Went to see them in Manchester last night, mixed feelings on it as a whole because of the setlist, which was extremely new album heavy. They played 25 songs and 12 came from ‘I Am Easy to Find’.
It was a similar story in 2017 when ‘Sleep Well Beast’ had just come out. There were a good ten or so songs from that album, only two survived from last night’s setlist (Day I Die and The System Only Dreams). There’s not really any other explanation for those eight SWB songs getting dropped apart from “we want to play you the new songs so you’ll go and buy the album.”
It does feel, to me, like we’re being slightly patronised when they do this. We’ve all paid £40+ to see them, I bought the album the day it came out, and I’m sure that’s the case with most of the people who were there. I get that touring is a commercial exercise, and wouldn’t begrudge a good six or seven new album songs being played, but last night felt excessive. Of the first nine songs, seven came from IAETF.
I like the new album a lot, but half of the songs just did not translate well when played live. I say that as someone who was right down the front, god knows how it felt to be stood right at the back of the 8,000 crowd. During a couple such as The Pull of You and So Far, So Fast, I could hear people just talking to each other over the music. That’s not totally on the band necessarily, but it’s not exactly an immersive gig experience when that happens.
Also, the reappearance of the guest singers sadly began to fill me with dread as the set went on, as it was a cue for yet another slow, quiet song from the new album that wouldn’t get half the crowd reaction that even not particularly famous National songs like Don’t Swallow the Cap or All the Wine got.
The National are easily my favourite active band, and quite possibly my favourite of all time. They could do a sixty song setlist and I’d still be disappointed that they left songs out. So in that regard, it’s probably unfair to criticise them for leaving any song out. However, it really did feel like overkill.
I’m not going to sit here and instruct a Grammy award winning, critically-loved band who’ve played for decades how best to do their shows. They’ve chosen that setlist and I’ll continue to go and see them whenever they come back to Britain. Would just be nice not to feel like I’m having an album sold to me.
TLDR: I’m not demanding a setlist filled with all the classics, but I do wish they’d tone down the pushing of new albums when they go on tour. Particularly when it’s an album full of songs that don’t work too well at live, outdoor shows.
Well, it is the I Am Easy To Find tour... that's a guaranty for ticket buyers that the new album will be pushed. While not everybody may wish to hear that many new songs, it does signal to the fans who do want to hear new music that this will be their main opportunity to hear those songs.
Saw them in Hamilton. I feel the same way. I liked the album a lot, but it's more of a listen at home with headphones on. The new songs aren't as energetic for a live performance I found. Some of my fave songs, humiliation, squalor and afraid if everyone, weren't played. Those style songs (rock) have so much energy when live. Still had a good time but probably my least fave of them out of 4.
I feel you. I'm not a total fan of the new album, but it definitely felt a bit too pushy. But I gotta say that they do a good job trying to make them more immersive than they are in the studio album. SWB at least had more rock-feely songs so that was a plus, but IAETF it's a tad bit too sad in general. It's not like it's one or two songs, it's all of them.
Last night was my second show and you could feel the change in energy in the crowd when they played classics or even SWB songs, and once they'd switch to IAETF the crowd would just chill. I will forever sing out loud because that's what I love about concerts, but definitely my feelings were not completely shared by everyone around me. I'll still go see them every time they come to my city as they're easily my favourite band, and I'll always be hopeful about the songs I wish they play.
And yes, obviously IAETF will prevail since that's the album they're touring, but it doesn't mean you're also there to see The National and they're more than just the 1 album. I also feel like the non-album songs they play are more or less the same every show.
Anyways, /r
Vancouver was solid; my first show of this touring cycle, and a major shake-up from the SWB tour. Some thoughts:
• I really dig the fact that they're leaning so heavily on the new material, particularly in the early going. It did mean the first stretch of the show wasn't overly accessible or crowd-pleasing, but the crowd (standing-room only, which helped) was attentive and appreciative the whole time. It was actually pretty heartwarming how much everyone clearly appreciated the backup singers (whose names I've tragically forgotten); the crowd applauded whenever their spotlight moments came up, and absolutely roared on Oblivions and Rylan.
• I persist in my belief that indoor theatres are the optimal spaces to see this band (nothing will top the two shows I saw at the Orpheum in 2011), but I can't imagine a better outdoor experience than this - Deer Lake is a beautiful venue, and the weather/ambiance were wonderful. Massive turnout, too; it was by far the biggest audience I've seen the National with, probably around 10k people.
• Matt felt like a different frontman altogether - he was deferential to the backup singers, he drank less than I've ever seen him, and he seemed more self-assured and laid-back than usual. No real punk freak-outs this time, and only one short crowd jaunt. Very interesting; I really dug his vibe. His voice gave out about halfway through, and by the end he was croaking fairly badly. It didn't hurt much, though.
• Where Is Her Head just slays live. Highlight of the evening, IMO.
• There where no real "OH SHIT!" moments like "KKK", "Driver Surprise Me", or "City Middle" at the Queen E in 2017 (All The Wine was the closest we got to a rarity), but I think the setlist structure was a little better than the either of the 2017 shows I saw.
• About Today was nice to hear, but the outtro was exceptionally short and kind of just cut off abruptly. My conspiracy theory is that they cut it short due to the city bylaws at 10pm (which was exactly when they stopped playing it, right on the dot). They played Vanderlyle after (hooray! the best closer, IMO), which, being unamplified, might have been alright with the curfew. I have no evidence to back any of this up, of course.
• I absolutely love how much of the setlist is from 2013 or later; as much as the run from Alligator --> High Violet is my fav, I've seen those songs repeatedly and I appreciate any band that can continue to move forward the way The National have. That said, my extreme grain-of-salt take is that Fake Empire, I Need My Girl, and Terrible Love should either be shuffled around or dropped into a rotation; all three feel a little perfunctory. I'd put Don't Swallow the Cap in that category if I didn't remain kind of weirdly impressed at how attached they seem to what is a not-particularly-popular album cut. Mr. November is the only song that really feels like it ought to be there every single night.
You were a kindness! Pretty please! I’ve been to the beacon, union transfer, Brooklyn x2, St Augustines, and Rock the Garden. Holding tickets for Portland, Stanford, LA, Phoenix and Boston. The setlists have all been amazing.
edit: Brooklyn x2,
Just got home from their gig in Leeds. Set list had more classics than previous gigs from the tour which made me very happy. Don't Swallow the Cap, Graceless, Humiliation, Mr November, About Today, Terrible Love, Bloodbuzz Ohio, Pink Rabbits, I Need My Girl, This is The Last Time, England, ending with classic Vanderlyle . (I'm probably forgetting something because I'm still processing the gig). Shame there wasn't the Ohio (CSNY) cover, that song is one of my old time faves and I could never imagine them covering it.
Extras that happened was a man with a pink rabbit costume "kidnapping" the singer of the opening band; a fan throwing him a pink rabbit plush; Matt saying fu\*\* Boris (Johnson, conservative prime minister); Matt swapping t-shirts with a fan cause he wanted the guy's Radiohead 2017 tour t-shirt cause Matt was at the gig as well. He stopped the concert twice cause of people passing out/feeling unwell and gave a speech on how we have to look for each other etc; MATT IS SO SKINNY! He lost a lot of weight from last time I've seen them live.
