Bright Eyes Brings 30 Years of Music to Minneapolis
Bright Eyes brought three decades of music to the historic First Avenue in downtown Minneapolis for an intimate night despite how packed the show was.
Lullaby for the Working Class opened the show with a stage full of instruments. The venue began to fill with fans until everyone was packed shoulder to shoulder. The crowd also reflected how long Bright Eyes have been around. After 30 years as a band, there were fans of all ages scattered throughout First Avenue. There were some who have likely followed the group for decades and others experiencing them live for the first time.
The setup of the stage made it feel intimate before the music even started. Venue staff had mentioned that Conor Oberst, the lead singer of Bright Eyes, had requested the barricade be placed as close as possible because he wanted the audience close to him. With the crowd so close to the stage, the energy between the bands and audiences felt much more direct and personal.
Before Bright Eyes officially took the stage, Oberst made a surprise appearance during Lullaby for the Working Class’ set. Oberst wore a hooded sweater with the hood pulled over his face while playing the keyboard. His appearance seemingly went unnoticed by fans. Ted Stevens, lead singer of Lullaby for the Working Class, praised Bright Eyes and casually mentioned that Oberst had been playing alongside them. Many fans in the audience made it known they did not notice Oberst on stage.
I found this to be one of the more unique shows I have attended because of the musicians being shared by both bands. Everyone from Lullaby for the Working Class supported Bright Eyes on stage. It felt less like two separate acts and more like a group of musicians sharing their love for music. Oberst expressed how grateful he was to be touring alongside Lullaby for the Working Class again. According to Oberst, the last time the two bands toured together was in 2010.
After 30 years, Bright Eyes still brings longtime fans and new listeners together. The First Avenue show was a reminder of how much the band’s music has meant to people over the years.
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