The music gods have blessed indie-rock lovers in the Phoenix area. Could it be true that the masters of folk-rock, Fleet Foxes, are joining Bon Iver for an exclusive, one-night-only show this Thursday at Comerica Theatre? Hipsters all across the Valley are asking themselves, “Am I dreaming?”
Originally, each band had booked a show in Phoenix one day apart from each other. Bon Iver is currently touring to promote his new self-titled album that has gained huge success, while Fleet Foxes is touring for their 2011 release “Helplessness Blues.” With a little help from our friends at Stateside Presents, the bands rescheduled — this time to play together for a match made in indie concert heaven. Add surf-rock band The Walkmen to the mix, and it’s nearly impossible to imagine a more perfect lineup.
What makes this concert so thrilling is the exponential success each band has received this past year. Fleet Foxes released their second studio album, “Helplessness Blues,” on May 3, 2011. The record has sold over 150,000 copies since its release. Their first self-titled album went Platinum in the U.K. when it was released in 2008.
Bon Iver — meaning “good winter” in French — has become equally famous in just the past few years. In 2007, frontman Justin Vernon sequestered himself in a remote cabin in Wisconsin to record the band’s first album “For Emma, Forever Ago.” Their debut was a profound statement of dedication and true artistry, peaking at No. 4 on the indie charts in the U.S. This summer, the band released their second studio album, “Bon Iver,” that received raving reviews. Pitchfork Media gave the album 9.5 out of 10 stars. The self-titled album stayed number one on the charts for weeks.
Although The Walkmen seem to be overshadowed by the headlining bands, a great performance can still be expected. The native New York band has been compared to The Strokes, The Cure and even U2. Since their formation in 2000, The Walkmen have released six studio albums, with a few albums enjoying some success on the charts. Their latest album, “Lisbon,” was named number 21 in “The Top 50 Albums of 2010” by Pitchfork Media.
The Walkmen may not necessarily fit in with the other two folk bands performing, as they are most well-known for a post-punk revival sound. However, true indie kids will not disapprove of a stellar set from the band.
Justin Vernon tweeted about the pending Fleet Foxes show saying he was “pumped” to perform with the band and was beside himself with joy about the opportunity to perform with them. Desert-dwellers were equally stunned, as it is not only a great experience for Vernon, but also for music lovers in the area.
The show will begin at 8 p.m. at the Comerica Theatre in downtown Phoenix. Tickets went on sale at Statesidepresents.com on June 24th, but there are still seats available. Tickets are currently priced at $50.
Those in attendance can anticipate a once-in-a-lifetime experience. For one night, Arizona will have bragging rights over every other state that doesn’t have such a glorious lineup.
Reach the reporter at jocelyn.gee@asu.edu Click here to subscribe to the daily State Press newsletter.