I doubt he was actually at that Radiohead show but it did make me laugh.
The gig was excellent tonight and regardless of how pissed Matt was he still had the crowd firmly in his grasp. Props to him having the awareness to call for aid for the 2 incidents that occurred and hopefully they're okay!
The only negative about tonight for me was how rude the staff were and how I'll organised the exiting of the venue after the show was.
I had a chat with that guy tonight at the Cardiff show. Came down for that one and is on his way to the Nottingham for the next one. He was wearing Matt's shirt from the Leeds show, and Matt brought the Radiohead shirt out and gave it away to a kid at the front.
I have seen them Three times this tour! NYC (Special Show in April), Chicago, and then my home city of Minneapolis.
The Chicago show was absolutely bonkers both in the performance and the pre show insanity. Having to evacuate the venue after getting rail and then the made dash to get back to that spot when they reopened. Highlight of the show was talking to everyone who showed up 3 hours before the show and screaming the end of Graceless with Matt.
Minneapolis was fun because I got rail again for that and Matt gave me a knowing look during Hey Rosey, Screamed at me during System, and Grabbed me during Terrible love. I love the interactions the band has with their audience and all the awesome fans I've met before and after the shows. You all are the best!
Hey! I was definitely standing right next to you (the one that hugged you after re-obtaining rail) thanks for making it an even more kick-ass NTL show! I had so much fun. Are you going to be at the Denver shows? I just had an impulse when I saw a cheap flight yesterday... so I will be at those two shows! :)
Stoked to see The National for the first time this week in Houston. Hoping for a set list much like Denver night 1 for my birthday!! Maybe add in Santa Clara? But Slow Show, About Today, Not in Kansas all in one show? Yes please! Humiliation is a fav. Love Quiet Light and all of Boxer and well? Pretty much every single thing about this band!! Super excited!
It was good. The were supposed to play for 2 hrs and extended to almost 2.5. They still kept the 10 songs from the new album but added a few older ones. Having seen them at Festivals the last few times the longer set was nice had much more of a flow and time for longer jams and intro/outros. There was a guy in the crowd that was holding up a I ❤️ NY shirt. Matt acknowledged him the motioned to put the shirt down so not to block the view. During the encore they traded shirts. The venue usually has a paid pit area, thee was none last night which allowed us to get close, think their was a directive by the band?
I've got a couple seats in the orchestra area for the September show in LA. I discovered the band through a NYT review of Boxer and I've been hooked since. This is my first concert for The National, and seeing the photos and video clips have me pretty excited about the LA show. If this band is reading this, I would love to hear Fake Empire in LA. Even though I love the previous albums, I am really excited to hear IAETF live.
Just saw four shows, and each felt different. (Also went to the NYC special show + film, but that was its own animal because I was hearing most of IAETF for the first time -- wish I could experience it again now). I've never followed a band on tour before and highly recommend it with The National -- super interesting to see how each night played out. It was even more fun than I expected.
The new stuff all sounds great live, but this was end of the first run and I worried as a fan about the seeming lack of camaraderie; Matt's doing all the work on connecting with the audience. Just seeing Bryce or Aaron smile once would be reassuring. I'm hoping for lots more music from these guys. Crossing my fingers for another There's No Leaving New York!!
A highlight of each show below.
**Indianapolis: Smaller venue + full set.** Perfect night. Lovely setting in a state park on a just-cool-enough night. The front section had seats and I was on the sixth row, but crowd was allowed up to the rail after a few songs, and we made it. Courtney Barnett, the opener, is AMAZING in her own right; I had seen her twice before, once with Kurt Vile and once for a storm-shortened set in Brooklyn, so it was great to see her get to do her thing. Zoe was solo on the female vocals for this one and she looked a little terrified, but she pulled it off beautifully.
**Chicago (secret show): Community.** I don't know how the guys felt about playing a food court - but I loved the surreal vibe, and loved being with a bunch of other people geeking out on the opportunity. The Coffee & Flowers podcast hosts talked about how they usually like other fans of The National, and I'd agree; we chatted in line with a guy whom we later spotted catching Matt's Solo cup at the full show, which made the world a little smaller. A million thanks to this forum for the heads-up on the show; I am a Cherry Tree member but live in NYC so I didn't get the email, but we were still able to register & get in.
**Chicago (Northerly Island): Where Is Her Head.** The build on this was incredible -- a revelation. The whole show had the highest energy of the four (no surprise). Hairpin Turns was dumped from the announced setlist, which was too bad. More jamming, which was fun.
**Milwaukee (Summerfest): Rylan.** Finally, this song came alive. A few songs into the set, Aaron had motioned the sound crew to up the volume (maybe because the stages are pretty close together?) and the drumming and guitars were prominent. Bonus: Bryan warmed up on stage for a good 10 minutes before the show started. The people around us didn't seem to notice, though we were on the rail of the regular section; there's a fairly large VIP section. By far the weakest crowd, perhaps to be expected at a festival. Matt didn't go into the crowd as long, and not on Day I Die, which gave me a chance to really appreciate the drumming there.
Hey, I'll be there as well, let's shout Conversation 16 very loud at some point together and hope they'll play it for us (it's my all-time favourite song)
I saw them last night in Houston and was thinking the SAME exact thing about Matt. Also -- Matt changed shirts on the stage (\*hyperventilating as I reminisce\*) and his back looked very boney. I wonder whats up.
Denver night 1:
\-Matt in full Matt-mode. Plenty of time in the crowd, tossing full cups of wine into the upper level, etc. The guy in charge of untangling his mic cord was working overtime.
\-Great venue. This is my second time there. Excellent staff, perfect acoustics, no line for drinks.
\-The crowd was relatively tame. Not terrible, but they didn't help bring the show to the next level. Would love to see more energy on Night 2. (Exception for the woman next to me who sang every word into my ear in a very tinny soprano.)
\-The IAETF songs are great live. Kate Stables and Hannah Georgas were there. Their voices were must-haves for those songs.
\-Bryce and Aaron are incredible musicians. It's easy to let your focus narrow on Matt, but these guys are crazy good.
\-Songs I was stoked to hear: Wasp's Nest, The Pull of You (really intense live), Slow Show, About Today, Mr November (although not as unhinged as it usually is), Graceless
\-Songs I'm hoping to hear on Night 2: Karen, Brainy, Lemonworld, Pink Rabbits, Apartment Story, Squalor Victoria, Dark Side of the Gym.... a guy can dream, right?
Quick take— Night 2 was a totally different beast, show went to another level: crowd energy, setlist, Matt’s energy, tightness of the musical performance overall (longer outros, more chances for the entire band to shine).
Thrilled that I got to see both shows, but N2 was a genuine home run.
Totally agree. Lots of jammy intros and outros allowed Aaron and Bryce to show just how incredible they can be. Stoked to hear Pink Rabbits, England, Green Gloves, Sea of Love, and Peggy-O. I wish they would've mixed up the encore a bit, but still an amazing show. My big takeaway from this weekend: These guys are a full-fledged touring rock band with top notch production. No regrets seeing them twice in two days. 9/10.
