The popular 80’s alternative rock band, Pixies, played The Eagles Ballroom at The Rave in Milwaukee on Monday night- just one stop on their massive co-headline anniversary tour for their 1988 studio album, “Surfer Rosa.”
Pixies came to fame in the late 1980’s with the release of their second album, “Surfer Rosa” and is made up of Black Francis on vocals, Joey Santiago on lead guitar, David Lovering on drums, and Paz Lenchantin on bass guitar. After breaking up and reuniting later in 2004, Pixies have maintained their spotlight and legendary-status in the rock world, bringing their talents to the Rave stage.
This tour featured Weezer as a co-headliner, but unfortunately Pixies took the stage solo in Milwaukee with opener Basement. The lack of Weezer on the lineup was clear to see as the crowd was half the size compared to other arena stops on the tour. Although it could appear that Weezer are carrying most of the weight on this tour, Pixies put on a stellar show regardless for anyone looking to revive their 80’s punk spirit.
The emo-rock band, Basement, were the only openers for the show; playing a short, but upbeat setlist that set the stage for what was to come with Pixies later in the night. Many people in the crowd were banging their heads and jumping around with Basement, prepping to do just the same when Pixies would take the stage. The turnaround time for each act was effortless as Basement ended abruptly at 8:25 with Pixies coming on right after, about 9:00.
Pixies began their 31-song set with their song “Gouge Away,” and transitioned into “Wave of Mutilation,” both songs being from their critically acclaimed 1989 album, “Doolittle.” Pixies made the decision to play their number 1 hit, “Where Is My Mind?” in the middle of their set, and it reignited the rock and roll spirit that may have been starting to dim among the tired crowd.
In true Pixie’s style, the group ripped through their setlist without any crowd interaction, focusing just on their music. With an extensive setlist, a large portion of which was newer and unfamiliar songs among fans, it seemed as if concert-goers began losing interest in the show towards the last half.
The marathon-style set came to a close with the popular song, “Gigantic,” and Pixies left the stage to return to the screaming crowd with a one-song encore of “Vamos.” Though the band’s interaction with the crowd was lacking, their skills as artists made the show enjoyable and electric from beginning to end. The entirety of the show was fast-paced and upbeat, making it appealing to any type of music lover.
The tour continues in Billings, Montana at the Alberta Bair Theatre on Wednesday, April 3. For more information on Pixies, read here.
Photos by Madeline Redell
Setlist:
1. Gouge Away
2. Wave Of Mutilation
3. Classic Masher
4. New song?
5. Caribou
6. Planet Of Sound
7. New song?
8. All The Saints
9. Here Comes Your Man
10. Ana
11. Mr. Grieves
12. Where Is My Mind?
13. Nimrod’s Son
14. New song?
15. Ed Is Dead
16. Motorway To Roswell
17. Bone Machine
18. I’ve Been Tired
19. Cactus
20. No. 13 Baby
21. Snakes
22. New song?
23. New song?
24. Bel Esprit
25. U-Mass
26. Head On
27. Isla de Encanta
28. Debaser
29. Hey
30. Gigantic
ENCORE
31. Vamos