement brought him out during their set to sing their chart-topping hit "Rocketeer."
Though numerous Long Island acts have played Nassau Coliseum in its 40-year history, Koma is the first act from the area to play there since Brand New headlined it in 2009.
It was an achievement worth cheering, and Koma's rooting section of extended family, friends, former teachers from Seaford High School and bandmates was so big it had to be spread out around the Coliseum. Of course, judging from the warm reaction Koma received, he was getting more than hometown support.
"I'm just so incredibly proud to see a young person work so hard and then succeed," said Koma's mom, Rhonda Bair, standing in the Nassau Coliseum lobby. "Look at where we are!"
"It's just so great to see all his hard work mean something," added Koma's father, Gerald Bair. "It's great that people can now see and hear what he's doing."
When his duties opening for LMFAO wrap up next month, Koma will turn his attention to rolling out his own material, including shooting a video for "Parachute."
Koma currently has several other projects on the charts, including the No. 1 dance single "Calling (Lose My Mind)" by Sebastian Ingrosso that he co-wrote and Zedd's new single "Spectrum."
"It just felt incredibly good," Koma said after his set. "I can't believe it."