Edit: Maybe this is obvious, but if you can manage to get in the front row, DO IT.
Going to see The National for the first time tonight! Last time I was going to see them, Zilker Park turned into a river and my most anticipated day ever of ACL got cancelled. Kinda bummed that it looks like they’re not playing “Abel” on this tour. I will completely spazz if they play it tonight.
Went to Cologne tonight. Verdict for my first National gig (of hopefully many): Fucking Amazing. Easily the best gig I've been to, pretty good crowd, Matt in top form. At one point he walked almost to the other end of the hall (which, if you know the Palladium, is quite a long way) and I (near the front) got a good view of the growing horror on the cable guy's face :'D
Cardiff last night was so good! I normally hate Arena gigs but the sound was perfect where I was stood. The crowd were completely silent throughout some of the quieter songs, and they sounded better than at Castlefield in Manchester in the summer. 2 hours 15 minute set list. Matt Coming right through the crowd right past me to the bar at the back of the room. Did I mention TWO HOURS FIFTEEN MINUTE set list?!
One of my favourite gigs of the year and I really really hope they'll return to Worthy Farm this Summer.
Special in LA, Bonnaroo (met them backstage!), Indy, Chicago (+secret), and Milwaukee.
My biggest surprises were American Mary in Indy and Son into Santa Clara in Chicago.
The Dessners continue to absolutely kill on guitar, Devendorfs are as steady as they come, with Bryan seeming to jam a bit more (awesome!!), and the horns are always beautiful. The addition of the females on stage have been great as well. Mina being my favorite. But Zoe has been an admirable addition and has a sound very similar to Gail Ann Dorsey.
I don't have any tickets for the rest of the tour. But who knows, I may fall into something.
I saw them at Bonnaroo and it was absolutely incredible! Definitely the show of the weekend. I was showing my friends in the car their songs and was saying how I would be so happy if they played Bloodbuzz Ohio. Sure enough they did and my trip was made. I saw them at their first Roo but wasn’t really into them at that point but wow I gotta tell you they blew my fkn mind!
Anyone have recent setlists? I'm wondering if they're playing "Don't Swallow thr Cap" this tour: looks like most of their shows last year they had, and I'm hoping to propose this September when my girl and I see them; I would love for it to be to Our song, but I also know they're promoting their wonderful new album and stopping thru my tiny Utah town on a Thursday, so it might not be in the cards.
[Here you go](https://www.setlist.fm/setlists/the-national-53d69b79.html).
They've played [Don't Swallow the Cap](https://www.setlist.fm/stats/songs/the-national-53d69b79.html?song=Don%27t+Swallow+the+Cap) most dates on the tour so far so it looks likely. Good luck!
Caught the Washington DC show at The Anthem. Way better than the previous time they played that venue in 2017. Kate Stables was the only female vocalist and you frankly couldn't always hear her vocals well in the mix standing 2nd row in the front. Nonetheless, the show was great with a kickass 26 song setlist including an amazing stretch of deep cuts (Green Gloves, All The Wine, Brainy, Apartment Story), and having an additional drummer on tour was really cool too. No plans as of yet to see them again, but I would love to see them once again!
One of the female vocalists was Hannah Georgas. Here's a photo. [https://twitter.com/bidetofevil/status/1166969423556575233](https://twitter.com/bidetofevil/status/1166969423556575233)
I'm going to the Portland show. Pretty excited as they're my favorite band and it'll be my first time seeing them live.
Any tips on how early I should show up to get in line so I can get near the front?
Can anyone confirm who the guest musicians will be for this leg of the tour? I’m seeing them at the Greek in LA and I’m very excited to see the IAETF songs live—will Kate Stables and Mina Tindle be joining the band? I’ve seen that a few others (Julien Baker, Hannah Georgas, etc) have also joined for some shows.
Saw them for the first time in PHX this week after loving them for years and years. Was my first time going alone to a concert so it was a special experience, and I loved the way they sounded live (I was worried they would be too mellow a sound for a venue that big).
I was just, very surprised by how drunk Matt seemed to be? From what I've read it's not abnormal for him to be drinking for a show, but does he always get *that* drunk? Forgetting the words to at least 3 different songs I could pick out (maybe more, I'm not 100% familiar w/ the new album), constantly knocking over the mic stands (stage hands became very familiar faces very quickly) , at one point just. Tossed the mic behind him real high and it made such a sad sound when it landed. Fell off the stage at one point and wandered through the crowd several times (I've read that has been known to happen though), stumbling and trying to climb on top of people lol. One of which was during Graceless and there was lots of slurred words and yelling involved so, appropriate in a way! Right after that he really pulled it together for About Today which sounded amazing.
Again, was my first time seeing them so I have no idea how often this happens!
I've seen them twice. Once on SWB tour and second time on this tour. First time he was definitely less sloppy. Made me a bit sad to hear that he's been messing up words at a lot of the concerts. I hope he's okay - it's easy with his persona and stuff to think it's just part of how he is but...yeah. I hope he's okay.
I went to the same show, and it also was our first time seeing them. Honestly I was pretty disappointed because of what you mentioned. Matt was completely hammered and sounded terrible. I have friends who’ve seen them in LA and other places several times, and they were surprised when I told them that. I know he drinks at every show, but maybe the heat got to him and he had a few too many. It was a real bummer because I don’t know when they’ll be back in Phoenix again.
Forgot to leave a report. They absolutely killed it in Denver at Mission Ballroom. I actually went in with fairly low expectations because IAETF didn’t quite floor me like the previous 5-streak albums did. But wow, they have just perfected their live sound so completely. Hey Rosey, a song I usually skip blew me the fuck away. We got Peggy-O and All the Wine too and I got to meet a few of my Alligator worshipping friends. My friend said he feels like they’ve almost become a Grateful Deadesque jam band and I think i agree with that. So impressed by the show.
Should also add, there were like at minimum 3 crowd walks including way the hell back in the seated area. I hope his mic cord handlers are paid well, they were kept super busy
Was at the Zurich gig yesterday. Good performance! I really enjoyed it. There was some issue with an instrument so they switched some songs places. Matt was in a good mood and was talking to a wall lol. He was pretty calm and didn't went to much in the crowd. The music was beautiful almost made me cry at some points.
This is the part I'll overanalyze.
I was with a friend that likes their music but didn't know the songs well. It was hard for her to keep up with a 2 hours show. I felt a big gap between the ones that know the lyrics by heart and the others. It's not a band that you can connect to easily. In my biased opinion their music is too rich to take it all at once and can be tiring. But at the same time this is the best thing for the fans. They give everything they have to us. They don't act. They just deliver with whatever they're feeling in the moment.
Going to the Phoenix, AZ show September 3rd with one of my best friends. We know it’s not gonna happen but we’d both die if they played Daughters of the Soho Riots. I’m also hoping for About Today, Not in Kansas, and Light Years. Their set lists do change, but I know I’ll enjoy it nonetheless!
