So any great concert experiences created this past year in and around Los Angeles. Check out Grimy Goods’ best concert photography of 2018 featuring photos from concerts and music festivals in and around L.A. Our team of photographers captured some epic concert photography in 2018. Their keen eye for energy, light, depth and action truly captured in just one photo the high you feel when attending an amazing show. Check it all out below!
In No Specific Order:
Stonefield at Bootleg Theater
Stonefield at Bootleg Theater — Photo: ZB Images
You know it’s going to be a good show when a bunch LA bands are out at the same venue. The Bootleg was packed with familiar faces for the first night of Stonefield’s FREE April residency. Stonefield is made up of four equally capable Australian sisters; Amy (lead vocals, drums), Hanna (guitar), Sarah (keys), and Holly Findlay (bass). Think HAIM, but way more badass.
Kali Uchis at The Novo
Kali Uchis at The Novo by Steven Ward
At the center of Kali Uchis’ debut album Isolation is a very basic question about personal identity, one that seeks to reconcile the process of defining and preserving it with attempts to realize the dreams that tend to ignite it. While Uchis wrestles with this universal angst throughout the album, she puts forth a rather poignant distillation of this big question in another form on the third track of her album, “Miami.”
Matt & Kim at Hollywood Palladium
Matt and Kim at Hollywood Palladium shot by Danielle Gornbein
Fans went absolutely crazy cheering and losing their minds for Matt and Kim. It’s been a while since we’ve seen them perform due to Kim being hit with a knee injury and 9 month recovery thereafter. You could basically forget that even happened because she was back and louder than ever! Taking position in front of her drum kit, she began throwing it down. The two blasted got things fired up with the effortless sing-along “Hey Now” off their most recent record New Glow.
Princess Nokia at El Rey Theatre
Princess Nokia. Photo by Farah Sosa
With powerful confidence and expected hype, rapper Destiny Nicole Frasqueri aka Princess Nokia filled El Rey Theatre with an empowered crowd that raged and knew all the lyrics beginning til the end. Since early, the venue was packed getting down to dj / producer Suzi Analogue and her male dancers driving the girls in the audience wild while waiting for the strong headliner.
St. Vincent at Hollywood Palladium
Annie Clark of St. Vincent, The Hollywood Palladium, photo by Wes Marsala
There is a method to the madness for the opening half of St. Vincent’s set. Like many shows on the Fear the Future tour, Annie Clark, known as St. Vincent, began her sold-out show stage right with her signature guitar in hand playing “Marry Me” from her first album of the same name. The curtain barely open, revealed roughly fifteen percent of the stage. The song ends, the lights go out, the curtain opens …
Passion Pit at the Observatory North Park
Passion Pit at the Observatory North Park by Steven Ward
Michael Angelakos, the stratospheric crooner behind synth-pop outfit Passion Pit, has never been one to aim for tame concerts. Instead, like his moniker implies, the singer/songwriter prefers to let the gauntlet of emotions that drive his wild, electronic melodies to erupt onstage with all the chaotic and shimmering gusto he and his bandmates can muster. A Passion Pit show is just that: a veritable pit of passion in which Angelakos and company stuff every intimate terror and love that plagues their hearts before placing a quilted-carpet of glittery hooks over it.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs at Hollywood Bowl — Photo: Kirby Gladstein
Yeah Yeah Yeahs at Hollywood Bowl
Front-woman Karen O delivered her signature stage antics that involved mouthing a mic and lassoing it above her head, as though she were a snake charmer. This Hollywood Bowl show was no different. Karen O is a rock ‘n’ roll goddess and has an unmatched stage presence. She wiggles, jumps and riles across the stage taking all those before her along for a wild ride. With Nick Zinner proving to be a musical mastermind switching out guitars for keys, and them some, Yeah Yeah Yeahs got the crowd up and out of their seats right from the jump. It was a rare moment if you weren’t singing along to songs like “Zero” and “Gold Lion” or thrashin’ about to the manic melodies of “Heads Will Roll.”
Florence + The Machine at iHeart
Florence + The Machine at iHeartRadio Theater LA — Photo: Steven Ward
“You wouldn’t think I was a shy person but I am. I just get totally terrified.”
