Arctic Monkeys bring relentless energy to San Francisco

In support of their seventh studio album The Car, Arctic Monkeys brought their North American Tour to San Francisco’s Chase Center on September 26, 2023. I’ve been a fan of Arctic Monkeys since I was 12 or 13 years old and it was such an incredible and surreal experience to be able to photograph this show.

The lineup led with openers, Fontaines D.C., a post-punk band hailing from Dublin, Ireland. From the very first chord, they set the tone for an intense and immersive musical experience. The band’s post-punk sound, characterized by frontman Grian Chatten’s distinctive gravelly vocals, resonated through the venue, instantly connecting with the eager crowd. Songs like “A Lucid Dream” and “Televised Mind” had the audience swaying and headbanging in unison, their energy mirroring the band’s intensity. What truly stood out during Fontaines D.C.’s set was Chatten’s lyrics which were filled with social commentary and raw introspection.. The band’s relentless energy, particularly from guitarist Carlos O’Connell and bassist Conor Deegan III, was infectious, and it was impossible not to get swept up in the fervor of their music.

After Fontaines D.C. left the stage, anticipation began building towards the peak event as the crowd eagerly awaited the arrival of Arctic Monkeys. When the lights dimmed and the unmistakable opening drumline of “Sculptures of Anything Goes” filled the auditorium, the roar from the audience was deafening.

Alex Turner, with his enigmatic stage presence and aviator sunglasses, led the band through a setlist that spanned across their illustrious career.

Arctic Monkeys‘ performance was nothing short of a spectacle. They seamlessly transitioned from the brooding intensity of tracks like “Crying Lightning” and “Don’t Sit Down ‘Cause I’ve Moved Your Chair” to the dance-inducing grooves of “Arabella” and “Fluorescent Adolescence” to the string led “There Better Be a Mirrorball” and “Perfect Sense.” Turner’s magnetic stage presence, along with the band’s impeccable musicianship, kept the audience enthralled throughout.

As the night came to a close, the crowd was left buzzing with the energy that only a Fontaines D.C. and Arctic Monkeys collaboration could provide. Teasing the audience, Arctic Monkeys left the stage briefly after an incredible guitar led outro of “Body Paint” and returned to play a three song encore which included “Hello You,” “I Bet That You Look Good on the Dancefloor,” and “R U Mine?” It was a night of exceptional music, powerful performances, and an atmosphere that united fans in celebration of two extraordinary bands.

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