Vampire Weekend completed their third London gig of the week this morning at the Islington Assembly Hall, playing ‘A-Punk’ three times in a row.
After the first performance of the song, frontman Ezra Koenig said: “Hmmmm that song is too short.” After the second, he added: “These shows are essentially attended rehearsals, we’ve got a lot of shows to play this year. I’m sorry, but…” before playing the song again.
After the second, Koenig said: “Okay, now we’re tired. That’s the most times we’ve ever played it – we wanted to beat the record.”
You can see images, footage and more reaction from the gig below:
https://twitter.com/JoeWilliamsUK/status/1109420726874976261
10am @vampireweekend gigs ? at @Islington_AH! pic.twitter.com/X2gKSJJBIY
— O2 Academy Brixton (@O2academybrix) March 23, 2019
Just watched Vampire Weekend play A-Punk three times in a row and I haven’t even had breakfast yet
— Shaun Curran (@shaun_curran) March 23, 2019
Remember when we used to go to shows and didn’t have to watch the band through 1,693 smartphone screens? Anyway, Vampire Weekend ?? #EarlyDoors pic.twitter.com/F9kJLH8uOF
— Stefanie Reines (@stefaniereines) March 23, 2019
https://twitter.com/ginandconnick/status/1109357494126682112
Wow. What a privilege that was. Two hours plus of @vampireweekend at ten o’clock on a Saturday morning in an intimate London venue @Islington_AH Bravo. Wonderful pic.twitter.com/jag319KgHK
— Chris Skudder (@chris_skudder) March 23, 2019
turns out morning shows are EXCELLENT.
and thanks for the protest shoutout, @vampireweekend pic.twitter.com/T5yKEgwN3t— EF???️? (@efbdt41) March 23, 2019
THEY LISTENED TO ME pic.twitter.com/5M0xyLQgR3
— libby (@roseapothecarys) March 23, 2019
Incredible we ❣️ @vampireweekend on a Saturday morning ???? pic.twitter.com/vVaLGFIxiN
— ??????????????? (@sitdowncomedian) March 23, 2019
https://www.instagram.com/p/BvWd7tunGzw/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BvWcQs9guml/
Lovely bit of @vampireweekend at 9am on a Saturday. You can tell it was a good show because I didn't get any of my top three and still came away grinning pic.twitter.com/ub2VFJtiGC
— Sam Healer (@anewthought) March 23, 2019
https://twitter.com/elliewatsxn/status/1109435545376223232
Koenig also lent his support to people taking part in London’s ‘Peoples’ Protest’ march later in the day before the show’s final song.
He said: “Maybe some of you are gonna go protest later. Godspeed – we wish you the best. It was lovely to spend the morning with you.”
Reviewing the first of their three return gigs in London earlier this week, NME wrote: “The heavy lean towards the fan friendly moments act as a celebration of their greatness and reminder of the sheer joy they can deliver, but the new material suggests they may only now be approaching the peak of their powers. Beg, steal or borrow to see Vampire Weekend in 2019.”
You can see the full setlist from today’s gig here:
Vampire Weekend Setlist – March 23
Obvious Preacher
Unbelievers
Holiday
Sunflower
Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa
White Sky
Run
Giant
Ladies of Cambridge
2021
Late In The Evening (Paul Simon cover)
I’m Going Down On This Clown (Bruce Springsteen cover)
Everywhere (Fleetwood Mac cover)
Cousins
A-Punk X3
Oxford Comma
Big Blue
Harmony Hall
The Kids Don’t Stand A Chance
Encore
Lovely Gun
Worship You
Ya Hey