Monday night in front of the Sydney Opera House was just a spectacular night of music. In front of an iconic building, two incredible American bands gave us close to three hours of truly superlative music. The War on Drugs were the headliner but when Spoon is your support I guess it's close to being a co headliner given the stature of both bands. It was the first time since 2018 that The War on Drugs have been to Australia and it was a great reminder that they are truly one of the finest bands on the planet. For a band that has no discernible singles and a lot of jammy songs that extend to eight minutes, they have truly connected somehow. Their sound is hard to pin down but it's really magical. They are extraordinary musicians and the guitar riffs and tones just overwhelm and envelop you. From the opening strains of 'An Ocean in Between the Waves' they had an enthusiastic crowd spellbound. Song after song of pure magic. 'Red Eyes' and 'Under the Pressure' were probably the highlights of an extraordinary set.

Set List
An Ocean in Between the Waves
Pain
Arms Like Boulders
I Don't Wanna Wait
Strangest Thing
Harmonia's Dream
Old Skin
Red Eyes
Slow Ghost
Under the Pressure
I Don't Live Here Anymore
Occasional Rain

Then Spoon were the support. Pretty great to have perhaps the finest band of the last 20 years or so as a support. Spoon can do no wrong in my eyes and even though it was a truncated 50 minute set I loved every minute. For Spoon this was their first visit to Australia since 2017. They played a solid set list that covered a good spread of their stellar career. Britt Daniel is just the ultimate frontman and he and the band seemed to having a great time. 'I Summon You' and an incredible John Lennon cover were perhaps the highlights of a wonderful set. 

Set List
Wild
My Mathematical Mind
The Way We Get By
Don't You Evah
The Underdog
I Summon You
Got Nuffin'
Isolation (John Lennon cover)
The Hardest Cut
Inside Out
I Turn My Camera On
Rent I Pay