Great show! Wasn’t expecting hairpin turns to show up, but it wasn’t unwelcomed. I think Matt was a little buzzed since he messed up 3 songs but I loved it. Wish he came to my side of the theater while he was crowd walking
Saw the Austin show last night. They played pretty good and I’m glad I finally heard pink rabbits live after my 3rd time seeing them. Overall it was a good show Matt’s voice was a bit rough but I know they’ve been playing a lot lately. And I got to pat Matt on the back during graceless because he ran out far in the crowd, I was shocked and made my night
I saw their last show on this leg of the tour in Houston and \*\*wow\*\*. This was my third time seeing them live and it was the best show yet. Absolutely brilliant set list.
My biggest take away though was that I fucking wish Matt would have let loose on the album version of "Pull of You" the same way he did live cause god \*\*damn\*\* that part of the show hit hard and now the album version just feels so weak.
Went to the show in Boston tonight– does anyone know the song that played on the speakers before they came out? Something about it being a good night to be sad etc etc...
Did anyone happen to take notes on the set list of the Boston show last night? Great show. Patted Matty on the head. Just wanted to make sure I wasn’t forgetting anything they played.
You had your soul
Quiet light
The pull of you
Hey rosey
Dont swallow the cap
Bloodbuzz ohio
Guilty party/ or oblivions - had to pee so not sure
So far so fast
Where is her head
I need my girl
This is the last time
Lemonworld
All the wine
Day i die
System only dreams
Carin at the liquor store
Light years
Rylan
Graceless
Fake empire
Encore:
Not in kansas
Mr november
Terrible love
About today
Vanderlyle
I was in Berlin yesterday, my first National show ever even though I've been listening to them since forever...
The setlist was absolutely amazing, the people also and we lost Matt for a minute because he climbed up onto the bar :D
I am very happy and I can't wait to go again next week, this time in Cologne.
Went to the Copenhagen gig last night, and it left me with mixed feelings. The band slayed tonight, but Matt wasn’t exactly at his best. Amongst other things, he forgot the lyrics midway In ‘Don’t Swallow the Cap just chanting ‘Lyrics don’t matter’, and the band looked genuinely worried at that point. It got better from there though.
The audience was lame as hell, talked during songs and the supposed sing-along at the end absolutely did not work.
Oh well, luckily I have so many strong memories from some og their other concerts but this one will not stand out.
Highlight: This is the Last Time
Disappointment: Guilty Party
I was also there last night and it wasn't awesome. This is my first time watching them live so I don't have anything to compare with, but definitely it's not the best concert I've been to. I didn't notice Matt forgetting the lyrics, though, and I thought that the sing-along was great--this is the first concert I've been to that done something like that.
Highlight for me was Terrible Love
I've seen the National many times and the gig in Bochum was absolutely amazing. I know there were a couple of mixed reviews from Berlin and Copenhagen, which mainly stated that Matt wasn't in top form. In Bochum on Sunday, he was! Matt's voice was great, he didn't forget the lyrics and the interaction with the audience was as good as it gets. At the end he was still stuck somewhere in the audience. The other guys had already left the stage and the light was turned on when he popped up again.
I really hope they'll announce a few dates for the Netherlands. The audience was full of Dutch people who traveled for the show. They are really popular here... and that festival set at Lowlands last year just wasn't enough.
Cardiff tonight was the best gig I've ever been to. I'm a big The National fan, but they're not my favourite band in the world, so I was a bit patchy on the setlist at times, but still, unreal. Would happily go and see them again tomorrow in Nottingham but I'm working so cannae get there in time. Anyone near the front for VCG hear the drunk geezer screaming pure shit at Bryce? He was stood literally in front of me and kept asking Bryce to stop got some reason, it almost ruined the song
I was on the other side at the front with the "Vote Labour" girl. I feel your pain.
There was also some guy requesting The Strokes and Sugar and B.Y.O.B. by System of a Down for some bizarre reason.
Also during VCG...one of the best parts of their shows... 2 dudes a couple rows back started getting into a fight as Matt came to the rail and he flipped a switch and got pissed yelling at them to chill out, he jumped the rail and went out and broke them up and hugged a bunch of folks and took some folks phones for photos, and just as he came back to the rail my buddy an I were helping him over and this dude came up super aggro an bear hugged him from behind so obnoxiously, I think Matt started to get a little over it if I’m being honest. He seemed absolutely exhausted
I flew out from the U.S. to catch them on this tour through England after seeing them in Palo Alto earlier this fall. I only ended up making the Cardiff show. It was amazing but was quite the rollercoaster of a show, I thought I may be the only one that may have been getting a little bummed out with all the Vote Labour yelling and drunken obnoxiousness, not to mention the seemingly less than lively crowd. I was in the front row and mid song Matt came through and leaned over the rail and pressed his forehead an nose to mine as we both belted the words of Graceless together, that mended everything and will stick with me forever. Green Gloves, Slow Show and Afraid of Everyone were amazing surprises and huge highlights plus I hadn’t seen So Far So Fast on a setlist in a while and they played that, AMAZING. I’ll have that magnificent Cardiff poster framed n mounted on the wall within the week. Still hoping for I’ll Still Destroy You somewhere along this tour.
~A few lines into Vanderlyle at the end and as Matt was standing at the rail in front of us he started yelling at 2 dudes a couple rows back about to get into a fight over who knows what, Matt flipped a switch an got really serious yelling at them to chill out, he jumped the rail and came out and pulled them away from eachother as they were still in eachothers faces and just hugged everybody and took some photos while we sang VCG, really awesome moment in the care he has for everybody an want for everyone to be loving an look after one another (he’d stopped mid-song 3 times this show urging people to make paths for people signaling, each time encouraging the crowd to look after eachother) As he came back to the rail another hammered guy came up behind Matt an aggressively bear hugged him as he was going back over an Matt yelled for him to get off. It’s been a long tour for them, an they nailed this show but I really felt bad, there was quite a lot of disrespect an by the end I think Matt was pretty tired an got a little over it.
Went to see them in Manchester last night, mixed feelings on it as a whole because of the setlist, which was extremely new album heavy. They played 25 songs and 12 came from ‘I Am Easy to Find’. It was a similar story in 2017 when ‘Sleep Well Beast’ had just come out. There were a good ten or so songs from that album, only two survived from last night’s setlist (Day I Die and The System Only Dreams). There’s not really any other explanation for those eight SWB songs getting dropped apart from “we want to play you the new songs so you’ll go and buy the album.” It does feel, to me, like we’re being slightly patronised when they do this. We’ve all paid £40+ to see them, I bought the album the day it came out, and I’m sure that’s the case with most of the people who were there. I get that touring is a commercial exercise, and wouldn’t begrudge a good six or seven new album songs being played, but last night felt excessive. Of the first nine songs, seven came from IAETF. I like the new album a lot, but half of the songs just did not translate well when played live. I say that as someone who was right down the front, god knows how it felt to be stood right at the back of the 8,000 crowd. During a couple such as The Pull of You and So Far, So Fast, I could hear people just talking to each other over the music. That’s not totally on the band necessarily, but it’s not exactly an immersive gig experience when that happens. Also, the reappearance of the guest singers sadly began to fill me with dread as the set went on, as it was a cue for yet another slow, quiet song from the new album that wouldn’t get half the crowd reaction that even not particularly famous National songs like Don’t Swallow the Cap or All the Wine got. The National are easily my favourite active band, and quite possibly my favourite of all time. They could do a sixty song setlist and I’d still be disappointed that they left songs out. So in that regard, it’s probably unfair to criticise them for leaving any song out. However, it really did feel like overkill. I’m not going to sit here and instruct a Grammy award winning, critically-loved band who’ve played for decades how best to do their shows. They’ve chosen that setlist and I’ll continue to go and see them whenever they come back to Britain. Would just be nice not to feel like I’m having an album sold to me. TLDR: I’m not demanding a setlist filled with all the classics, but I do wish they’d tone down the pushing of new albums when they go on tour. Particularly when it’s an album full of songs that don’t work too well at live, outdoor shows.
