English indie-rock band The Kooks embarked on a journey back to the States to surprise their devoted fans with a commemorative tour marking the anniversary of their debut album, Inside In/Inside Out. Alongside them, two other remarkable bands, Daisy the Great and The Vaccines, graced the stage in their recent tour appearance at The Anthem in DC.
As the evening unfolded on March 13, The Kooks took center stage, wrapping the audience in a wave of nostalgia and excitement. Lead vocalist Luke Pritchard sauntered onto the stage, his arms waving in greeting as he launched into the soothing melody of “Seaside.” The crowd swayed in unison, captivated by the band’s magnetic presence.
With each upbeat tracks like “See the World” and “Eddie’s Gun,” the energy surged, fueled by Luke’s infectious enthusiasm. The venue erupted in a chorus of voices during the performance of “Ooh La,” a testament to the enduring appeal of The Kooks’ music.
Luke’s charismatic stage banter further endeared the band to the audience, ensuring that every corner of the venue felt included in the experience. Hits like “Bad Habit” and “Always Where I Need to Be” kept the momentum going, with attendees joyously dancing and singing along to the infectious melodies.
A standout moment came with the electrifying rendition of “Do Ya Wanna,” illuminated by vibrant red lights and showcasing the exceptional talents of guitarist Hugh Harris and drummer Alexis Nunez. It was a vivid reminder of the raw talent and energy that live music brings.
Watch the official music video for “Do Ya Wanna” by The Kooks on YouTube:
As the evening drew to a close, The Kooks concluded their set with the spirited anthem “Junk of the Heart,” leaving the crowd cheering for more. Returning for an encore, they culminated the night with their signature hit, “Naive,” sending waves of euphoria through the audience.
For longtime fans like myself, this tour was a nostalgic journey through the songs that defined our youth. It’s a testament to The Kooks’ enduring legacy that their music still ignites the same passion for dancing after all these years.
Here are some photos of The Kooks performing at The Anthem in DC on March 13, 2024. All pictures copyright and courtesy of Marissa Morris.
