Skinty Fia in San Diego, CA
- Heart Eyes Alice
- Oct 8, 2022
- 4 min read
Review and Photos by Alice (@hearteyesalice on Instagram)
Edited by Yuzhu Qin ＆ Miyuki Wang
As it is obvious from the name of this website, we are massive fans of the band Fontaines D.C. but we were not quite sure how to start writing about the band we love so much. Then we found Alice who lives in America. She is a sweetheart and offered to write about two fontaines gigs she has been to last month: one is an event hosted by Grammy's at Clive Davis Theater at Grammy Museum on Sept. 13th and the other one is their first gig of the US tour at The Observatory North Park in San Diego on the 16th.
On Tuesday, September 13th, I spent an evening with Fontaines D.C. for their artist spotlight in Downtown Los Angeles at The Grammy Museum.
On the second floor of the museum, we were treated with an interview, an audience Q&A, and a seven song performance. Fontaines D.C. treated the intimate show as if we were in a music venue and not seated in cinema seats. Feeling the vibrations in my platform boots and the intensity that is a Fontaines show, I was even more excited to see them at their headline show in San Diego.
Around 9:00p.m. the lights went out and 'Touch Me' by The Doors started playing. I instantly remembered FDC saying The Doors were a band from California that they really liked. I loved that little easter egg so much!
Now it's almost 9:05. The more commonly known single that started off the station, Grian stood directly in front of me hyping up the crowd. Once I heard Curley's guitar and Grian's "Shhhha" on 'A Lucid Dream,' that's when it finally hit me. I'm glad they still open with this song because it perfectly sets the tone for the rest of the show. 'Hurricane Laughter' is when I could feel the madness catching up to me and my body against the barricade. At some points, I had to duck because of the fists in the air behind me. This also went on during 'Chequeless Reckless.'
As soon as Deego introduced 'Nabokov,' you can just tell it was a fan favorite. The people around me did Deego's part justice by singing along when it was his turn. They just about lost it when Grian leaned in forward almost into the crowd as he belted, "I did you a faaaaaaaaavor!"
My favorite part of a Fontaines show is when Carlos uses a bottle on his guitar. I think if someone who has never been to a Fontaines D.C. show experiences the mayhem during 'Too Real,' it will for sure make them a fan.
'Jackie Down The Line'! The more commonly known single that started off the Skinty Fia era. Grian led us like a choir for the "la la la" part after his, "do do do." He motioned his hand out to us as to say, "This part is yours, sing it with pride." That's exactly what the crowd did. We filled in his role and sang it back to him. It was in the middle of the song and I'll always regret not recording when it happened.
When Tom clicks his sticks to count off Deego, you know exactly what's going to follow. Tom wasn't the only one starting the song off though. Before Deego even started with his bass lines, you could hear "I love you"s being shouted from different directions of the crowd. Another fan favorite of the night that feels like everything had been building up to that song.
After the show ended, there was a buzz in the air as we hung around right outside the venue doors. The band came out immediately and took their time with each person. They signed vinyls, shirts, phones, and kindly thanked each person for their many warm compliments. It warmed my heart that fans were so loving and welcoming toward the band. Even as Wunderhorse made their way to their van, everyone couldn't stop telling them how great of a show they put on.
I can't remember what interview I read this in but the band said they feel like they're starting over every time they come tour America. If this is the start, then I think it's a sweet one. I can't speak for other states but California has shown their love and admiration for a band that lives on the other side of the world. It started back in May for their first North American headline tour and it's picking up now…
Setlist (Grammy Museum)
A Lucid Dream
Roman Holiday
The Couple Across The Way
Skinty Fia
I Love You
Setlist (San Diego)
A Lucid Dream Hurricane Laughter Sha Sha Sha Roman Holiday I Don't Belong Chequeless Reckless Televised Mind Nabokov Too Real How Cold Love Is Jackie Down the Line A Hero's Death Skinty Fia ---------------
Follow Alice on Instagram (@hearteyesalice) and especially check out the badass sunnies she's made for the band (and more photos from the gig). She also owns a super cool newsletter called Strawberry Heart Club. Check the past issues & subscribe to the mailing list for more of her writings!
We're delighted to have her as the second guest writer on our page - and we'd love to have YOU as the next one writing about your gig experience or your thoughts on your favourite album/a song. Feel free to contact us with any idea you've got via email (notaluciddream@gmail.com), insta dm or contact form on our website. We're eagerly waiting to hear from you.
Fontaines D.C. will be touring across UK & Ireland this winter. Get your tickets here
They will be in Canvas Manchester for an exclusive DJ set on Nov. 11th. Get your tickets here
They will visit Japan for the first time in February next year! Get your tickets here
They will be back in North America next summer to support Arctic Monkeys on tour. Get your tickets here
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