Vampire Weekend Kicks Off Their “Only God is Above Us” Tour in Houston

“Today is the day,” I texted my best friend, referring to Vampire Weekend’s performance last night at 713 Music Hall. Kicking off their “Only God Is Above Us” tour, this show marked their first return to Houston in five years. The evening promised to be a remarkable celebration of music, nostalgia, and a shared experience.

Before the main event, LA LOM, a trio from Los Angeles, opened the night with a mix of original songs and captivating instrumental renditions of Cumbia Sonideros, Mexican Boleros, and more. Their unique blend of traditional Latin sounds with a modern twist created an inviting atmosphere that resonated with the diverse audience. I was happy to hear them cover “Llorar” by Los Socios del Ritmo. This performance transported me back to my hometown in Tamaulipas, evoking memories of backyard parties with friends.

An hour after LA LOM’s set, the lights dimmed, and the crowd erupted in cheers as Vampire Weekend finally appeared. Ezra Koenig, Chris Baio, and Chris Tomson took the stage, in front of a giant black curtain with “Vampire Weekend” written in bold white letters. They opened with “Mansard Roof,” from their debut album, and the audience joined by singing along. They were followed by “Holiday”, “Ice Cream Piano”, and “Classical”.

As the night progressed, Vampire Weekend delved into their extensive catalog, performing fan favorites like “Oxford Comma,” “Diane Young,” and “A-Punk,” followed by my favorite song of the evening, “Mary Boone” (I might’ve teared up a little bit) with leadman Ezra Koenig mentioning it was the first time they had played that song in concert, making Houston feel special.

Before launching into the final songs of the evening, Koenig took a moment to address the crowd. “It’s been a beautiful time playing for you, Houston, here at the 713 Music Hall,” he said warmly. He shared that they visited the Rothko Chapel and encouraged everyone to experience its serenity. “You’ve been an amazing audience,” he added, expressing gratitude for the night’s energy.

For the encore, Vampire Weekend returned to the stage with a trio of covers, some requested by the audience. “1901” by Phoenix, “Don’t Dream It’s Over” by Crowded House, and the classic “Wonderwall” by Oasis and eventually closing the night with the iconic “Walcott” from their self-titled album.

This is the fourth time I get to see them live, and they never disappoint. My high-school self is always happy and excited to be there. Until next time, Vampire Weekend <3

Houston’s Setlist: