It always makes me chuckle when certain bands take the stage at Radio City Music Hall. I mean, it works for things like the Tonys or an orchestra or Rufus Wainwright (not a dig, Rufus. You know I love you.) but when I hear that groups such as Metallica or, as was the case last night, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, are performing, the kind of glitzy, kind of schmaltzy venue just doesn’t fit. Nevertheless, I wasn’t going to miss Karen O, Nick Zinner, and Brian Chase do their best to turn the Rockettes' home into an indie-rock dance party complete with fog, loads of confetti, and huge inflatable eye balls. And let’s not forget Miss O’s wild stage outfits of headdresses, vinyl bodices, some tentacles (I think), and capes.While the main concert itself was rip-roaring with an alternated set of numbers form It’s Blitz, Fever to Tell and Show Your Bones, the real punch came at the end in YYY’s encore. We didn’t really get a word from Karen all night, but when they re-took the stage she open-heartedly dedicated the final set to not only their opener, ESG, but also the bandmates' parents. It was a tender moment that was made even moreso when, in an ode to their home city and crowd, she cathartically sang through tears and a choked up voice their first hit “Maps,” referring to it as “a New York love song.” It hit me hard as an almost-seven-year New Yorker always longing for something or someone. And though, yes, I’m typically inclined to indulge in that sappy side of, well, everything, I was pleased they ended the concert on a rager note with “Y Control” and “Date With the Night,” even smashing guitars and slinging microphones before exiting the stage. That was probably cathartic, too.
—Seth Plattner, Assistant Editor
Photo: Getty Images
