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.
Key Takeaways
- Vampire Weekend performed a cover of Bruce Springsteen's "I'm Goin' Down" in Montclair, New Jersey.
- The performance was part of a four-night concert series at the Wellmont Theater.
- Frontman Ezra Koenig noted the song was a frequent cover in the band's early days.
- The setlist included new tracks from 'Only God Was Above Us' and fan favorites.
- The encore featured additional covers, including Springsteen's "Thunder Road."
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.
Quick Fact
Vampire Weekend formed in 2006 in New York City. Their debut self-titled album was released in 2008.
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.
Context on Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen, often referred to as "The Boss," is an American singer, songwriter, and musician. He is widely recognized for his poetic, socially conscious lyrics and energetic live performances. Springsteen was born in Long Branch, New Jersey, and grew up in Freehold Borough and Colts Neck, making him a beloved figure in the state's cultural landscape. His career spans over five decades, with numerous awards and millions of albums sold worldwide.
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.
Tour Snapshot
Vampire Weekend's tour includes multiple festival appearances and individual venue shows, spanning from September to November 2025.