Vampire Weekend Covers Bruce Springsteen in New Jersey

Vampire Weekend, the acclaimed indie rock band, began a four-night series of concerts at the Wellmont Theater in Montclair, New Jersey, on Monday. During their performance, the band paid tribute to New Jersey native Bruce Springsteen by performing his song, "I'm Goin' Down." This cover was a highlight for fans and a nod to the state's musical heritage.

The concert marked the start of a significant run for the band, bringing their unique sound and a touch of local pride to the Garden State. The choice of a Springsteen classic resonated deeply with the audience, showcasing the band's appreciation for musical history and their connection to the venue's location.

Concert Kickoff and Early Set Highlights

The show commenced with Ezra Koenig, Vampire Weekend's frontman, taking the stage to perform "Hold You Now." He was soon joined by drummer Chris Tomson and bassist Chris Baio, completing the core of the band. The initial part of the set featured a selection of popular songs that have become staples for the group.

Fans heard familiar tracks such as "Campus," a song known for its distinctive sound and lyrical depth. "This Life" and "Sunflower" also made appearances, delighting the audience with their catchy melodies and insightful lyrics. These early songs set an energetic tone for the evening, preparing attendees for the special moments to come.

The Springsteen Tribute: "I'm Goin' Down"

The 13th song in Vampire Weekend's main set was Bruce Springsteen's "I'm Goin' Down." This choice held particular significance given the concert's location. Before starting the song, Koenig addressed the crowd, explaining the cover's history with the band.

"This is a song we used to play a lot in the early days," Koenig stated. "It's a wonderful cover we like to do [by] one of the finest songwriters of all time who happens to be from New Jersey."

The mention of Springsteen's New Jersey roots elicited enthusiastic chants of "Bruuuuuuce" from the audience. The band then launched into the track, originally a deep cut from Springsteen's 1984 album, Born In The U.S.A. The performance was met with strong approval from the local crowd.

History of the Cover

The song "I'm Goin' Down" was indeed a frequent part of Vampire Weekend's live performances in their early years. Data from SetlistFM indicates that the band played this cover 23 times in 2010 alone. However, its appearances became less common over time.

While there was a brief increase in its performance frequency in 2019, the Springsteen cover has become somewhat of a rarity in recent years. This made its inclusion in the Montclair setlist a special treat for long-time fans and a unique experience for newcomers.

New Album Tracks and Fan Favorites

Following the memorable Springsteen cover, Vampire Weekend transitioned to material from their most recent studio album, Only God Was Above Us. They performed two tracks from this album: "Capricorn" and "Gen-X Cops." These songs represent the band's current musical direction and were well-received by the audience.

The band then returned to a selection of their well-known hits. Songs like "Diane Young," "A-Punk," and "Harmony Hall" kept the energy high. These tracks are celebrated for their distinctive sounds and have contributed significantly to Vampire Weekend's success over the years. The main set concluded with another song from their new album, "Hope."

• Main Set Highlights:
• "Hold You Now"
• "Campus"
• "This Life"
• "Sunflower"
• "I'm Goin' Down" (Bruce Springsteen cover)
• "Capricorn"
• "Gen-X Cops"
• "Diane Young"
• "A-Punk"
• "Harmony Hall"
• "Hope"

Encore Performances and Tour Details

The encore segment of the concert was filled with more covers and popular Vampire Weekend songs. The band once again honored Bruce Springsteen by performing his classic, "Thunder Road." This second Springsteen tribute further solidified the band's connection to the local music scene.

Other notable covers in the encore included "Margaritaville," "Sabotage," and "The Boys of Summer." These diverse choices showcased the band's wide range of musical influences and their ability to reinterpret different genres. The evening concluded with the Vampire Weekend classic, "Walcott," leaving the audience with a strong finish.

The Montclair concert series is just one stop on Vampire Weekend's current tour. The band has several upcoming dates, including performances at various music festivals and other venues across the United States and Mexico. Fans can find more information about their tour schedule and ticket availability online.

The Wellmont Theater run continues for several more nights. According to official tour listings, performances are scheduled for September 16, 17, and 18 at the same venue. Following these dates, Vampire Weekend will appear at the Iron Blossom Music Festival in Richmond, VA, on September 20, and Shaky Knees in Atlanta, GA, on September 21.

Additional tour stops include Birmingham, AL; New Orleans, LA; Ocean City, MD; and Las Vegas, NV, extending into November. The tour also features an international stop at Corona Capital in Ciudad de México, Mexico, on November 15, indicating the band's broad appeal and extensive touring schedule.