It’s hard to believe that these words sheepishly escaped from the lips of Florence Welch, the same woman who commanded the attention of every single person at two back-to-back shows at the Hollywood Bowl nearly a month earlier. She stood below the glow of several spotlights in the iHeart Radio Theater LA, a 450-capacity venue that was filled with fans lucky enough to win their way into a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see her front Florence + the Machine, a band that is known to sell out venues thirty times larger.
Lauren Ruth Ward at the Troubadour
Lauren Ruth Ward at the Troubadour — Photo: ZB Images
What makes the Troubadour in West Hollywood legendary is its hosting names before anyone knows them. Lauren Ruth Ward is now officially part of its story. She solidified her spot in its history with a sold-out debut at the venue which was packed with friends who she acknowledged, and fans who she graciously appreciated — stopping every now and again to savor these moments in the whirlwind which has become her life.
Vince Staples at The Novo
Vince Staples at The Novo — Photo: Jessica Rubio
An original LA anomaly.
Vince Staples MADE IT and now he is back to share the live experience of his latest album Big Fish Theory. The last time I personally had the pleasure of bouncing around to songs from the Ramona Park Legend himself – it was Air + Style 2017. He was showcasing his collabs w/ Flume (Smoke & Retribution) which he performed twice on the same night. This sort of bothered me because I really thought he was going to go for My Boo (a personal favorite) but nope he didn’t, it’s cool I’m over it*.
Gordi at The Regent
Gordi at The Regent — Photo: Jessica Rubio
Though she’s based in Sydney, Australia, Gordi has a love for this city that even many Angelenos don’t have. Last August she played at Resident just before the release of her album, Reservoir, making that visit a special one in its own way. At the Regent, most of her set was pulled from that album, mixing acoustic and synthesized sounds making it particularly rewarding to hear live. While she controlled a guitar, keys, and a harmonium, two bandmates also accompanied her on drums and synth.
The Naked and Famous at Constellation Room
The Naked and Famous at the Observatory by Steven Ward
Living up to their name, Los Angeles-based indie-rock band The Naked and Famous set aside the synth-fueled love affair that their music has been awash in since their debut for a night of intimate retouchings of their discography. Playing in a completely packed Constellation Room in Santa Ana, duo Alisa Xayalith and Thom Powers peeled off the lush anthemics that saturated a number of their hits like, “Young Blood,” and, “Punching in a Dream.” Telling the crowd that it would be the most naked they’d ever see the band, Xayalith and Powers were a smoldering exchange of emotion as they murmured against the cresting tides of light atmospherics and strums that wrapped around their new melodies.
Gogol Bordello at Fonda Theatre
Gogol Bordello at Fonda Theatre — Photo: Farah Sosa
New York-based band Gogol Bordello had a sold-out show with crowds filling up the spot since early in the night to catch all the action. The band had on board for the last six months the high energy New Yorkers Lucky Chops dropping heavy doses of brassy funk for their last performance with Gogol Bordello before the band takes off to Europe. It was an excellent opener playing originals and covers from Arianna Grande to Lipps “Funkytown”. They were not smooth at all, the brass resonated all over like a roar getting the audience going and even had a guest appearance from Gogol Bordello’s guitarist, Boris Pelekh. Pure fire.
Tinashe at Air + Style
Tinashe at Air + Style 2018 by Steven Ward
R&B and pop favorite of the weekend Tinashe appeared before a raving crowd on the Summer stage, transforming her small environ and accompaniment of four backup dancers into an explosive performance. With all the swagger and gusto of an artist performing on a much larger stage to a crowd of thousands, Tinashe made her set feel just as grandiose as if she was playing the main stage at Coachella or was the cornerstone performance at the Grammys.
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club at Fonda Theatre
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club at Fonda Theatre — Photo: ZB Images
If you ever wanted to cry over your ex in a dark room filled with strangers, I highly suggest a Black Rebel Motorcycle Club show. The heavy haze and minimal lighting will hide your tears while their melancholy music trudges through your heart. Peter Hayes, Robert Levon Been and Leah Shapiro will not leave you wallowing in self pity searching for a serendipitous meeting, however, hold on to your hearts because by the end of their show they pick you up and brush you off with a rebirth of rebellion before they send you out into the night.
