OAKLAND, CA | It feels like it’s been a while, but Grouplove is finally back with new material (2023’s I Want It All Right Now) as well as their “Rock And Roll You Won’t Save Me” headlining tour which paid a visit to Oakland’s historic Fox Theater.
Bully kicked things off promptly at 8 PM with a solo set that started on the electric guitar and moved to the keyboard. Looking a bit nervous but quickly getting past her admitted jitters, she delivered a jaw-dropping performance that had those that recognized the voice but not the necessarily name quickly perking up.
The house lights dropped, and the familiar intro of The Beatles’ “Come Together” blasted through the house speakers, prompting a crowd sing-along that lasted through the 4+ minute song though admittedly most only knew the words to the chorus—the perfect group mind-meld as the band stormed the stage.
Having played support on P!nk’s “Trustfall” Tour, Grouplove was clearly pumped to give the fans a full headlining set in support of their latest release. So, it was no surprise that the setlist dove deeply into the new material but not at the expense of the rest of the catalog, launching right into “Close Your Eyes and Count to Ten” from their breakthrough debut.
The energy on stage and off was off the charts, and there was no denying the chemistry between vocalists Christian Zucconi and Hannah Hooper who stopped moving for a few seconds during “Deleter” to share a more intimate moment between the wife and husband duo before turning the intensity back up to 10 for the reminder of the set.
BULLY
GROUPLOVE SETLIST
Close Your Eyes and Count to Ten
Primetime
Deleter
Borderlines and Aliens
Ways to Go
Itchin’ on a Photograph
I’m With You
Shark Attack
Tryin’
Cruel and Beautiful World
Tell Me a Story
Chances
Hello
Tongue Tied
Song 2 (Blur cover)
Cream
Welcome to Your Life
Raspberry
Colours
