MUSICOLOGY



YEAH YEAH YEAH'S




HORDERN PAVILION

24.07.23




WORDS BY ADRIANNE ARMIDA

IMAGES BY JOSH GROOM​



Blowing audiences away with their firebrand performances, the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s have been tearing the roof OFF every stage they have played at across their Australian tour. Musicology captured some of their wild show during their headline show at Splendour In The Grass and took in their full set at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion.


A palpable sense of anticipation filled the air outside the Hordern Pavilion. Eager fans, their hearts pounding with excitement, lined up patiently, their faces lit up with that pre-show exhilaration. Conversations buzzed with enthusiasm as I could overhear fans sharing their favorite Yeah Yeah Yeahs songs and concert memories, building a sense of camaraderie among strangers. Joyful anticipation created an electric atmosphere that crackled with energy, foreboding of the performance that was to come. The air was charged with fervent longing, an insatiable thirst to witness the magic and emotion that only the Yeah Yeah Yeahs could deliver. The Yeah Yeah Yeahs stormed the Hordern Pavilion in Sydney with a concert that can only be described as an explosion of cool and crazy in the best way. The band, known for their dynamic performances, did not disappoint their fans, delivering one hell of a show. Drawing from their distinctive blend of garage rock, indie, and post-punk, Karen O, Nick Zinner, and Brian Chase left an indelible mark on every person in the crowd.




Karen O, the enigmatic frontwoman, immediately captivated the audience with her fearless and charismatic stage presence. As she moved across the stage, she exuded raw passion, and her unique vocal delivery had myself and those around me completely captivated. From the opening notes of "Spitting Off the Edge of the World" to the explosive finale of "Date With the Night," Karen O owned the stage, connecting with the crowd on a level that only true rock icons can achieve. Nick Zinner's guitar skills were nothing short of exceptional, complementing Karen O's performance with his virtuosity and edgy riffs. His distinctive style added an extra layer of excitement and intensity to the band's live renditions. Meanwhile, Brian Chase's drumming was a driving force, providing the powerful heartbeat that fueled the band's cool and frenetic energy throughout the show.




The setlist was a masterful blend of Yeah Yeah Yeahs' timeless classics and some surprises to keep the audience on their toes. The crowd went wild when the band played hits like "Cheated Hearts," "Black Tongue," and "Zero.". One of the highlights of the night was their performance of "Maps," a song that has become an anthem for love and longing. As Karen O poured her heart into the lyrics, the entire venue sang along in unison, creating an unforgettable moment of unity and connection.




Throughout the show, the band's chemistry was evident, and their passion for the music they created was contagious. They embraced the wildness of their sound, and the audience responded in kind, dancing and jumping with boundless enthusiasm. With giant bouncy eyeballs being passed over the crowd, confetti cannons showering the venue amongst the incredible array of colours that constantly lit up the stage, it was a visual feast from beginning to end. Karen O also didn’t disappoint with her eclectic and oh-so rock-chic outfits. First in a shiny, red and endlessly layered dress which later came off to reveal beneath it a black bodysuit with golden tassels all over.




The encore was the perfect climax to an already explosive evening. First with "Y Control" then closing with "Date With the Night" served as a high-octane conclusion that left everyone craving more. The Yeah Yeah Yeahs' live performance at Hordern Pavilion was an electrifying experience. The potent fusion of raw sensuality, punk rock energy, artistic expression catapulted Sydney’s consciousness into uncharted realms! They proved once again why they are considered one of the most influential bands of their generation.