KImbra at The Theatre at Ace Hotel
Kimbra at the Theatre At Ace — Photo: Danielle Gornbein
Angelinos gathered at the beautiful Ace Theatre this past Wednesday night for the true Valentine – Kimbra. The breathtaking Grammy-winning artist brought her incredibly unique form of art to the beautiful stage this Valentine’s Day. Her music uniquely blends R&B, jazz, and rock stylings together to create something so beautiful. Many of us discovered her after her collaboration with the one-hit wonder track “Somebody That I Used To Know” by Gotye back in 2011.
James Bay at iHeartRadio Theater LA
James Bay at the iHeart Radio Theater shot by Danielle Gornbein
English heartthrob, James Bay held a private concert in support of his upcoming sophomore record Electric Light due May 18th via Universal Records. Bay’s debut record Chaos and the Calm came out back in 2015 when he brought to light singles “Let It Go” and “Hold Back The River.” iHeart Radio Theater attendees got a taste of the new music, including the two he’s already released, “Wild Love” and “Pink Lemonade.” Holy smokes! This guy is insanely talented. Being welcomed onto stage, he immediately struck us with his serious Alex Turner of Arctic Monkeys vibes. From 2015 to now he is back and better than ever, minus his well-known long hair and ranger hat. Bay has obviously been asked why the new look and he swiftly responded with “As soon as I wrote the first couple of songs, I went “Well, this isn’t the hat and hair guy.”
Khruangbin at the Lodge Room
Khruangbin at Lodge Room — Photo: Farah Sosa
The Texan trio Khruangbin has a spellbinding presence. Influenced by Thai Funk and mainly instrumental, their performance was captivating and their sounds unique. When using vocals there was an additional dash of artistry to their hypnotic sounds. Their new material “Con Todo el Mundo” had great expectation and their delivery was on point. They even did some hip-hop renditions that really got the crowd going.
Com Truise at Exchange L.A.
Com Truise at Exchange LA — Photo: Kirby Gladstein
For me, listening to Com Truise is pure time travel. The synths rocket me back to a balcony in the suburbs of Houston in the summer of 2012. I’m sticky from that glorious humidity-induced sweat layer and my mind is a mile above my brain. The only concern among my best friends and I is whether or not to go for a swim. It was such a joy to revisit that time with Com Truise last weekend.
Peach Keli Pop at Teragram Ballroom
Peach Kelli Pop at Teragram Ballroom — Photo: Jessica Rubio
Performing with SadGirl at the Teragram were Peach Keli Pop and Healing Gems. Both acts put on their own unique shows rounding out to one helluva night.
KERA at Moroccan Lounge
KERA at Moroccan Lounge — Photo: ZB Images
Headliner, KERA shook off their nerves and opened with an acoustic version of Roy Orbison’s “Crying” after which they introduced their three-part film inspired by a broken relationship and the heartbreak that follows. The band provided a visceral live soundtrack and Kera joked that they didn’t have a live foley person to add crunching gravel sounds. Members of the audience were enchanted with the dark film that explored inner demons and it was very interesting to watch the visuals of a set of songs play out live which made everything feel more personal as if you were reading KERA’s mind.
ODESZA at Fox Theater Pomona
ODESZA at Fox Theater Pomona — Photo: Kirby Gladstein
Bringing their highly theatrical and meticulously crafted live show to a sold-out crowd at the Fox Theater in Pomona in between weekends at Coachella, ODESZA utilized every second of their set to hypnotize the crowd into dancing. A drumline, horn section, guitarist, and guest vocalist Naomi Wild lent themselves in the creation of a sonic vibe that was truly cinematic. The set was a solid blend of old and new songs expertly reworked and mixed to keep everything fresh. Every detail, from the transitions to the lighting cues, was flawlessly executed. If ODESZA is ever putting on a show even remotely close to you, go.
