The Pixies did so much more than Doolittle at Gallagher Square with Spoon and Fazerdaze
The Pixies have been prolific in their post-breakup era, releasing their ninth LP The Night The Zombies Came last year, but this tour stop at Gallagher Square at Petco Park was all about those legendary early albums, especially 1989’s Doolittle. The crowd skewed towards those that were in their formative years when The Pixies were helping define “alternative rock” in the late 80s/early 90s, but the sheer numbers of fans of all ages in attendance attested to the enduring appeal of the band’s early work.
New Zealand’s Fazerdaze opened the show performing an all-too-brief 22 minute set, with multi-instumentalist Amelia Rahayu Murray joined on stage by Dave Rowlands (guitar, keys, vocals) to bring her songs to life. Supremely suited for a shoegaze/dream pop sound, Murray’s otherworldly vocals overlaid catchy hooks from synths and guitars, quickly captivating the early arrivals, drawing them to the stage. Surprised at the set’s brevity, the growing crowd gave these appealing openers a heartfelt chant for “One More Song!” and an assurance of an eager audience when they return to San Diego.
Spoon, originally formed in Austin, Texas, took the stage next, playing what could be considered a co-headlining set. Spoon put together yet another crowd-pleasing set, playing their latest single Guess I’m Falling In Love along with standout tracks from their latest albums as well as certified radio hits from 2005’s Gimme Fiction and 2007’s Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga. Founders Britt Daniel (vocals, guitar) and Jim Eno (drums) have toured for several years now with Alec Fischel (guitar, vocals), Gerardo Larios (guitar, keyboards), and Ben Trokan (bass, keyboards) rounding out the sound. The band’s loyal following showed up in force, some traveling from afar to catch this first show of the tour with The Pixies. Longtime fans were treated to deeper Spoon cuts like My Mathematical Mind right after same-era hits You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb and I Turn My Camera On.
Original Pixies members Black Francis (vocals, rhythm guitar), Joey Santiago (lead guitar), and David Lovering (drums), recently joined by newcomer Emma Richardson (bass, vocals), proved they haven’t lost a step, leading the packed crowd through all of their favorites. All of The Pixies played with an exemplary gusto sometimes lacking in a band ready to turn forty, but Santiago’s guitar solos stole the show, particularly when he segued seamlessly from creating sound with his unplugged guitar cable to using his hat to play the strings. Though the band did not return for a separate encore, the respite provided by Richardson’s dead-on vocal for In Heaven served as a clear sign that the finale was in sight. Closing with Wave Of Mutilation, Where Is My Mind?, and Into The White, The Pixies led their happy throng of fans back out into the night with another great night of music under their belt.
The Night The Zombies Came tour continues with The Pixies, Spoon, and Fazerdaze into September, with several festival appearances as well. In November, The Pixies play in Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and Hawaii; be sure to see them if they’re playing near you! Scroll down if you need further convincing for our videos and photos from the event!
