The Kooks ventured across the Atlantic for their “The Celebration of Inside In/ Inside Out” 15th anniversary tour throughout the United States. Emerging from the dynamic music hub of Brighton, UK, this British band has captivated global audiences. Their musical journey has seen them explore a diverse range of genres, ultimately shaping their unique sound and fostering a loyal fan following. Now, as they return to the limelight after years of captivating performances, their American fans eagerly anticipated their arrival with open arms.
In the spirit of a true celebration, the band enlisted the talents of two acts to accompany them on this journey. From the UK, they welcomed “The Vaccines,” marking the release of their 6th studio album, “Pick-Up Full of Pink Carnations.” Representing the United States, indie pop sensation “Daisy the Great” took the stage, setting the perfect tone for the tour ahead.
Following the performances of the two opening acts, which left a palpable sense of excitement and pure fun in the air, The Kooks graced the stage with a simple yet effective setup. Three platforms serve as the backdrop, where Hugh Harris on lead guitar, Alexis Nuñez on drums, and Jonathan Harvey on bass each took their designated positions. At the forefront, commanding the stage throughout the night, was Luke Pritchard.
As the band navigated their setlist, each member paid homage to the iconic hits that have defined their career. The evening kicked off as the lead singer, guitar in hand, launched into the melodic strains of “Seaside.” Luke Pritchard electrified the stage with his infectious dance moves, enticing the audience to move to the rhythm. Beloved classics such as “She Moves in Her Own Way” and “Ooh La” captivated the crowd, ensuring an unforgettable repertoire for the evening.
During the performance of “Closer,” Hugh Harris astounded the crowd with a guitar solo brimming with emotion that lingered throughout the night. As he concluded the song, enveloped in a wave of cheers, he shares, “I felt like a teenager again.”
As the tour’s title suggested, the atmosphere pulsates with celebration, evident throughout the venue. Fans expressed their excitement by jumping and belting out songs at the top of their lungs. The band reciprocated with an electrifying display of high energy, leaving everything on stage.
As the evening neared its conclusion, the crowd reached a crescendo of excitement during the rendition of “Junk of The Heart.” Holding a sustained note at the song’s climax, the lead singer propelled the venue to its pinnacle of energy. Following a brief departure from the stage, met with fervent cheers and calls for an encore, the band made a triumphant return. They delighted the audience with performances of “Around Town” and “Naïve,” the latter of which had previously peaked at number 5 on the UK Singles Chart in 2006.
The Kooks haven’t just given us a string of great hits over the years; they’ve also been at the forefront of bending genre rules, introducing entirely new sounds that were revolutionary when they first emerged. As we celebrate their album “Inside In/Inside Out” on this tour, it’s not just a nod to their music but also a recognition of the era they helped define, influencing the musical landscape we enjoy today.
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PHOTO GALLERY BY: María José Torre