HAIM at Fox Theater Pomona
HAIM at Fox Theater Pomona — Photo: Steven Ward
Making a pit-stop at the Fox Theater in Pomona before their appearance at the weekend one installment of Coachella, sisterly trio Haim gave fans a cover to cover run-through of their sophomore album Something To Tell You. A love letter to the melodic, soft-rock of the early 00’s, the album’s songs bring an anthemic nature to their live sets–and no venue ever seems large enough to hold it on in. But one of the joys of seeing Haim live is the three-piece act that they exist as, with sisters Danielle, Este, and Alana all sharing equal duties within the band when performing live.
Kate Nash at Fonda Theatre
Kate Nash, The Fonda Theater, photo by Wes Marsala
After a few bars, the effulgent Kate Nash scuttled onto stage. She gazed out on her audience and regarded them with a grinning giggle as she sat behind her keyboard. She struck a few chords, and the audience instantly joined her in singing the first verse or so of “Foundations.” Nash was teasing the song and used it to segue to “Mouthwash.” Nash treated the audience to songs new and old for over an hour and a half as she peppered the musical breaks with small swear-filled stories and a whole lot of sincere gratitude to her audience for supporting her as an independent artist.
Unknown Mortal Orchestra at the Wiltern — Photo: Kirby Gladstein
ouring their newest release, Sex & Food, psych-rockers Unknown Mortal Orchestra played The Wiltern in Los Angeles Friday night. From the faux plants to white shag carpet to a turntable and collection of accompanying vinyl, it was as if Ruban Nielson invited the entirety of the sold out crowd into his basement and said, “hey, let’s get a little weird.” Highlights of the weirdness that ensued included Nielson taking a jaunt through the venue and all the way up to the mezzanine for a quick jam session, a brief break between songs for members of the band and some of the techs to take a group tequila shot, and a stripped down but crescendoing version of “Not in Love We’re Just High” that managed to feel heartbreaking considering the subject matter.
Moon Honey at Zebulon
Moon Honey at Zebulon – Photo: ZB Images
Moon Honey should be experienced live to fully appreciate their enchanting magic. Those who attended Zebulon’s one year anniversary show can attest to this. Their sorcery is woven into the exotic head pieces and waterfalls of fringe that adorn fairy-like lead singer Jessica Joy. Guitarist Andrew Martin competes for your attention with glamorous rock and roll contortions.
Arctic Monkeys at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery by Steven Ward
Arctic Monkeys at Hollywood Forever
There was something wistfully poetic about the Arctic Monkeys making their return to Hollywood via a blistering sunset serenade amidst a collection of stone mausoleums in one of the city’s oldest cemeteries. Fronted by the irrefutably suave Alex Turner, the band has always exuded a certain melancholic sexiness, yet their performance at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery on Saturday night was permeated by a carefully measured nostalgia as well. “Do You Wanna Know?” off their most recent album AM seemed slowed down, with Turner’s sultry drawl meandering behind the song’s pulsating percussiveness.
Lord Huron at Greek Theatre
Lord Huron at the Greek Theatre by Steven Ward
Lord Huron were always destined to eventually play the Greek Theatre and on Saturday night, amongst the stars and trees that blanket the iconic Los Angeles hillside venue, the band made that scene a reality. Lead by Ben Schneider, the velvet-throated crooner with enviable hair, the band gave their sold-out crowd a night of rollicking, bittersweet folk anthems.
Tyler The Creator at Boston Calling
Tyler the Creator at Boston Calling by Steven Ward
Boston Calling day two was the hottest day of the weekend and not just in terms of the weather. With fiery performances by hip-hop acts like Tyler the Creator and Brockhampton, as well as virulent rock clashings by Manchester Orchestra and Royal Blood, day two sought to outdo day one with the sheer brute force of its performers.
Belly at Boston Calling
Belly at Boston Calling by Steven Ward
Boston Calling day two was the hottest day of the weekend and not just in terms of the weather. With fiery performances … Belly just next door continued to give early arrivers something to bang their heads about as lead vocalist Tanya Donelly’s and bassist Gail Greenwood worked the crowd with their incessant charm and hot licks.
