Ok let’s face it “Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix” by Phoenix was hands down the best album released last year. Followed closely by “Veckatimest” by Grizzly Bear, and though that has no relevance to this story I plug the mighty Grizzly Bear every chance I get but I digress. So what better way to spend your free time between Coachella and Bonnaroo than to tour the US. Unfortunately I have to report that the talented French group will not be gracing us with their presence. They will however be playing just south of us in Louisville on April 22. How Louisville was on the tour itinerary and Indianapolis wasn’t, I will never know.
I don’t know that background information is necessary, since Phoenix absolutely exploded in 2009. I guess I will give you some just in case you were living under a rock last year. While to most of the country they are a “new” band, the boys from France got their start in the late 90s. By boys I refer to vocalist Thomas Mars, bassist Deck d’Arcy, guitarist Christian Mazzalai, and guitarist Laurent Brancowitz. In 2000, they released their debut album “United”, which then led to follow up albums “Alphabetical” in 2004 and “It’s Never Been Like That” in 2006. It wasn’t until the guys tackled the states in 2009 with the aforementioned “Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix” that has gained them notoriety. Singles “1901” and “Lisztomania” can be heard on countless commercials and TV shows. They didn’t so much rise from their ashes, it was more of a long, hard climb to the top of the indie world. Now they are reaping the benefits with a Grammy win for Best Alternative Album and gigs at Coachella and Bonnaroo. I expect many good things from Phoenix in the future.
The tour plays out as follows:
04-17 Santa Cruz, CA – The Catalyst
04-18 Indio, CA – Coachella
04-20 Denver, CO – Ogden Theatre
04-21 Kansas City, MO – Uptown Theatre
04-22 Louisville, KY – Louisville Palace
04-23 Nashville, TN – Vanderbilt
04-24 Atlanta, GA – The Tabernacle
04-26 Washington, DC – Constitution Hall
04-27 Norfolk, VA – The Norva
04-29 Austin, TX – Stubb’s
04-30 Houston, TX – Verizon Wireless Theatre
06-11 Cary, NC – Koka Booth Amphitheatre
06-12 Charlotte, NC – The Uptown Amphitheatre at The Music Factory
06-13 Manchester, TN – Bonnaroo
I saw Phoenix in Chicago this past fall and I must say, they put on quite the show. They even covered Air’s playground love! I would recommend seeing them to all