Alternative Powerhouse: The Kooks Bring Inside In/ Inside Out to Los Angeles

The Kooks performing at the Hollywood Palladium, LA by Jacob Alvarez

ANNIVERSARY TOUR FEATURED INDIE HEROES THE VACCINES

In a night heavy on nostalgia, indie-alternative English group The Kooks sold out the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles with help from fellow English rockers The Vaccines plus newcomers Daisy the Great.

The Kooks performing at the Hollywood Palladium, LA by Jacob Alvarez

Dubbed the “Inside In / Inside Out Tour,” the band celebrated 18 years of their debut record, ultimately belaying it’s 15th birthday (in 2021) due to the pandemic and lead vocalist Luke Pritchard’s spinal injury. However, attending the show proved no loss of step for the band, coming back strong with a heavy force of fans relishing in the indie nostalgia of Inside In / Inside Out. Pritchard came on stage alone to much applause, illuminated by a spotlight to kick things off with opening track “Seaside,” a slower track that ushers the listener into the rest of the record, doing the same for the live audience. The rest of the band was welcomed afterward, diving into the album track by track.

Pritchard often stood atop the speakers at the edge of the drum set, swaying his hips while letting out huge laughs and smiles. Not only their words but mannerisms as well clearly showed the audience how meaningful it was to be back performing again. Around midway of the record, The Kooks decided to shake things up, performing other songs from their catalogue such as “Bad Habit” and “Closer.” Fan favorite “Always Where I Need to Be” had fans shouting the lyrics in unison, and the band ultimately ended the night off strong with their most popular track “Naïve.”

The Vaccines performing at the Hollywood Palladium, LA by Jacob Alvarez

LA rising band Daisy the Great opened the night with a small pop set, while The Vaccines earned their co-headline slot, thrusting into their post-punk quick tracks, filling an hour set with 17 tracks. This included “Post Break-Up Sex” and “If You Wanna,” with singer Justin Hayward-Young resembling a young Morrissey, mic shrouded in flowers, suit wearing, and giving into the crowd’s wants. While the night seemed over in a flash, The Kooks’ Pritchard made sure to thank his lucky stars for being able to perform to such a crowd. Sharing in a tweet the night of the show, he wrote “It’s been tough getting back up on stage for me. Took a while to feel myself again after the accident. Thanks for sharing your energy. It’s so strong.” Agreed. Check out the set list here!

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

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