Photography and Writing by Thom Hooper
Bright Eyes, the beloved indie-rock band led by the emotionally expressive Conor Oberst, have always worn their hearts on their sleeves and continue this trend on the most recent tour. From the very first notes of “Bells and Whistles,” the latest single from their album “Five Dice, All Threes“, the band instantly captivates the audiences in attendance, infusing each venue with an electrifying energy. The Tabernacle in Atlanta, Georgia, was no exception.
Opening the show was Hurray for the Riff Raff, a band that has toured with Bright Eyes previously and always delivers a delightful live performance. The singer of Hurray for the Riff Raff, Alynda Lee Segarra, even joined Bright Eyes on stage at The Tabernacle later in the evening to perform the companion version of “Clairaudients (Kill or Be Killed)” and “Lua,” which sent the crowd into a frenzy of applause.
Bright Eyes’ setlist is a carefully curated blend of both familiar and new favorites, each song delivered with the raw emotional intensity that makes their music both accessible and unique. The band’s instrumental and vocal performances are nothing short of spectacular. Mike Mogis’ distinctive instrumentation, coupled with Nate Walcott’s mesmerizing soundscapes and trumpet arrangements beautifully expand upon the album versions of songs, creating a grand and immersive experience. The night was additionally met with a memorable cover of “Sorry You’re Sick” with Miwi La Lupa on vocals, originally performed by Ted Hawkins.
For many fans in attendance, each show is more than just a live concert; it’s a profound and transformative experience that grips the heart and never lets go. Conor Oberst’s unique ability to transform both personal and introspective lyrics into universal truths that resonate with old and new fans is truly remarkable. It’s an incredible feat to witness a creative output like Bright Eyes still thriving after multiple decades, avoiding the pitfalls of nostalgia and continuously pushing the boundaries of their artistic expression.
There’s an undeniable magic to witnessing Bright Eyes perform live. Every emotion, every chord, and every word resonates with you, cutting through the air like an open wound. For many, the band serves as a lighthouse, guiding them forward and reminding them that even in our darkest moments, a glimmer of hope awaits. Despite their journey through the depths of sadness and despair, Bright Eyes has reaffirmed the importance of persevering and helping each other in the process.
More than words, Bright Eyes have additionally created the “Poison Oak Project” which is a charitable initiative to help those in need, with the support of fans. The Poison Oak Project is “dedicated to advancing equity for LGBTQ+ people, with a particular focus on supporting the trans community. The project supports both local and national organizations working to ensure LGBTQ+ individuals have access to the resources, care, and protections they deserve.” And for that, after all these years, they remain an unstoppable force in the indie-rock scene that continue to make a meaningful difference with their music and actions. If you’re a fan of Bright Eyes, don’t miss this tour.
Bright Eyes will be playing a sold out show in Asheville, NC tonight.
Additional dates can be found here.
Bright Eyes 2025 tour members:
Conor Oberst
Nate Walcott
Mike Mogis
MiWi La Lupa
Alex Levine
Conor Elmes
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