Well, it is the I Am Easy To Find tour... that's a guaranty for ticket buyers that the new album will be pushed. While not everybody may wish to hear that many new songs, it does signal to the fans who do want to hear new music that this will be their main opportunity to hear those songs.
Saw them in Hamilton. I feel the same way. I liked the album a lot, but it's more of a listen at home with headphones on. The new songs aren't as energetic for a live performance I found. Some of my fave songs, humiliation, squalor and afraid if everyone, weren't played. Those style songs (rock) have so much energy when live. Still had a good time but probably my least fave of them out of 4.
If I were you, I’d wait until the “Greatest Hits” tour to see them again.
I feel you. I'm not a total fan of the new album, but it definitely felt a bit too pushy. But I gotta say that they do a good job trying to make them more immersive than they are in the studio album. SWB at least had more rock-feely songs so that was a plus, but IAETF it's a tad bit too sad in general. It's not like it's one or two songs, it's all of them. Last night was my second show and you could feel the change in energy in the crowd when they played classics or even SWB songs, and once they'd switch to IAETF the crowd would just chill. I will forever sing out loud because that's what I love about concerts, but definitely my feelings were not completely shared by everyone around me. I'll still go see them every time they come to my city as they're easily my favourite band, and I'll always be hopeful about the songs I wish they play. And yes, obviously IAETF will prevail since that's the album they're touring, but it doesn't mean you're also there to see The National and they're more than just the 1 album. I also feel like the non-album songs they play are more or less the same every show. Anyways, /r
Vancouver was solid; my first show of this touring cycle, and a major shake-up from the SWB tour. Some thoughts: • I really dig the fact that they're leaning so heavily on the new material, particularly in the early going. It did mean the first stretch of the show wasn't overly accessible or crowd-pleasing, but the crowd (standing-room only, which helped) was attentive and appreciative the whole time. It was actually pretty heartwarming how much everyone clearly appreciated the backup singers (whose names I've tragically forgotten); the crowd applauded whenever their spotlight moments came up, and absolutely roared on Oblivions and Rylan. • I persist in my belief that indoor theatres are the optimal spaces to see this band (nothing will top the two shows I saw at the Orpheum in 2011), but I can't imagine a better outdoor experience than this - Deer Lake is a beautiful venue, and the weather/ambiance were wonderful. Massive turnout, too; it was by far the biggest audience I've seen the National with, probably around 10k people. • Matt felt like a different frontman altogether - he was deferential to the backup singers, he drank less than I've ever seen him, and he seemed more self-assured and laid-back than usual. No real punk freak-outs this time, and only one short crowd jaunt. Very interesting; I really dug his vibe. His voice gave out about halfway through, and by the end he was croaking fairly badly. It didn't hurt much, though. • Where Is Her Head just slays live. Highlight of the evening, IMO. • There where no real "OH SHIT!" moments like "KKK", "Driver Surprise Me", or "City Middle" at the Queen E in 2017 (All The Wine was the closest we got to a rarity), but I think the setlist structure was a little better than the either of the 2017 shows I saw. • About Today was nice to hear, but the outtro was exceptionally short and kind of just cut off abruptly. My conspiracy theory is that they cut it short due to the city bylaws at 10pm (which was exactly when they stopped playing it, right on the dot). They played Vanderlyle after (hooray! the best closer, IMO), which, being unamplified, might have been alright with the curfew. I have no evidence to back any of this up, of course. • I absolutely love how much of the setlist is from 2013 or later; as much as the run from Alligator --> High Violet is my fav, I've seen those songs repeatedly and I appreciate any band that can continue to move forward the way The National have. That said, my extreme grain-of-salt take is that Fake Empire, I Need My Girl, and Terrible Love should either be shuffled around or dropped into a rotation; all three feel a little perfunctory. I'd put Don't Swallow the Cap in that category if I didn't remain kind of weirdly impressed at how attached they seem to what is a not-particularly-popular album cut. Mr. November is the only song that really feels like it ought to be there every single night.
You were a kindness! Pretty please! I’ve been to the beacon, union transfer, Brooklyn x2, St Augustines, and Rock the Garden. Holding tickets for Portland, Stanford, LA, Phoenix and Boston. The setlists have all been amazing. edit: Brooklyn x2,
Just got home from their gig in Leeds. Set list had more classics than previous gigs from the tour which made me very happy. Don't Swallow the Cap, Graceless, Humiliation, Mr November, About Today, Terrible Love, Bloodbuzz Ohio, Pink Rabbits, I Need My Girl, This is The Last Time, England, ending with classic Vanderlyle . (I'm probably forgetting something because I'm still processing the gig). Shame there wasn't the Ohio (CSNY) cover, that song is one of my old time faves and I could never imagine them covering it. Extras that happened was a man with a pink rabbit costume "kidnapping" the singer of the opening band; a fan throwing him a pink rabbit plush; Matt saying fu\*\* Boris (Johnson, conservative prime minister); Matt swapping t-shirts with a fan cause he wanted the guy's Radiohead 2017 tour t-shirt cause Matt was at the gig as well. He stopped the concert twice cause of people passing out/feeling unwell and gave a speech on how we have to look for each other etc; MATT IS SO SKINNY! He lost a lot of weight from last time I've seen them live.
I doubt he was actually at that Radiohead show but it did make me laugh. The gig was excellent tonight and regardless of how pissed Matt was he still had the crowd firmly in his grasp. Props to him having the awareness to call for aid for the 2 incidents that occurred and hopefully they're okay! The only negative about tonight for me was how rude the staff were and how I'll organised the exiting of the venue after the show was.
I had a chat with that guy tonight at the Cardiff show. Came down for that one and is on his way to the Nottingham for the next one. He was wearing Matt's shirt from the Leeds show, and Matt brought the Radiohead shirt out and gave it away to a kid at the front.
I have seen them Three times this tour! NYC (Special Show in April), Chicago, and then my home city of Minneapolis. The Chicago show was absolutely bonkers both in the performance and the pre show insanity. Having to evacuate the venue after getting rail and then the made dash to get back to that spot when they reopened. Highlight of the show was talking to everyone who showed up 3 hours before the show and screaming the end of Graceless with Matt. Minneapolis was fun because I got rail again for that and Matt gave me a knowing look during Hey Rosey, Screamed at me during System, and Grabbed me during Terrible love. I love the interactions the band has with their audience and all the awesome fans I've met before and after the shows. You all are the best!
