What better way to kick off summer than with Briston Maroney and Peach Pit at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles? Co-headlining the Long Hair, Long Life Tour, the two artists drew a completely packed amphitheater filled with longtime fans ready for a night of music they knew by heart. The moment I stepped into the venue, I entered a full-blown indie fest with tattoos, eclectic haircuts, and Doc Martens that filled up the crowd as far as the eye could see.
Briston Maroney took the stage, and my eyes were immediately drawn to the neon green “FUCK ICE” sign emblazoned on the drum set. Music has the power to bring people together. Still, it would feel disingenuous to write about the joy of the night without acknowledging the current situation unfolding in Los Angeles. During the set, Maroney paused to recognize and support the protests in LA against intensified ICE raids and inhumane deportation policies.
Dressed in a look quintessentially Briston — a pink slip dress layered over jorts, brown boots, and his signature voluminous curls — he took the stage with confidence. He opened with “Real Good Swimmer,” a standout from his new album JIMMY, released this May. This wasn’t my first time seeing him live, and true to form, the stage design was immersive and intentional. This time, he was joined by a technicolor forest of rocks, moss, and trees, enhancing the atmosphere on stage.
Next came his older hit “Small Talk,” which pulled me away from my camera, as I couldn’t help but join in the crowd’s enthusiasm. In celebration of JIMMY, he played “Tomatoes” before diving into beloved hits like “Caroline” and “Body.” As the sun dipped below the horizon, he fittingly performed “June.”
Briston Maroney closed his set with fan favorite “Freakin’ Out on the Interstate” for the perfect finale, channeling the raw, electric energy he’s famous for. With spirits running high, I made my way through the crowd to meet up with friends as we eagerly awaited Peach Pit’s arrival.
Before I knew it, Peach Pit took the stage, kicking off their set with classics like “Drop the Guillotine” and “Psychics in LA.” Like Maroney, they’re fresh off a new release, Magpie — an expansion of their 2024 album, which they celebrated with live renditions of standout tracks like “Outta Here” and “Did You Love Somebody.” The setlist flowed effortlessly between eras; from “Black Licorice” and “Being So Normal” to “Shampoo Bottles” and “Private Presley,” each song elevated the energy within the crowd.
Lead singer and rhythm guitarist Neil Smith introduced their self-titled track “Peach Pit” with a backstory that was equal parts heartfelt and humorous. He first performed the song the night he asked guitarist Christopher Vanderkooy to start a band with him. Now singing it solo, Smith watched as the audience tried to sing along but kept fumbling the lyrics. Still, he leaned into the moment with warmth and humor, smiling through the imperfection and letting it become part of the performance.
As the show wound down, Peach Pit returned for an encore, closing with the ever-emotional “Tommy’s Party.” As they stepped offstage, they tossed guitar picks into the crowd and hand-selected a few lucky fans to receive the setlists. Even a week later, I still find myself bringing up this show in conversation. There was something undeniably powerful about seeing these two bands co-headline, demonstrating how music can be a source of connection, catharsis, and joy, especially during such turbulent times.
