Nada Surf :: Webster Hall 4.7.12

Sold out seems to be the standard for shows this spring in NYC, and the Webster Hall Nada Surf gig was no exception. They certainly made it worthwhile, at least for me, as they played all my favorites like it was the first time. Speaking of first times, performing at intimate Webster Hall was a homecoming of sorts for the three main members of the band - they were accompanied on this tour by Doug Gillard (Guided by Voices) on lead guitar and Martin Wenk (Calexico) on keyboards, guitar, and trumpet, making it the first tour they’ve performed as a quartet - each told their own Webster Hall story, running the gamut of seeing their first show ever there to the loss of one’s virginity in the balcony.

But back to the show. Blonde on Blonde, Weightless, Killian’s Red, What’s Your Secret, Blankest Year and Always Love, mingled seamlessly with songs off the new album, If I Had a Hi-Fi. The floor shook fiercely to the rhythmic movement of the crowd who could be seen mouthing along to the lyrics.

The band’s energy didn’t stop after the full set and three encores either. The party continued backstage, and onto the after-after-party in Williamsburg (I did not attend, but I did get word that I missed a good one … shucks).

 Guitarist, Doug Gillard, of GBV, on tour with Nada Surf.

Backstage shenanigans with bassist, Daniel Lorca.

Lead Singer and native New Yorker, Matthew Caws’ family made it for the Webster Hall performance.

More poorly recorded videos of the night’s performance here.