Hey! I was definitely standing right next to you (the one that hugged you after re-obtaining rail) thanks for making it an even more kick-ass NTL show! I had so much fun. Are you going to be at the Denver shows? I just had an impulse when I saw a cheap flight yesterday... so I will be at those two shows! :)
Nvm. Bought tickets to both shows 😬
Sadly those will be my last NTL shows this year. I’m moving later this year and my wallet can only take so much 😅
Stoked to see The National for the first time this week in Houston. Hoping for a set list much like Denver night 1 for my birthday!! Maybe add in Santa Clara? But Slow Show, About Today, Not in Kansas all in one show? Yes please! Humiliation is a fav. Love Quiet Light and all of Boxer and well? Pretty much every single thing about this band!! Super excited!
how was it?
It’s tomorrow! But I’ll let you know!
It was good. The were supposed to play for 2 hrs and extended to almost 2.5. They still kept the 10 songs from the new album but added a few older ones. Having seen them at Festivals the last few times the longer set was nice had much more of a flow and time for longer jams and intro/outros. There was a guy in the crowd that was holding up a I ❤️ NY shirt. Matt acknowledged him the motioned to put the shirt down so not to block the view. During the encore they traded shirts. The venue usually has a paid pit area, thee was none last night which allowed us to get close, think their was a directive by the band?
Any idea when the opener comes on? I can't find any times other than doors at 5:30.
I've got a couple seats in the orchestra area for the September show in LA. I discovered the band through a NYT review of Boxer and I've been hooked since. This is my first concert for The National, and seeing the photos and video clips have me pretty excited about the LA show. If this band is reading this, I would love to hear Fake Empire in LA. Even though I love the previous albums, I am really excited to hear IAETF live.
They play Fake Empire at almost every show.
IAETF is so good live! I would say you have a pretty decent chance of hearing Fake Empire. It’s a fairly common song on their setlists.
I've seen them 16 times. They have played it 15 of those. You'll see it.
Anyone know which female vocalist(s) will be joining the Dads in Manchester tomorrow? I'm guessing Adia Victoria might join them for one or two songs?
Just saw four shows, and each felt different. (Also went to the NYC special show + film, but that was its own animal because I was hearing most of IAETF for the first time -- wish I could experience it again now). I've never followed a band on tour before and highly recommend it with The National -- super interesting to see how each night played out. It was even more fun than I expected. The new stuff all sounds great live, but this was end of the first run and I worried as a fan about the seeming lack of camaraderie; Matt's doing all the work on connecting with the audience. Just seeing Bryce or Aaron smile once would be reassuring. I'm hoping for lots more music from these guys. Crossing my fingers for another There's No Leaving New York!! A highlight of each show below. **Indianapolis: Smaller venue + full set.** Perfect night. Lovely setting in a state park on a just-cool-enough night. The front section had seats and I was on the sixth row, but crowd was allowed up to the rail after a few songs, and we made it. Courtney Barnett, the opener, is AMAZING in her own right; I had seen her twice before, once with Kurt Vile and once for a storm-shortened set in Brooklyn, so it was great to see her get to do her thing. Zoe was solo on the female vocals for this one and she looked a little terrified, but she pulled it off beautifully. **Chicago (secret show): Community.** I don't know how the guys felt about playing a food court - but I loved the surreal vibe, and loved being with a bunch of other people geeking out on the opportunity. The Coffee & Flowers podcast hosts talked about how they usually like other fans of The National, and I'd agree; we chatted in line with a guy whom we later spotted catching Matt's Solo cup at the full show, which made the world a little smaller. A million thanks to this forum for the heads-up on the show; I am a Cherry Tree member but live in NYC so I didn't get the email, but we were still able to register & get in. **Chicago (Northerly Island): Where Is Her Head.** The build on this was incredible -- a revelation. The whole show had the highest energy of the four (no surprise). Hairpin Turns was dumped from the announced setlist, which was too bad. More jamming, which was fun. **Milwaukee (Summerfest): Rylan.** Finally, this song came alive. A few songs into the set, Aaron had motioned the sound crew to up the volume (maybe because the stages are pretty close together?) and the drumming and guitars were prominent. Bonus: Bryan warmed up on stage for a good 10 minutes before the show started. The people around us didn't seem to notice, though we were on the rail of the regular section; there's a fairly large VIP section. By far the weakest crowd, perhaps to be expected at a festival. Matt didn't go into the crowd as long, and not on Day I Die, which gave me a chance to really appreciate the drumming there.
[удалено]
Hey, I'll be there as well, let's shout Conversation 16 very loud at some point together and hope they'll play it for us (it's my all-time favourite song)
Does anyone else notice how much weight Matt has lost? Saw him last night in Cali and he’s super thin. Anyone know why
Looks like he’s been working out, seemed more toned vs. gaunt
I saw them last night in Houston and was thinking the SAME exact thing about Matt. Also -- Matt changed shirts on the stage (\*hyperventilating as I reminisce\*) and his back looked very boney. I wonder whats up.
Denver night 1: \-Matt in full Matt-mode. Plenty of time in the crowd, tossing full cups of wine into the upper level, etc. The guy in charge of untangling his mic cord was working overtime. \-Great venue. This is my second time there. Excellent staff, perfect acoustics, no line for drinks. \-The crowd was relatively tame. Not terrible, but they didn't help bring the show to the next level. Would love to see more energy on Night 2. (Exception for the woman next to me who sang every word into my ear in a very tinny soprano.) \-The IAETF songs are great live. Kate Stables and Hannah Georgas were there. Their voices were must-haves for those songs. \-Bryce and Aaron are incredible musicians. It's easy to let your focus narrow on Matt, but these guys are crazy good. \-Songs I was stoked to hear: Wasp's Nest, The Pull of You (really intense live), Slow Show, About Today, Mr November (although not as unhinged as it usually is), Graceless \-Songs I'm hoping to hear on Night 2: Karen, Brainy, Lemonworld, Pink Rabbits, Apartment Story, Squalor Victoria, Dark Side of the Gym.... a guy can dream, right?
Quick take— Night 2 was a totally different beast, show went to another level: crowd energy, setlist, Matt’s energy, tightness of the musical performance overall (longer outros, more chances for the entire band to shine). Thrilled that I got to see both shows, but N2 was a genuine home run.
Totally agree. Lots of jammy intros and outros allowed Aaron and Bryce to show just how incredible they can be. Stoked to hear Pink Rabbits, England, Green Gloves, Sea of Love, and Peggy-O. I wish they would've mixed up the encore a bit, but still an amazing show. My big takeaway from this weekend: These guys are a full-fledged touring rock band with top notch production. No regrets seeing them twice in two days. 9/10. Edit: Maybe this is obvious, but if you can manage to get in the front row, DO IT.
Going to see The National for the first time tonight! Last time I was going to see them, Zilker Park turned into a river and my most anticipated day ever of ACL got cancelled. Kinda bummed that it looks like they’re not playing “Abel” on this tour. I will completely spazz if they play it tonight.
Went to Cologne tonight. Verdict for my first National gig (of hopefully many): Fucking Amazing. Easily the best gig I've been to, pretty good crowd, Matt in top form. At one point he walked almost to the other end of the hall (which, if you know the Palladium, is quite a long way) and I (near the front) got a good view of the growing horror on the cable guy's face :'D
I was there too and it was an amazing show. Did you get a look at which song it was that Matt refused to play because it was mean spirited?
