A Joyful Reunion: Rilo Kiley Gives San Diego a Night of Pure Bliss
Some nights are just pure magic. Last Friday, October 17th, Gallagher Square was transformed into a time capsule of pure, unadulterated joy as Rilo Kiley stopped in San Diego as part of their comeback tour.
After a decade of waiting, the anticipation for this reunion was a tangible thing you could feel in the air. From the moment we arrived at Gallagher Square, the ambiance was nothing but cheerful. It was a sea of smiles from people who grew up with this band, ready to relive a piece of their youth.
Waxahatchee kicked things off with a stunningly beautiful and grounded set. Katie Crutchfield’s voice was the perfect opener, warming up the cool night air with gorgeous tracks like “Right Back to It” and “Fire,” setting a heartfelt tone for the evening.
But when Rilo Kiley took the stage, the venue erupted. Jenny Lewis, an absolute powerhouse, gave everything she had, and the band was incredibly tight, playing with a renewed energy that felt both nostalgic and vital.
This was a show for the fans, through and through. The setlist was a dream of pure nostalgia bliss, packed with the songs everyone ached to hear. Hearing thousands of people joyfully shouting the words to classics like “Portions for Foxes,” “A Better Son/Daughter,” and “Breakin’ Up” was a truly massive sing-along. The band dug deep, too, pulling out gems like “Pictures of Success” and the always-fun “Frug.”
It was all smiles, all night. Everyone was just so happy to be there, singing along to every word, sharing the moment with old friends. You could see people looking at each other, grinning, as if to say, “Can you believe this is real?”
Everyone left thankful, their hearts full. It wasn’t just a concert; it was a collective, joyful experience a decade in the making. San Diego loves you Rilo Kiley!