The Night The Zombies Came European Tour came to Sagres Campo Pequeno, the legendary Pixies brought to the Lisbon venue the songs from their latest album, but also some of their most unforgettable songs.
The first part was performed by The Pale White, watch here.
The band took the audience at Campo Pequeno on a journey through some of their most iconic songs, the concert went through their latest album, The Night The Zombies Came, but also the albums Doolittle, Bossanova, Surfer Rosa, Come On Pilgrim, Trompe le Monde, Complete ‘B’ Sides, to which they added some tributes.
And it was with a cover that they opened, “Cecilia Ann” by The Surftones and continued with “Down to the Well”, “Head On” by The Jesus and Mary Chain, “Wave of Mutilation” and “Monkey Gone to Heaven”, with fans won over from the first chord.
The show continued with “In Heaven” from Lady in the Radiator in a version by Peter Ivers & David Lynch, “La La Love You” and the classic “Here Comes Your Man”, and after a fantastic journey, accompanied by a dedicated and knowledgeable audience, it ended with “Havalina”, “Mercy Me”, “Where Is My Mind?” and “Into the White”.
In 2024, the Pixies celebrate important milestones such as the release of their 10th studio album, The Night the Zombies Came, 35 years since the Doolittle album, which catapulted them to success in the United Kingdom, and 20 years since their reunion at Coachella.
The band has remained very creative and the new album is proof of this. With 13 tracks that explore dark and cinematic themes, mixing elements of folk, punk and science fiction, launching themselves in a unique style that combines gothic with western sounds à la Ennio Morricone.
Vocalist Black Francis, who has a penchant for quirky themes such as zombies and mysticism, has recently reteamed with producer Tom Dalgety, who has been instrumental in their sound evolution since 2016, while the addition of bassist Emma Richardson has brought a new dynamic to the group, with her vocal elegance and creative talent complementing drummer David Lovering.
The revamped lineup, coupled with Joey Santiago’s experience and technical evolution on guitar, reflects the Pixies’ continued pursuit of innovation while remaining true to their iconic style.
The Pixies are an influential American alternative rock band formed in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1986. They are widely regarded as pioneers of the alternative rock boom of the 1990s, although they achieved more significant success in the UK and Europe during their early phase.
The band was formed by Charles Thompson IV (later known as Black Francis) and Joey Santiago, who met as students at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Bassist Kim Deal joined after answering an ad, and brought in drummer David Lovering, and they gained a strong reputation in the Boston club scene.
Their music blended the aggression of punk rock with pop melodies, often using dynamic shifts between loud and soft sections. Black Francis’ distinctive, often strident vocals and surreal lyrics were also key elements of their sound.
They released their debut mini-album, Come on Pilgrim, in 1987. Their first full-length album, Surfer Rosa (1988), produced by Steve Albini, is considered a landmark in alternative rock.
Doolittle (1989) is often cited as their masterpiece and brought them closer to mainstream success with songs such as “Here Comes Your Man” and “Monkey Gone to Heaven”. They released two more albums, Bossanova (1990) and Trompe le Monde (1991), before acrimoniously splitting in 1993.
The Pixies reunited in 2004 for a much-anticipated tour, which was documented in the film loudQUIETloud (2006). Kim Deal left the band in 2013 and was initially replaced by touring bassist Kim Shattuck, followed by Paz Lenchantin, who became a permanent member in 2014.
In 2024, Paz Lenchantin left to focus on her projects, and Emma Richardson (ex-Band of Skulls) joined as the new bassist.
Current members are Black Francis (Charles Thompson IV) on vocals, rhythm guitar (1986–1993, 2004–present), Joey Santiago on lead guitar (1986–1993, 2004–present), David Lovering on drums, backing vocals (1986–1993, 2004–present) and Emma Richardson on bass guitar, backing vocals (2024–present).
Discography:
- Come on Pilgrim (mini-album, 1987)
- Surfer Rosa (1988)
- Doolittle (1989)
- Bossanova (1990)
- Trompe le Monde (1991)
- Indie Cindy (2014)
- Head Carrier (2016)
- Beneath the Eyrie (2019)
- Doggerel (2022)
The Pixies are widely cited as a major influence on many alternative rock bands of the 1990s, including Nirvana, Radiohead and Weezer. Kurt Cobain acknowledged Nirvana’s debt to the Pixies‘ loud and quiet dynamics. Their unique sound and approach to songwriting left an indelible mark on the development of alternative music.
Setlist
- Cecilia Ann (The Surftones cover)
- Down to the Well
- Head On (The Jesus and Mary Chain cover)
- Wave of Mutilation
- Monkey Gone to Heaven
- In Heaven (Lady in the Radiator Song) (Peter Ivers & David Lynch cover)
- La La Love You
- Here Comes Your Man
- Gouge Away
- Hey
- Velouria
- Jane (The Night the Zombies Came)
- Chicken
- Motoroller
- The Vegas Suite
- The Happening
- Tame
- Subbacultcha
- Distance Equals Rate Times Time
- Dig for Fire
- Caribou (Frank Black tunning guitar)
- Cactus
- Debaser
- Bone Machine
- Mr. Grieves
- Nimrod’s Son
- Havalina
- Mercy Me
- Where Is My Mind?
- Into the White
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