On Friday, 1 November, pleasure fills the air in Los Angeles, the Metropolis of Angels, as the long-lasting Discussion board prepares to welcome King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard for the kickoff of their fall 2024 tour. Identified for his or her eclectic and prolific music model, these Australian psychedelic rockers have captivated audiences with their vibrant performances, promising distinctive setlists and memorable excessive factors at each present. The excitement round their live shows is palpable, as followers are thrilled by the prospect of reside music that modifications night time after night time.
The band’s embrace of expertise and group is additional evidenced by their resolution to stream your complete 2024 tour without cost on YouTube. This inclusive strategy not solely retains followers engaged however solidifies King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard’s standing as a band that genuinely values its viewers. Their socially aware lyrics and daring undertones echo a convention of activism seen throughout the societal upheavals of the Nineteen Sixties, marking them as eco-rebels who aren’t afraid to problem the established order.
Motivated by their ethos, this correspondent has opted to comply with King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard on their bold four-day California tour, spanning Los Angeles to San Diego,then to Paso Robles and Palo Alto, culminating in a particular “rave” efficiency in San Francisco on 6 November. The anticipation amongst California followers is electrical, as they’ve been eagerly awaiting this second all 12 months.
Nevertheless, there may be an undercurrent of unease because of the impending presidential election on 5 November, which pits the controversial Donald Trump towards Democratic nominee Kamala Harris. Ought to Trump prevail, there are grave issues concerning an authoritarian agenda that threatens to undermine American democracy. Although typically considered as a buffoon, Trump’s rhetoric ought to be taken significantly; his feedback hinting that his followers may not have to vote once more may mark a pivotal second in American politics.
This example starkly displays the failures of President Joe Biden and Lawyer Basic Merrick Garland, who’ve allowed Trump and his associates to evade vital penalties for his or her actions for the reason that rebel of 6 January 2021. If this election heralds the demise of democracy, what higher option to embody resistance than to rock out with one of the electrifying bands of the twenty first century? Beneath is a particular report from PopMatters on King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard’s California tour.
Friday, 1 November @ the Kia Discussion board – Los Angeles, CA
Initially slated as an ordinary live performance, the present morphed right into a three-hour epic, modeled after the group’s memorable performances on the Berkeley Greek and Hollywood Bowl in earlier years. As guitarist Joey Walker urged the gang, “We’re about to rock very laborious, so you realize, don’t tempo your self; simply go 100% from the beginning,” they took the stage at 9:00 PM, launching into “Mars for the Wealthy” and “Planet B,” setting a fierce tone for the night.
Opening with “Mars for the Wealthy,” a monitor from their 2019 album Infest the Rat’s Nest, King Gizzard critiques the megalomaniacal ambitions of figures like Elon Musk, who goals of colonizing Mars. Guitarist Stu Mackenzie’s lyrics give voice to a disillusioned sentiment, lamenting the disparity between the wealthy and the poor, portray a grim image of our socio-economic actuality. This sentiment aligns completely with the band’s overarching message of ecological concern.
Persevering with their streak, “Planet B” underscores the group’s dedication to environmental activism, with Mackenzie’s highly effective supply emphasizing the pressing want to acknowledge that “There isn’t any Planet B.” The viewers instinctively erupts right into a mosh pit, displaying each vitality and an organized sense of security as designated mosh pit guards guarantee everybody’s well-being.
From that time, the night time transitions right into a bluesier vibe with “Gradual Jam 1” from I’m in Your Thoughts Fuzz, reminding followers of the band’s capability to attach varied musical types seamlessly. This fluidity extends by to “Am I in Heaven?” whereas Walker and Mackenzie interact in playful banter, showcasing the camaraderie amongst band members.
The tempo remained exhilarating with a collection of heavy tracks, together with “Self-Immolate,” “Dragon,” and “Flamethrower,” igniting an intense mosh pit frenzy. The band’s twin lead guitar assault evokes comparisons to steel legends equivalent to Iron Maiden, culminating in a efficiency of “Flamethrower,” one other monitor from PetroDragonic Apocalypse, which vividly illustrates a Gila monster embodying nature’s wrath towards damaging forces.
New materials from their newest album, Flight b741, launched a contemporary sonic perspective, leaning in direction of a extra collaborative vibe with straight-ahead rock harking back to the ’70s. “Day by day Blues” options lyrics that resonate with the present societal local weather, advocating for unity amidst divisiveness. Mackenzie’s name to empathy shines by, selling love as an antidote to hate.
