An Escape from Reality at Yeah Yeah Yeah’s in Melbourne
Photographs by Tim Lambert
Yeah, this wasn’t your ordinary show for sure. After being back in Australia after 10 long-awaited years, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs took to the stage at the heart of Margaret Court Arena in Melbourne, Australia. Hundreds of highly anticipated fans covered the floors and stalls, kicking off their love down under for a one-night-only show.
Not only did they come here to rock on their latest and greatest hits, but brought LA’s angels, ‘Automatic’ to open for their live shows here in Australia. Familiar tunes including ‘New Beginning’, ‘Too Much Money’ and ‘Electrocution’ had amplified throughout the stadium to bring together the essence and atmosphere for the night. Bringing a euphoric and glistening touch to the audience before they continue to be tinsel twirled away by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
Streams of blue and red electrifying lights ran along the stage in excitement and joy for the spectacular show ahead. Lead singer Karen O spun across the stage in her all-sequined, a bedazzled gown that could be witnessed from a mile away. With a wave of hands flying throughout the sky and a roar of cheer from the audience, the only words you could hear among this unified crowd was a ‘“Hell Yeah!”. You have this ground-shaking blitz of a drummer Brian Chase flipping his hair to and fro and the guitarist and keyboardist, Nick Zinner rocking along to the powerhouse vocals from Karen O. Wrapping her microphone around her body as she sang and danced like there was no tomorrow.
Reminiscing to their classics from 2003, giant spherical 3D eyeballs were thrown into the audience as they played their smashing hit ‘Maps’ in dedication to Nick Zinner’s dad who happened to be in the audience the following night. There was a rush of energy and vibration in the air as a strobe of lights flashed among the audience’s eyes. Waves of confetti fly in the air to the high notes of hit songs ‘Spitting Off the Edge of the World’ & ‘Heads Will Roll’.
With an occasional snap or two from Nick’s camera and spreading love and care from the arms of Karen, you were bound to be on your feet standing and dancing til the very last song played in the stadium. It felt that people wanted to have a great time and that energy bounced off one another to every movement of each song. The Yeah Yeah Yeahs left you wanting to experience a night you’ll never forget and would forever be known as timeless.
It felt impactful and moving by the end as these transformative and chemistry-sparking artists gave all they got til the very last note to end this unforgettable night. You felt the need to scream and cry happy tears in this ever-flowing love of YYY's beauty and power. If you had a chance to witness them live, you wouldn’t regret it in a heartbeat.