While we were away. —Ed.
Fans, concertgoers, and music lovers of all kinds were treated to a spectacular show by the iconic band at a sold-out performance Wednesday night, 3/16. The Pixies’ setlist spanned their entire career and highlighted why they have withstood the test of time. From classics like “Bone Machine” to newer tracks like “All the Saints,” the Pixies put on an unforgettable show. If you weren’t able to make it to the House of Blues in Anaheim, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.
I don’t know about you, but I’m a huge Pixies fan. Their indie/punk sound resonated with me during my formidable years and still, to this day, they continue to hold a special place in my heart. When it was announced they would be kicking off their world tour with a small set of warm up shows—one being here in Southern California—I knew I had to go. It would be my first live Pixies show, and I was fired up to be front and center to catch this legendary group in all their glory.
Kicking off the evening was a killer band out of Ireland known as The Clockworks. This four-piece ensemble has taken the European post-punk music scene by storm and are making a name for themselves here in the US through raw, engaging music that immediately translates into highly energetic live performances. They come across as very unassuming when they take the stage, yet immediately transform into high-octane rockers that bring it from the very first note to their final bow onstage. And if you don’t believe me, take a quick listen to “Endgame,” “The Future is Not What It Was,” and “Fingers” on your favorite streaming service. I think you’ll immediately find that The Clockworks are the real deal and worthy of the high praise they are beginning to experience.
Now onto the main attraction, the Pixies. Although I have never seen them live, I have been told that no two Pixies shows are the same and that setlists are a “game-time decision” for the band. “The Pixies play what the Pixies want to play,” a super-fan told me, and true to form they hit the stage winging a 26-song set with many starts and stops. What captured me from the very beginning of their set was how much fun they actually had playing with each other. There was lots of love emanating from Black Francis (vocals and rhythm guitar), Joey Santiago (lead guitar), David Lovering (drums), and Paz Lenchantin (bass), and it was reciprocated by a sold-out crowd that was fully engaged by their performance from the moment the Pixies walked out on stage.
Although many Pixies classics were played, my favorites included “Bone Machine,” “I Bleed,” and “All the Saints.” I even dug the Jesus and Mary Chain cover of “Head On” (which absolutely killed). Fans from all walks of life rocked out for nearly two hours of improvised mayhem and it was absolutely beautiful. When the dust finally settled after a rousing encore, the audience streamed out of the House of Blues with ear-to-ear smiles knowing they witnessed a bucket-list show for the ages.
THE CLOCKWORKS