Paramore at Boston Calling
Paramore at Boston Calling by Steven Ward
Boston Calling day two was the hottest day of the weekend and not just in terms of the weather. With fiery performances … Belly just next door continued to give early arrivers something to bang their heads about as lead vocalist Tanya Donelly’s and bassist Gail Greenwood worked the crowd with their incessant charm and hot licks.
Peter Hook & The Light at Wiltern
Peter Hook and The Light, The Wiltern, photo by Wes Marsala
Peter Hook & The Light promised a special, one night only show at the Wiltern. To celebrate their 500th live show, 8th anniversary, and 38th anniversary of Ian Curtis’s death, they planned a one-off performance of Joy Division’s albums Unknown Pleasures and Closer. Joy Division fans from near and far converged on the sold out Wiltern for what promised to be a very special concert.
U2 at The Forum
U2 at The Forum — Photo: David Fisch
There really isn’t a whole lot I can say at this point that would differ from any outlet or journalist who has covered this band for over three decades, but it’s always a big deal when U2 comes to town. The guys performed two sold-out nights at The Forum in Inglewood majorly in support of their most recent output, Songs of Experience and Songs of Innocence, which have served as a duality of sorts for the band’s current political and socio-economical ringing. Putting aside the opinions of these records, U2 performed as vitally as ever, eschewing-in a roaring passion for arena-ready soundscapes that haven’t been truly felt since their early 90’s days.
Sylvan Esso at the Greek Theatre
Sylvan Esso at the Greek Theatre shot by Danielle Gornbein
Without further ado, Sylvan Esso took stage! The electro-pop duo from North Carolina is comprised of producer Nick Sanborn and frontwoman Amelia Meath. Together the two create a captivating experience whether you’re experiencing live at a concert or in the car through your stereo. As for Tuesday night’s audience, they’re glad they made it out to the show.
David Byrne at Shrine Auditorium
David Byrne at Shrine Auditorium — Photo: ZB Images
The stage was wrapped in curtains of beads forming three tall walls. A table with a brain resting on it and chair bathed in a square of light. From the darkness he appears like a barefoot professor, wild grey hair, grey suit. He is joined by his backup singers. Soon musicians are materializing through the walls. The lights a wash of blue or red. It is minimal. It is joyful. It is creative. It is shadow and light. It is human. It is David Byrne.
Mac Demarco at the Teragram Ballroom
Mac Demarco at the Teragram Ballroom shot by Danielle Gornbein
The night of course involved quirky bits of hilarity and silliness, while also proving to be one of the staple live musicians of today’s generation. Fans laughed and sang along with Mac’s dreamy voice, even when he adlibbed some funky voices and accents into his songs. Craziness aside, we got to partake in a beautiful sing-along to the very pretty “My Kind Of Woman.” However, things didn’t slow down for long. The crowd stayed close the entire night, while expecting the famous intermittent crowd surfing by DeMarco himself.
SLUGS at The Echo
SLUGS at The Echo — Photo: ZB Images
This past Monday kicked off SLUGS’ August residency at The Echo. Joining them, was surprise opener and mega SLUGS fan, Lauren Ruth Ward. Ward played a stunningly beautiful solo acoustic set which she confessed more than once had her nerves jumbled. She brought friend and guitarist Steven John Taylor up for a few numbers and also covered her sweetheart, LP’s song “Switchblade.”
The National at the Santa Barbara Bowl
The National at the Santa Barbara Bowl shot by Danielle Gornbein
When the opportunity comes to see The National under the stars you take it. Saturday evening was our shot. Following a two-night stint at the Hollywood Palladium, Matt Berninger and crew took their show to the beautiful Santa Barbara Bowl. Nestled between a hilltop and a quaint neighborhood, the unique, winery-esque venue has you instantly feeling good.
Blood Orange at the Greek Theatre
Blood Orange at the Greek Theatre shot by Danielle Gornbein
With stars bright in the sky, it was time for Blood Orange. The man behind the project is Dev Hynes. With packed talent, Hynes created a work of art on stage Friday evening and it was simply beautiful. As soon as the lights dimmed and music started, his bandmates took place and the crowd went crazy. After hitting the festival circuit in 2016 following his third record Freetown Sound, the British multi-instrumentalist took time to work on new music which brings us to where we are today.
