If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to dance through space with a killer soundtrack, Glass Animals’ current tour is your ticket to that cosmic dream. The band has seriously outdone themselves with a space-themed set design that’s nothing short of mind-blowing when they performed at Pine Knob Music Theatre in Clarkston, MI on Aug 24.
Picture neon lights, cosmic backdrops, and floating visuals that make you feel like you’re in a trippy sci-fi movie. The whole vibe is just chef’s kiss—perfect for their unique, psychedelic sound. Glass Animals’ current tour is a stunning spectacle, the stage becoming a vibrant and immersive environment that perfectly complements the band’s ethereal music.
The band’s meteoric rise can largely be attributed to the success of their hit single “Heat Waves.” This track, which became a global phenomenon and has accumulated a whopping 3 billion streams, helped Glass Animals reach new heights of popularity. The song’s dreamy vibe and relatable lyrics resonated with listeners worldwide, solidifying their place in the indie pop scene. During the show, “Heat Waves” was the closing-crowd favorite, with everyone singing along in unison, making it a truly unforgettable moment to wrap up the set.
Dave Bayley, the band’s charismatic frontman, took the energy to the next level during “Gooey.” And let me tell you, Dave Bayley is a vibe all on his own. When “Gooey” started playing, he didn’t just perform—he got groovy with the crowd on the lawn, dancing like no one was watching (though we all were, and loving every second) alongside a lifesize blow-up alien. The energy was infectious; it was the dream end-of-summer backyard party. Dave’s connection with the audience was on point, making everyone feel like they were part of something special.
Since I last saw them in 2021, Glass Animals’ stage presence and confidence have noticeably grown. The band now exudes a sense of ease and assurance that only comes with experience. Their performance was tight, polished, and yet full of the spontaneity and raw energy that makes their live shows so memorable. It’s evident that they’ve honed their craft over the past few years, and it pays off in a performance that feels both intimate and larger-than-life.
The setlist was a perfect mix of old favorites and newer hits:
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Whatthehellishappening?
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Life Itself
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Wonderful Nothing
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Space Ghost Coast to Coast
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A Tear in Space (Airlock)
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Creatures in Heaven
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Youth
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Lost in the Ocean
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Gooey
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How I Learned to Love the Bomb
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Show Pony
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On the Run
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Take a Slice
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Tokyo Drifting
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Pork Soda
Encore:
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The Other Side of Paradise
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Heat Waves
Glass Animals’ current tour is a must-see for fans and newcomers alike. The combination of their evolved stage presence, Dave’s magnetic interaction with the crowd, and the incredible space-themed set design makes for a show that’s nothing short of spectacular. This is a band at the peak of their powers, delivering a performance that will leave you floating on a cloud nine, long after the final note has faded.
Kevin Abstract, known for his work as a founding member of the genre-defying hip-hop collective Brockhampton, brought his unique energy and charisma to the stage when he opened for Glass Animals tonight. As an artist, Kevin is celebrated for blending raw, introspective lyrics with eclectic production, often touching on themes of identity, sexuality, and the complexities of modern life.
During his set, Kevin immediately broke away from the traditional performance style, jumping into the pit to perform his first song surrounded by fans. This unexpected move set the tone for an electrifying and intimate experience, with Kevin feeding off the crowd’s energy and making everyone feel like part of the show. Later, he took his connection with the audience even further by sitting out in the pavilion among the fans, transforming the performance into a communal experience that blurred the lines between artist and audience. Kevin’s ability to create such personal moments in a live setting underscores why he’s become such a compelling figure in contemporary music.
All photos by Gabriella Csapo
Glass Animals
Kevin Abstract
