The bank of the Cumberland was filled with the eccentric sounds of King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard (KGLW) on Saturday night as the band played Ascend Amphitheater in Nashville.
Despite being of Australian origin, KGLW has made quite the impact around the world with their prolific and diverse discography. This time around, the band is promoting their newest album, Flight b741. While they’ve made waves in all genres from metal to synth-pop, this album showcases more of a bluesy-rock and boogie sound.
The night opened with “Evil Death Roll” before plunging right into their newest works with “Field of Vision,” “Mirage City,” and “Raw Feel.” Fans went wild for front man Stu Mackenzie and primary guitarist Joey Walker as they introduced each song with their quick wit and banter.
Songs like “Gila Monster” and “Supercell” highlighted the band’s metal range. Naturally, the “no moshing” signs proved futile as fans tossed themselves around and crowd surfed. In a first-ever guest appearance, drummer Michael Cavanaugh took the stage, front and center, to welcome up Jay Weinberg (Slipknot). “He’s one of my all-time favorite drummers, and he is going to play ‘Perihelion’ for us.” Cavanaugh ceremoniously took a seat and mused in adoration as Weinberg took to the kit to play.
Perhaps it is their divergence from convention that charms the audience and makes for a genuinely unique experience. For instance, KGLW committed to livestream every one of their US and Canada shows on Youtube for free. Further, they are attempting to make the shows’ sound mixes publicly available online.
While other groups may feel threatened by the idea of providing so much content to fans for free, KGLW embraces it, creating a real connection of passion between them and their fans.
To learn more about King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, visit https://kinggizzardandthelizardwizard.com.
SETLIST
- Evil Death Roll
- Field of Vision
- Mirage City
- Raw Feel
- Black Tooth
- Work This Time
- Le Risque
- I’m in Your Mind
- I’m Not in Your Mind
- Hot Wax
- I’m in Your Mind Fuzz
- Slow Jam 1
- Motor Spirit
- Gila Monster
- Supercell
- Perihelion
- Chang’e
- Extinction
