It’s pretty hard to put Wilco’s music in one category. Some say alternative rock, alternative country, etc. But as one of America’s best bands today, their talent spans many musical genres and their live shows solidify that. With three sold out shows in three different venues, music fans in LA couldn’t wait for Wilco to come to town.
After a stellar first performance at The Hollywood Palladium, the Chicago-based band made its way for the second at The Wiltern. Wilco is known for changing up their set lists and making each show special. What would they play this night? Just another reason why diehards follow them from city to city.
The music scene is currently missing a solid hard rock band. So it was no wonder hungry music fans made their way to Inglewood to have their fill. Holding absolutely nothing back, Soundgarden played to the hungry crowd, including Dave Grohl, who made his way to the rail. One of the highlights was Mike McCready (Pearl Jam) who came on stage to jam on “Superunknown.” There is no denying the musical synergy that is Chris Cornell, Kim Thayil, Matt Cameron, Ben Shepherd.
Soundgarden Setlist:
Searching With My Good Eye Closed / Spoonman / Gun / Jesus Christ Pose / Room a Thousand Years Wide / Blow Up The Outside World / Loud Love / Big Dumb Sex / Ugly Truth / Fell on Black Days / Flower / Outshined / Black Rain / Rusty Cage / The Day I Tried to Live /My Wave /Burden in My Hand / Black Hole Sun /Head Down / Superunknown (w/Mike McCready) / 4th of July
Encore: Beyond the Wheel / Hunted Down / Mailman / Slaves & Bulldozers
If you have not been fortunate enough to witness the massive “spaceship claw” that has been touching town in stadiums all over the world with a little band called “U2,” do yourself a HUGE favor and try to experience this phenomenon before it rises up and ends up on the other side of the rainbow in Ireland. Bono, The Edge, Larry Mullen, Jr. and Adam Clayton have been a tour de force for years and I can’t imagine things getting bigger than this.
I admit, I’ve fallen off the U2 train for the past few years even though I attended the 2009 Rose Bowl show. I just haven’t been “there.” But when the Irish foursome started playing “I Will Follow” from their debut album Boy, as their second song of the night at Angels Stadium on Friday in Anaheim, California, it was hard to steady my camera as my excitement was hard to contain.
What solidifies U2 as the biggest band in the world is not just their history making world tours and record breaking hits after all these years, it’s their movement for unity and peace in the world through their lyrics, shows and many charitable contributions. It’s not always about Bono.
A very special moment happened when band manager Paul McGuiness (who has been there since the beginning) joined the band on stage for his 60th birthday. 50,000 plus people sang Happy Birthday to the adored manager.
Unfortunately, the political climate has not changed for the better since “Pride” was written. But then neither has the power and conviction of those lyrics. During “Walk On,” members of Amnesty International walked slowly on the catwalk surrounding the stage with lanterns. “Beautiful Day” was prefaced by a vid of astronaut Mark Kelly dedicating the song to his wife Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords who was tragically shot in Arizona. Another shout out and dedication was made to Maria Shriver, who was in the house for “Pride (In The Name of Love).”
“All I Want is You” was beautiful and many couples quickly embraced. “Moment of Surrender” was a perfect ending.
Set List
Even Better Then The Real Thing
I Will Follow
Get On Your Boots
Magnificent (Bishop Tutu mix)
Mysterious Ways
Elevation
Until The End Of The World
Happy Birthday (to band manager Paul McGuinness)
All I Want Is You
Stay (Faraway, So Close)
Beautiful Day
Pride (In The Name Of Love)
Miss Sarajevo
Zooropa
City Of Blinding Lights
Vertigo
Crazy Tonight Remix
Sunday Bloody Sunday
Scarlet
Walk On
One
Where The Streets Have No Name
-Encore-
Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me
With Or Without You
Moment Of Surrender
It’s been three years since The Kooks released their well-loved sophomore record Konk. That may seem like ages ago but The Kooks promise a full-album experience complete with catchy hooks and breezy tunes. Junk of the Heart will be released on September 13 on Astralwerks. A single will be released on July 11.
While some may wait until July to hear some new tunes, lucky fans in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco can see the band live in June. The band will play three very intimate shows including a stop at the Bowery Ballroom in NY and The Troubadour in Los Angeles. The last time The Kooks were in New York they played two sold-out shows at Terminal 5 and another show at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park. All dates below.
The Kooks Tour Dates
06/22 – San Francisco, CA @ Slims
06/23 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Troubadour
06/27 – New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom
Fleet Foxes played to a sold out Hollywood Palladium over the weekend. The photos were taken by Lindsey Best.
The band is on the road supporting their latest release, Helplessness Blues. The album sees the band continuing their blend of rustic homegrown melodies anchored by poignant reflection.