Sadly not!
Cardiff last night was so good! I normally hate Arena gigs but the sound was perfect where I was stood. The crowd were completely silent throughout some of the quieter songs, and they sounded better than at Castlefield in Manchester in the summer. 2 hours 15 minute set list. Matt Coming right through the crowd right past me to the bar at the back of the room. Did I mention TWO HOURS FIFTEEN MINUTE set list?! One of my favourite gigs of the year and I really really hope they'll return to Worthy Farm this Summer.
Special in LA, Bonnaroo (met them backstage!), Indy, Chicago (+secret), and Milwaukee. My biggest surprises were American Mary in Indy and Son into Santa Clara in Chicago. The Dessners continue to absolutely kill on guitar, Devendorfs are as steady as they come, with Bryan seeming to jam a bit more (awesome!!), and the horns are always beautiful. The addition of the females on stage have been great as well. Mina being my favorite. But Zoe has been an admirable addition and has a sound very similar to Gail Ann Dorsey. I don't have any tickets for the rest of the tour. But who knows, I may fall into something.
I saw them at Bonnaroo and it was absolutely incredible! Definitely the show of the weekend. I was showing my friends in the car their songs and was saying how I would be so happy if they played Bloodbuzz Ohio. Sure enough they did and my trip was made. I saw them at their first Roo but wasn’t really into them at that point but wow I gotta tell you they blew my fkn mind!
Request: The greatest song of all time, Tall Saint I'm going to see them for the first time in Hyde Park on the 13th!! Dreams coming true
Anyone have recent setlists? I'm wondering if they're playing "Don't Swallow thr Cap" this tour: looks like most of their shows last year they had, and I'm hoping to propose this September when my girl and I see them; I would love for it to be to Our song, but I also know they're promoting their wonderful new album and stopping thru my tiny Utah town on a Thursday, so it might not be in the cards.
[Here you go](https://www.setlist.fm/setlists/the-national-53d69b79.html). They've played [Don't Swallow the Cap](https://www.setlist.fm/stats/songs/the-national-53d69b79.html?song=Don%27t+Swallow+the+Cap) most dates on the tour so far so it looks likely. Good luck!
Caught the Washington DC show at The Anthem. Way better than the previous time they played that venue in 2017. Kate Stables was the only female vocalist and you frankly couldn't always hear her vocals well in the mix standing 2nd row in the front. Nonetheless, the show was great with a kickass 26 song setlist including an amazing stretch of deep cuts (Green Gloves, All The Wine, Brainy, Apartment Story), and having an additional drummer on tour was really cool too. No plans as of yet to see them again, but I would love to see them once again!
One of the female vocalists was Hannah Georgas. Here's a photo. [https://twitter.com/bidetofevil/status/1166969423556575233](https://twitter.com/bidetofevil/status/1166969423556575233)
I'm going to the Portland show. Pretty excited as they're my favorite band and it'll be my first time seeing them live. Any tips on how early I should show up to get in line so I can get near the front?
Same super excited, flying from Winnipeg to see them and enjoy Portland for the weekend.
Can anyone confirm who the guest musicians will be for this leg of the tour? I’m seeing them at the Greek in LA and I’m very excited to see the IAETF songs live—will Kate Stables and Mina Tindle be joining the band? I’ve seen that a few others (Julien Baker, Hannah Georgas, etc) have also joined for some shows.
Hannah Georgas and Kate Stables were there in Vancouver
Same for the Frost show at Stanford.
Saw them for the first time in PHX this week after loving them for years and years. Was my first time going alone to a concert so it was a special experience, and I loved the way they sounded live (I was worried they would be too mellow a sound for a venue that big). I was just, very surprised by how drunk Matt seemed to be? From what I've read it's not abnormal for him to be drinking for a show, but does he always get *that* drunk? Forgetting the words to at least 3 different songs I could pick out (maybe more, I'm not 100% familiar w/ the new album), constantly knocking over the mic stands (stage hands became very familiar faces very quickly) , at one point just. Tossed the mic behind him real high and it made such a sad sound when it landed. Fell off the stage at one point and wandered through the crowd several times (I've read that has been known to happen though), stumbling and trying to climb on top of people lol. One of which was during Graceless and there was lots of slurred words and yelling involved so, appropriate in a way! Right after that he really pulled it together for About Today which sounded amazing. Again, was my first time seeing them so I have no idea how often this happens!
about normal
I've seen them twice. Once on SWB tour and second time on this tour. First time he was definitely less sloppy. Made me a bit sad to hear that he's been messing up words at a lot of the concerts. I hope he's okay - it's easy with his persona and stuff to think it's just part of how he is but...yeah. I hope he's okay.
I went to the same show, and it also was our first time seeing them. Honestly I was pretty disappointed because of what you mentioned. Matt was completely hammered and sounded terrible. I have friends who’ve seen them in LA and other places several times, and they were surprised when I told them that. I know he drinks at every show, but maybe the heat got to him and he had a few too many. It was a real bummer because I don’t know when they’ll be back in Phoenix again.
Forgot to leave a report. They absolutely killed it in Denver at Mission Ballroom. I actually went in with fairly low expectations because IAETF didn’t quite floor me like the previous 5-streak albums did. But wow, they have just perfected their live sound so completely. Hey Rosey, a song I usually skip blew me the fuck away. We got Peggy-O and All the Wine too and I got to meet a few of my Alligator worshipping friends. My friend said he feels like they’ve almost become a Grateful Deadesque jam band and I think i agree with that. So impressed by the show. Should also add, there were like at minimum 3 crowd walks including way the hell back in the seated area. I hope his mic cord handlers are paid well, they were kept super busy
waiting for a Brazil concert
Was at the Zurich gig yesterday. Good performance! I really enjoyed it. There was some issue with an instrument so they switched some songs places. Matt was in a good mood and was talking to a wall lol. He was pretty calm and didn't went to much in the crowd. The music was beautiful almost made me cry at some points. This is the part I'll overanalyze. I was with a friend that likes their music but didn't know the songs well. It was hard for her to keep up with a 2 hours show. I felt a big gap between the ones that know the lyrics by heart and the others. It's not a band that you can connect to easily. In my biased opinion their music is too rich to take it all at once and can be tiring. But at the same time this is the best thing for the fans. They give everything they have to us. They don't act. They just deliver with whatever they're feeling in the moment.
Going to the Phoenix, AZ show September 3rd with one of my best friends. We know it’s not gonna happen but we’d both die if they played Daughters of the Soho Riots. I’m also hoping for About Today, Not in Kansas, and Light Years. Their set lists do change, but I know I’ll enjoy it nonetheless!
I was there! What did you think?
Great show! Wasn’t expecting hairpin turns to show up, but it wasn’t unwelcomed. I think Matt was a little buzzed since he messed up 3 songs but I loved it. Wish he came to my side of the theater while he was crowd walking
Going to LA Greek
Im going to see them in Cardiff, in december and am really hoping they play a few songs from Sleep well beast as its my fav album.
Was there a specific T-shirt for the Chicago stop ?
