Vampire Weekend Kicks Off Tour with Electrifying Houston Show

On June 6th on a steamy night in Houston, Vampire Weekend launched their highly anticipated tour with a stellar performance at Houston’s 713 Music Hall. The near sold-out show was filled with energy, nostalgia, and musical mastery, lasting an impressive 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Vampire Weekend’s latest album, Only God Was Above Us, released in April 2024, has been widely praised for its intricate songwriting, production, and instrumentation. The album features a blend of indie rock with jazz and electronic influences, marking a return to their New York City roots while exploring new musical landscapes. Tracks like “Ice Cream Piano” and “Classical” showcase their signature sound, while “Hope” stands out with its long, jam-band-esque groove. This album has quickly become a fan favorite and set the stage for an unforgettable tour.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A Dynamic Start

The night began with the original three members of Vampire Weekend taking the stage. The intimate setting and familiar faces set the tone for what was to come. Three songs in, the curtain fell to reveal a full band, including a violin and trumpet, amplifying the energy and excitement in the venue. The audience’s enthusiasm was palpable as the expanded band kicked in, transforming the concert into a full-fledged musical experience.

Set List Highlights

Vampire Weekend’s set list was a well-curated mix of classics and new hits. The night started with “Mansard Roof,” followed by “Holiday” and “Ice Cream Piano.” Each song flowed seamlessly into the next, keeping the audience engaged and as the curtain feel reveling a full band, the audience erupted into a Saturday night’s energy on a Thrusday. 

Mansard Roof

Holiday

Ice Cream Piano

Classical

Capricorn

Connect

Prepschool Gangsters

White Sky

Unbelievers

This Life

Sunflower 

Unbearably White

Pravda

Jam Intro Flower Moon

Campus

Oxford Comma

Gen X Cops

Diane Young

Cousins

A-Punk

Mary Boone

Hannah Hunt

Harmony Hall

Hope

— Encore

1901 (Phoenix cover)

Don’t Dream It’s Over (Crowded House cover)

Wonderwall (Oasis cover)

Walcott

Memorable Moments

One of the standout moments of the night was the transition from “Mary Boone” to “Hannah Hunt.” The seamless flow between these songs was nothing short of magical, creating an almost surreal experience for the audience. Houston fans have long awaited the day Vampire Weekend would play “Houston Dubai,” but for now, they’ll have to keep dreaming. The song “Hope” was particularly noteworthy. It was a long, head-banging track that captivated the audience. The performance was intense and powerful, showcasing the band’s versatility and ability to engage the crowd. One by one band members departed the stage during Hope, setting the stage for the encore. 

Encore and Finale

The encore was a delightful mix of surprises and fan favorites. The band invited random people from the audience to pick songs, which they would then play, adding an element of spontaneity and excitement. Their first cover was of Phoenix’s 1901, the last few weeks Ezra and Thomas have been making cameos at each others shows as they play the same festivals (no surprise Thomas appearance tonight). They also discussed their tradition of ending with “Walcott” and asked the audience if they should continue it. With a resounding cheer, they concluded the night with “Walcott,” ending with this memorable night with Houstonians “getting out of Cape Cod tonight.”

High Energy and Engagement

Lead singer Ezra Koenig endeared himself to the crowd by noting it was the band’s first “proper night of the tour,” with previous dates being festival appearances. The band’s expanded seven-piece ensemble, complete with two percussionists, two keyboard players, a violinist, and a trumpeter, added depth and vibrancy to their performance.

The energy throughout the show was consistently high. The near sold-out crowd was a testament to Vampire Weekend’s enduring popularity and their ability to draw in fans old and new. From the moment they took the stage to the final note of “Walcott,” the band delivered a performance that was both nostalgic and refreshingly new.

Love for Texas

Vampire Weekend has a special connection to Texas. They previously performed at the Eclipse show in Austin, and they chose to start their tour in Houston. The band will also conclude the American leg of their tour in Austin this October, showcasing their appreciation for the Lone Star State.

Vampire Weekend’s opening show of their 2024 tour was a resounding success. With a dynamic start, a thoughtfully curated set list, and memorable moments that kept the audience engaged, the night was a testament to the band’s enduring appeal and musical prowess. Fans left the venue with smiles on their faces, eagerly anticipating the next opportunity to see Vampire Weekend live.