Photos & Words by: Nate Payne
Indie rock legends the Pixies brought a tidal wave of nostalgia and raw energy to The Anthem Saturday night, performing two of their most iconic albums Bossanova (1990) and Trompe le Monde (1991) in their entirety before closing out the evening with a string of beloved classics. The Pixies, known for their explosive dynamics, surreal lyrics, and genre-defining sound, delivered a performance that was both technically tight and emotionally charged.
Opening the night was Kurt Vile and The Violators, who’s laid-back, guitar-driven set warmed the crowd with a blend of psychedelic folk-rock and hazy anthems. Vile's distinct vocals and looping guitar riffs set the stage for what would become an unforgettable night of alternative rock.
When The Pixies took the stage, they wasted no time launching into Bossanova, with its surf-rock swells and sci-fi lyricism. Tracks like “Velouria” and “Allison” sounded as fresh as ever, with frontman Black Francis (Charles Thompson) alternating between melodic croons and his signature screams. Guitarist Joey Santiago provided searing solos, while drummer David Lovering and bassist Paz Lenchantin locked in with precision, driving the band’s frenetic rhythms.
The Pixies then delivered Trompe le Monde, a more aggressive, punk-infused record that included cult favorites like “Planet of Sound,” “U-Mass,” and their blistering cover of “Head On” by The Jesus and Mary Chain. The Anthem’s stellar acoustics amplified every distortion-drenched chord and pounding drumbeat.
To cap off the set, The Pixies rewarded longtime fans with a short encore of early classics, including “Here Comes Your Man,” “Into the White,” and the immortal “Where Is My Mind?”, a song that had the entire venue singing along in unison.
The Pixies North American tour continues through September, after which the band will embark on an international leg with performances across Asia and Australia. For additional details, visit the links below.
Pixies Social Media
Kurt Vile and The Violators | The Anthem | Washington, D.C. | Nate Payne Photography | 7.25.25
Pixies | The Anthem | Washington, D.C. | Nate Payne Photography | 7.25.25
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