The live performance’s climactic finale consisted of “The Lord of Lightning” and “The Balrog”—psychedelic steel anthems that echo the feelings of their earlier performances, leaving attendees awash in exhilaration. With their California tour solely simply starting, the band concluded the primary night time with model and affect.
Saturday, 2 November @ The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park – San Diego, CA
The next night, a unique power enveloped the present as King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard held a uncommon acoustic live performance at The Rady Shell, uniquely designed like a futuristic egg. The breathtaking venue, with views of the San Diego skyline, rapidly impressed attendees. Whereas some rain threatened to dampen the spirits, the gang remained resilient, looking forward to the music to start.
The acoustic set opened with “Witchcraft,” which fantastically reworked a steel piece right into a bluesy rendition. The debut of songs like “Chang’e” from their digital album and varied cuts from Polygondwanaland showcased the band’s versatility. Highlights included “Iron Lung,” a crowd favourite that showcased the band’s chemistry—every member contributing to a formidable jam that left followers buzzing.
With the viewers singing alongside to “God is Calling Me Again Residence,” King Gizzard captivated the gang with the acoustic debut of “Magma,” which blended jam and groove completely. The set concluded triumphantly with a rendition of “The River,” successfully merging clean jazz components into their rock repertoire, regardless of the unpredictable climate.
Sunday, 3 November @ the Vina Robles Amphitheater – Paso Robles, CA
The next day introduced the band to the picturesque wine nation of Paso Robles, the place cooler temperatures couldn’t diminish the enthusiastic vibe of the viewers. The night time started with high-energy tracks like “Doom Metropolis,” successfully igniting the gang.
“Hypertension” took issues up a notch, mixing area rock influences with spectacular jams, whereas Mackenzie cleverly inspired the viewers to maneuver nearer for heat. Later within the night, King Gizzard showcased their adaptability by seamlessly integrating their synth-driven songs, debuting “Intrasport,” which thrived on the gang’s energetic response.
The climactic end got here with a strong string of steel tracks, together with “Gaia” and a reprise of “Motor Breath,” marking the tip of an exhilarating night time that bolstered their prowess even amidst the chilliness.
Monday, 4 November @ the Frost Amphitheater at Stanford College – Palo Alto, CA
The power was equally excessive as King Gizzard returned to the Bay Space for his or her first look since an epic Berkeley efficiency. Opening with “Superbug,” the band rapidly constructed momentum with a pulsating sequence that had the viewers enchanted, particularly with the long-lasting tracks from I’m in Your Thoughts Fuzz that adopted.
The band’s signature political edge was evident in “Day by day Blues,” prompting reflections on the upcoming election and the importance of music in troubling occasions. The pleasant temper continued because the members showcased their versatility in performances like “Minimize Throat Boogie” and “Trapdoor,” embedding varied influences.
One standout second arrived as Mackenzie and Walker united for a debut efficiency of “Inside Individuals,” eliciting joyous reactions from followers. The infectious power resonated all through because the band continued with high-octane songs from Flight b741, culminating within the highly effective “The Dripping Faucet,” which encapsulated their thematic give attention to environmental points.
The night time concluded with a strong reminder from the lead guitarist, urging followers to vote towards Trump the next day. This particular night in Palo Alto underscored the significance of music as a beacon of hope and resilience.
Wednesday, 6 November @ The Regency Ballroom – San Francisco, CA
Within the aftermath of the presidential election, emotions of despair loomed over America, with King Gizzard returning to San Francisco for a bonus efficiency. Acknowledging the somber ambiance, Amby provided a heartfelt sentiment, rallying the viewers to search out consolation in music throughout tough occasions.
Opening with “Theia,” the band set a dancing tone as they delved into performing The Silver Twine in full, seamlessly flowing by intricate layers of sound that captured the gang’s consideration. As they traversed by tracks like “Set” and “Change,” the uplifting narratives resonated amidst an unsure world.
This efficiency felt like a musical catharsis—an escape from the disheartening information cycle. Because the band reached their finale with the infectious “Intrasport,” Walker’s closing remarks bolstered the band’s dedication to preventing for a greater future.
Regardless of the darkish cloud hovering over America, the week spent with King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard in California served as a significant reminder of music’s energy to unite, uplift, and encourage motion. As they proceed to tour, their presence presents hope, encouraging followers to affix the resistance towards looming threats to democracy and the setting.
