From New York City to Toronto: Vampire Weekend shines at Budweiser Stage

Written and Captured By | Magaly Bocangel

On September 24th, 2024—a rainy Tuesday evening—Toronto’s Budweiser Stage came alive with the vibrant sounds of indie pop and rock as Vampire Weekend graced the stage, supported by the melodies of Cults. Vampire Weekend has been on their ‘Only God Was Above Us’ North American tour since April, and they are over halfway done. The concert, a much-anticipated event for fans, was definitely an unforgettable night under the stars. 

Cults, the New York-based duo comprised of Madeline Follin and Brian Oblivion, kicked off the evening with a captivating set that undoubtedly set the tone for the night. Known for their dreamy and nostalgic vibes, they immediately drew in the crowd with their song “Crybaby.” Follin’s ethereal vocals paired with Oblivion’s guitar riffs created an enchanting atmosphere for the Toronto crowd. They also played fan favourites, “Glided Lily” and “Bad things,” while leaving room for songs from their latest album release, “To the Ghosts.” They ended off their set with their hit, “Always Forever.” Cults left the stage to an enthusiastic applause by the audience. 

See more photos of Cults HERE

The stage transformed with a vibrant light show, setting the perfect backdrop for the band’s appearance. When they finally emerged, the audience erupted into cheers. Vampire Weekend opened their set with “Hold You Now,” a standout track from their album “Father of the Bride.” During the third song, “Ice Cream Piano,” the curtain dropped behind them, revealing the rest of the band. Frontman Ezra Koenig’s charismatic stage presence was complemented by the band’s collective energy, with each member showcasing their individual talents.  

The band played an impressively long setlist, 25 songs plus an encore with many requested snippet covers. For each night of the tour, the band has been performing a different list and order of tracks—Toronto was in for a surprise. Vampire Weekend performed one of their older songs, “Giving Up the Gun,” from their 2010 album “Contra.” Each song was met with enthusiastic sing-alongs, highlighting the strong connection between the band and their devoted fans. The inclusion of fresh tracks alongside classics demonstrated the band’s growth while still honouring their roots. 

See more photos of Vampire Weekend HERE

One of the evening’s highlights was a surprise reprise of “A-Punk” after a fan request. The band also played several requested covers like “HOT TO GO!” by Chappell Roan, “Boys Don’t Cry” by The Cure,  “Common People” by Pulp and many more. They ended off the encore and the night with their song “Walcott” from their 2008 self-titled album. Vampire Weekend left the audience buzzing with exhilaration. 

The band’s performance at Budweiser Stage was a spectacular night for the fans. With Cults providing a dreamy start to the evening and Vampire Weekend delivering a masterclass setlist, they surely left fans eagerly awaiting their next opportunity to experience their music once again. The ‘Only God Was Above Us’ North American tour still has several dates left until mid October (2024). Then the tour kicks off again in November with dates in the UK, Ireland, Paris and Amsterdam. You would not want to miss a Vampire Weekend concert, grab your tickets! 

Photos By | Magaly Bocangel