Playing in Washington DC is a special occasion and a sign of achievement for bands originating outside of the U.S.
Often, a night in the nation’s capital with acts from overseas amounts to an unforgettable experience for fans from the region who might not have the chance to see them otherwise.
Bombay Bicycle Club, an indie rock project out of England, is currently on an ambitious multi-leg tour, one that saw it play the southeast, northeast and even cities in Canada before ending the current segment in DC the night of March 21 at a venue they hold dear: 9:30 Club.
Listen to Bombay Bicycle Club’s newest album, My Big Day, via Spotify:
The band formed back in 2005 but went on a bit of a break from 2016 to 2019 as its founding crew announced plans for solo work. The pause gave way to lead singer Jack Steadman’s individual endeavor, Mr Jukes, premiering in 2017 with the album God First.
But Steadman and his partners regrouped in 2019, and despite the pandemic years they’ve managed to grow their following and continue making music together, including the forebodingly titled Everything Else Has Gone Wrong in 2020 and the newest record, My Big Day, released last fall.
The latest record’s title sets the theme for the entire tour, which will take the band into Mexico come May. With festive balloons and additional corresponding props, it also established the mood of the 9:30 Club stage last Thursday night as Steadman and his mates delighted a sold-out crowd with songs from across the band’s six recordings.
Watch the official music video for Bombay Bicycle Club’s Tekken 2 via the band’s YouTube channel:
Additionally featuring original members Jamie MacColl on guitar and Ed Nash on bass, Bombay Bicycle Club was without drummer Suren de Saram, who had to depart touring and return home for a family emergency. But in stepped drum technician Josh Gale to assume those duties, and along with incredible vocal support from Olive Jones, the band didn’t miss a beat in celebrating a night they had circled on the calendar for some time.
“This tour has definitely had its twists and turns,” Steadman told the audience. “But this is one of our favorite venues in the world. Thank you guys for making this special and selling out the room. We really appreciate it.”
Upon returning to encore, the lead singer reiterated just how much the night meant to him and the rest of this band that got its start in North London’s Crouch End.
“We’ve been looking forward to this night the whole time and you guys absolutely delivered. We love you.”
Listen to the new EP from Bombay Bicycle Club, Fantasies, via Spotify:
Setlist
Just a Little More Time
I Want to be Your Only Pet
Dust on the Ground
Feel
My Big Day
Tekken 2
Lights Out, Words Gone
Luna
How Can You Swallow So Much Sleep
Diving
Everything Else Has Gone Wrong
Eat, Sleep, Wake (Nothing but You)
Flaws
You Already Know
Evening/Morning
Meditate
Always Like This
Encore
Shuffle
Below are hand-rolled, home-developed, home-scanned 35mm film photographs of Bombay Bicycle Club along with the night’s opening act, Mustard Service, performing at 9:30 Club in Washington DC on March 21, 2024. All pictures copyright and courtesy of Casey Ryan Vock.
Bombay Bicycle Club
Mustard Service