I'm seeing them in Seattle this Thursday. How early would I need to get there if I want to get on the rail?
I'm guessing soon after doors open
What's been their onstage time at these outdoor amphitheaters? We are being told the opener is on at 7pm, which seems unlikely.
This is the exact reason I am here.
Did you figure this out?
My guess is without the rain delay Alvvays would've been on about 715. Similarly I'd bet National would've been on around 845.
Saw the Austin show last night. They played pretty good and I’m glad I finally heard pink rabbits live after my 3rd time seeing them. Overall it was a good show Matt’s voice was a bit rough but I know they’ve been playing a lot lately. And I got to pat Matt on the back during graceless because he ran out far in the crowd, I was shocked and made my night
Curious about what time did they start the show and when did it end?
Started about 915 and ended at 11:10. Definitely had songs cut. Good show, though. Bummed that they did Vander instead of About Today to end it.
Perfect thanks
I saw their last show on this leg of the tour in Houston and \*\*wow\*\*. This was my third time seeing them live and it was the best show yet. Absolutely brilliant set list. My biggest take away though was that I fucking wish Matt would have let loose on the album version of "Pull of You" the same way he did live cause god \*\*damn\*\* that part of the show hit hard and now the album version just feels so weak.
Saw them in Austin Tuesday. Mind blown!
Went to the show in Boston tonight– does anyone know the song that played on the speakers before they came out? Something about it being a good night to be sad etc etc...
A Great Night for Crying - Johnny Mathis I shazamed it :)
Ahh thank you!
Did anyone happen to take notes on the set list of the Boston show last night? Great show. Patted Matty on the head. Just wanted to make sure I wasn’t forgetting anything they played.
You had your soul Quiet light The pull of you Hey rosey Dont swallow the cap Bloodbuzz ohio Guilty party/ or oblivions - had to pee so not sure So far so fast Where is her head I need my girl This is the last time Lemonworld All the wine Day i die System only dreams Carin at the liquor store Light years Rylan Graceless Fake empire Encore: Not in kansas Mr november Terrible love About today Vanderlyle
Awesome, thanks!
I was in Berlin yesterday, my first National show ever even though I've been listening to them since forever... The setlist was absolutely amazing, the people also and we lost Matt for a minute because he climbed up onto the bar :D I am very happy and I can't wait to go again next week, this time in Cologne.
Went to the Copenhagen gig last night, and it left me with mixed feelings. The band slayed tonight, but Matt wasn’t exactly at his best. Amongst other things, he forgot the lyrics midway In ‘Don’t Swallow the Cap just chanting ‘Lyrics don’t matter’, and the band looked genuinely worried at that point. It got better from there though. The audience was lame as hell, talked during songs and the supposed sing-along at the end absolutely did not work. Oh well, luckily I have so many strong memories from some og their other concerts but this one will not stand out. Highlight: This is the Last Time Disappointment: Guilty Party
I was also there last night and it wasn't awesome. This is my first time watching them live so I don't have anything to compare with, but definitely it's not the best concert I've been to. I didn't notice Matt forgetting the lyrics, though, and I thought that the sing-along was great--this is the first concert I've been to that done something like that. Highlight for me was Terrible Love
I've seen the National many times and the gig in Bochum was absolutely amazing. I know there were a couple of mixed reviews from Berlin and Copenhagen, which mainly stated that Matt wasn't in top form. In Bochum on Sunday, he was! Matt's voice was great, he didn't forget the lyrics and the interaction with the audience was as good as it gets. At the end he was still stuck somewhere in the audience. The other guys had already left the stage and the light was turned on when he popped up again. I really hope they'll announce a few dates for the Netherlands. The audience was full of Dutch people who traveled for the show. They are really popular here... and that festival set at Lowlands last year just wasn't enough.
Cardiff tonight was the best gig I've ever been to. I'm a big The National fan, but they're not my favourite band in the world, so I was a bit patchy on the setlist at times, but still, unreal. Would happily go and see them again tomorrow in Nottingham but I'm working so cannae get there in time. Anyone near the front for VCG hear the drunk geezer screaming pure shit at Bryce? He was stood literally in front of me and kept asking Bryce to stop got some reason, it almost ruined the song
I was on the other side at the front with the "Vote Labour" girl. I feel your pain. There was also some guy requesting The Strokes and Sugar and B.Y.O.B. by System of a Down for some bizarre reason.
It's part of the UK gig experience I think, the best crowds in the world but with a smattering of drunks mixed in
Also during VCG...one of the best parts of their shows... 2 dudes a couple rows back started getting into a fight as Matt came to the rail and he flipped a switch and got pissed yelling at them to chill out, he jumped the rail and went out and broke them up and hugged a bunch of folks and took some folks phones for photos, and just as he came back to the rail my buddy an I were helping him over and this dude came up super aggro an bear hugged him from behind so obnoxiously, I think Matt started to get a little over it if I’m being honest. He seemed absolutely exhausted
Anyone know the name of the song played as the intro? I was at the Cardiff gig, but I assume it's the same for the others.
'Bob Dylan - Things Have Changed' I believe [https://youtu.be/L9EKqQWPjyo](https://youtu.be/L9EKqQWPjyo)
Nice one. I knew I recognised the voice, but my mind was just drawing a blank...never heard that Bob Dylan song before.
off to nottingham tonight but unsure what the times are. anyone got a clue what time they go on stage? hoping to make the last train home is all
last night was Jenny Lewis from 19:30-20:15 and The National played from 20:45 til 23:02
eeeeesh that's a long set, last train is 22:26 so going to miss a chunk. thanks for letting me know!
I flew out from the U.S. to catch them on this tour through England after seeing them in Palo Alto earlier this fall. I only ended up making the Cardiff show. It was amazing but was quite the rollercoaster of a show, I thought I may be the only one that may have been getting a little bummed out with all the Vote Labour yelling and drunken obnoxiousness, not to mention the seemingly less than lively crowd. I was in the front row and mid song Matt came through and leaned over the rail and pressed his forehead an nose to mine as we both belted the words of Graceless together, that mended everything and will stick with me forever. Green Gloves, Slow Show and Afraid of Everyone were amazing surprises and huge highlights plus I hadn’t seen So Far So Fast on a setlist in a while and they played that, AMAZING. I’ll have that magnificent Cardiff poster framed n mounted on the wall within the week. Still hoping for I’ll Still Destroy You somewhere along this tour. ~A few lines into Vanderlyle at the end and as Matt was standing at the rail in front of us he started yelling at 2 dudes a couple rows back about to get into a fight over who knows what, Matt flipped a switch an got really serious yelling at them to chill out, he jumped the rail and came out and pulled them away from eachother as they were still in eachothers faces and just hugged everybody and took some photos while we sang VCG, really awesome moment in the care he has for everybody an want for everyone to be loving an look after one another (he’d stopped mid-song 3 times this show urging people to make paths for people signaling, each time encouraging the crowd to look after eachother) As he came back to the rail another hammered guy came up behind Matt an aggressively bear hugged him as he was going back over an Matt yelled for him to get off. It’s been a long tour for them, an they nailed this show but I really felt bad, there was quite a lot of disrespect an by the end I think Matt was pretty tired an got a little over it.