The Bright Lights Come on At the Greek For Interpol

Interpol performing at The Greek Theatre, LA by Jacob Alvarez

BAND CLOSED OUT GREEK 2023 SEASON WITH TWO SOLD OUT SHOWS

To conclude a week long tour in California, New York post-punk legends Interpol played two sold out nights at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. After a dazzling gig in the desert of Pioneertown, two full sets down in San Diego, and one in the heart of Disney territory, the trio performed as a duo under the stars.

Interpol performing at The Greek Theatre, LA by Jacob Alvarez

The first night featured openers Mareux and Jean Dawson, providing an ethereal and pop-punk type of warm-up for the main act. Minus drummer Sam Fogarino who is recovering from a recent surgery, singer Paul Banks and guitarist Daniel Kessler held the band tight along with a full backing crew including longtime bassist Brad Truax. Being a few days out from Halloween, a handful of fans attended in full suits and ties, mirroring the style of the band’s business attire. However, as time has gone on, Banks has chosen to opt for comfort over appearance, while still showcasing his “bad boy” fashion sense. On this night, Banks arrived on stage in a leather jacket complimented by a pink scarf as the band went into debut LP opener “Untitled.”

Interpol performing at The Greek Theatre, LA by Jacob Alvarez

Interpol performing at The Greek Theatre, LA by Jacob Alvarez

The set was filled with abstract lighting, switching between single spotlights that created silhouettes of the band members to a barrage of strobes that attacked the crowd. Kessler stood to the left of the stage, often performing the fan dubbed “Kessler shuffle” and dominating his riffs on tracks like “The Rover” and “Pioneer to the Falls.” All smiles was Banks, who hid his eyes behind a pair of reflective shades throughout the entire show. The fans remained on their feet for the entirety of the show, demonstrating love for the newer tracks off Interpol’s latest record, The Other Side of Make-Believe such as “Toni” and “Into the Night.”

Interpol performing at The Greek Theatre, LA by Jacob Alvarez

The band walked off after 16 songs, thanking the crowd for welcoming them back after last year’s minor tour behind their new album. This of course led to an encore of fan favorites: “Lights,” “All the Rage Back Home,” and “Slow Hands.” The first of two sold out shows featured a plethora of songs off Interpol’s seven LPs, with flickering lights complimenting tracks like “NYC” and deeper cuts like “Roland” allowing the crowd to let loose.

Interpol performing at The Greek Theatre, LA by Jacob Alvarez

Although missing Fogarino, the band sounded genuine like a well-oiled machine, yet experimented with song changes, such as dragging out the intro to “Take You on a Cruise” which had fans applauding once the signature opening riff was heard. “We can’t wait to be back,” Banks shared before leaving the stage for good. Multiple fans were coming the following night as well and had attended the previous shows earlier in the week. The sheer dedication and appreciation for the band was on full display, and in that sense, the bright lights remained on for Interpol not just at the Greek, but for the duration of their stops in California. They continue their tour in Australia mid-November with fellow indie peers Bloc Party. Check out the setlist here!

PS: Check out our gallery of photos from the performance!

PS: Check out our gallery of photos from the performance!