Bedouine at the Fonda Theatre
Bedouine at the Fonda Theatre shot by Danielle Gornbein
Starting the night off was Bedouine, the folk outlet of singer / songwriter Azniv Korkejian. Having been born and raised in Syria until the age of 10, Korkejian sings of memories and personal experiences from her childhood. She definitely has a unique sound to her music! Her songs have strong 60’s/70’s country-folk influences. She performed alone on stage mostly, before bringing out her close friend and bassist who is producing her new music.
Cafe Tacvba at the Troubadour
Cafe Tacvba. Photo Farah Sosa
These Latin rock legends have been at it since the early 90’s and although there were old-school fans in the place, they continue to attract all kinds of audiences giving thanks to the youth on the spot. They took over the stage like the true stars and pleased the crowd with all-time favorites.
Dream Wife at The Echo
Dream Wife at The Echo — Photos: ZB Images
Headlining the night was acclaimed London-based band Dream Wife. A band that has a mid 90’s rock sound syncopated with a punk delivery. Icelandic-born front woman Rakel Mjöll stomped around the stage and assumed power poses like a general gathering her army to take down the patriarchy all while flashing an innocent looking disarming grin. She was joined by a masked Alice Go on guitar and Bella Podpadec on bass.
Lily Allen at the Fonda Theatre
Lily Allen at the Fonda Theatre shot by Danielle Gornbein
English pop princess, Lily Allen graced the Fonda Theatre Monday night. After a four-year hiatus, she is back and better than ever in support of her forth record, No Shame, which just released this June via Parlophone. A very diverse crowd of fans flooded the iconic Fonda to see the awaited performance. Allen has been extremely open with her personal life thus far and prior to the latest music. No Shame is as straightforward as it gets. Lily Allen has practically been at the tip top and very rock bottom of her career which led her to where she is today.
Shirley Manson, Garbage at CalJam
Garbage, Cal Jam 18 — Photo: ZB Images
Garbage: Only goddess, Shirley Manson could intimidate the weather of Southern California to rain on cue the moment she sings “I’m only happy when it rains.” Loved her look and red warrior makeup!
POND at The Regent
POND at The Regent – Photo: Kirby Gladstein
Psychedelic rockers from Perth, Western Australia, Pond, played a raucous show at The Regent DTLA Tuesday night. The crowd undulated for the entirety of the set; frontman Nick Allbrooks’ distinctive dance moves and banter from the band riled them up continuously. By the end of the show it had been decided, this was the most fun Pond had ever had wrapping up a tour.
Petit Biscuit at Fonda Theatre
Petit Biscuit at Fonda Theatre – Photo: Kirby Gladstein,/em>
Petit Biscuit at Fonda Theatre – Photo: Kirby Gladstein,/em>
Well into the last leg of the Presence North America tour, Petit Biscuit played the first of two shows at the Fonda in Los Angeles Saturday night. The French Moroccan DJ and producer, Mehdi Benjelloun, had much to celebrate besides the sold out show. Not only was November 10 the one-year-anniversary of the release of Presence, it also happened to be his 19th birthday. The enthusiastic crowd took every opportunity to remind him, screaming and singing happy birthday at every lull in the music.
Reignwolf at The Roxy
Reignwolf at The Roxy — Photo: ZB Images
Los Angeles has been waiting a long time to once again witness the majesty that is Reignwolf. Thursday night, The Roxy finally satisfied that need and provided some sweaty raucous rock-n-roll to a sold out house. Seeing a performer like Jordan Cook in any venue is a treat especially if there are balconies to climb on (still sad I missed the legendary Troubadour show years ago).
Thom Yorke at the Orpheum Theater
Thom Yorke at the Orpheum Theatre — Photo: ZB Images
Thom Yorke has been on a solo U.S. tour for a month and it’s not for the casual Radiohead fan. Last nigh, Yorke performed at the Orpheum Theater LA and his set heavily sunk into his solo work especially from the albums Tomorrow’s Modern Boxes and The Eraser. Also featured are songs off Atoms for Peace, which included a guest appearance by bandmate Flea. The final song of the night was Unmade off the chilling new Suspiria album.
