On Friday, June 23rd, Pixies took the stage in Houston for the first time since 2018. Rocking through a lengthy, 28-song setlist, the band played songs off of every one of their eight albums along with a few choice covers, and brought their alternative-rock sound to a packed Bayou Music Center.
Formed in Boston in 1986, the Pixies helped usher in the 90s alternative rock boom, having been credited by bands from U2 to Nirvana as influential to their work, with Kurt Cobain once remarking that “Smells Like Teen Spirit” was created by trying to rip off the band.
The show kicked off right at 7PM with Bully, a noisy, poppy, indie rock band helmed by singer and guitarist Alicia Bognanno. Playing through a short but energetic set, Bully gave the sold-out crowd a great introduction to the show, despite never actually introducing themselves.
Just after 8PM, Franz Ferdinand took the stage with arguably the most exciting set of the night. The energy was high as the band kicked off with “Jacqueline” before launching into an incredibly lively show including songs from five different albums. Lead singer Alex Kapranos barely stopped moving for the entirety of the band’s hourlong performance, jumping around the stage and interacting with the crowd.
With amps adorned with the names of each member, Franz Ferdinand closed out their show with their largest hit “Take Me Out” and “This Fire,” both of which were met with cheers and applause from the audience.
At 9:30, the lights dimmed once again and the Pixies took the stage. With a ever-changing setlist, the crowd was unaware which songs would fill up the following hour-and-a-half long performance, with each track drawing cheers.
With a mostly original lineup consisting of Black Francis on lead vocals and guitar, Joey Santiago on lead guitar, David Lovering on drums and newcomer Paz Lenchantin on bass, Pixies filled their set with songs spanning their nearly 40-year career.
Just before 11PM, Francis strummed the opening notes of “Where is My Mind,” and was immediately joined by the entire crowd singing every word of the hit song. The band closed out with a cover of Neil Young’s “Winterlong,” a mainstay of their sets since the band’s reformation in 2004.
Pixies seem to always put on a great show, and judging by the expressions on the faces of fans as they left the venue, this was no exception. The lineup seemed a bit strange at first, but the three acts each brought their own style that the audience ate up. With four albums since 2014, Pixies have shown no signs of slowing down and if this show was any indication, the band will be around for years to come.
I'm a Houston-based concert and automotive photographer. I've been a music fan my whole life, and previously was the director for Coog Radio, the University of Houston's student radio station. I listen to a bit of everything, from blues to rock to EDM, but predominantly metal. Some favorites include Slayer, Iron Maiden, and Metallica. When I'm not behind the camera, you can catch me skating, going to car events, and buying too many coffee table books.
