The War on Drugs’ “Drugcember to Remember” Residency: A Celebration of collaboration and a Glimpse into the Future
The War on Drugs recently concluded their annual “Drugcember to Remember” residency at Johnny Brenda’s in Philadelphia, transforming the venue into a haven for music lovers and a showcase for remarkable collaborations. This year’s event was notably special, featuring a rotating cast of acclaimed musicians joining frontman Adam Granduciel and the band on stage.
A Night of Nostalgia wiht Kurt Vile
December 20th saw a poignant reunion as Kurt vile, a founding member of The War on drugs, returned to the stage with the group. Vile hadn’t performed live with the band in approximately 15 years, making the appearance a significant moment for longtime fans.
The setlist leaned heavily on nostalgia, featuring “Arms Like Boulders” from their 2008 debut album, Wagonwheel Blues – the only studio album where Vile had substantial involvement before launching his prosperous solo career. Beyond their original material, the group also delivered compelling covers of Bill Fay’s “Pictures of Adolf Again” and R.E.M.’s “Country Feedback,” showcasing their diverse musical influences. This performance followed a surprise collaboration with Granduciel in June at the Hollywood Palladium,where they performed “Hunchback.”
Rock Legends and Indie Icons Join the Fray
The residency wasn’t solely a retrospective affair. Joe Walsh, the legendary guitarist, graced the stage on both December 19th and 20th. He energized the crowd with his signature hits, “Rocky Mountain Way” and “In the City,” alongside The War on Drugs’ own “Under the Pressure.” Walsh enthusiastically proclaimed the band “one of my favorite bands” on instagram after his frist night, highlighting the mutual respect and admiration.
Craig Finn of The Hold Steady also contributed to the December 19th show,performing his solo tracks “Bethany” and “postcards.” He also led a rendition of Bob Dylan’s classic, “Sweetheart Like You.”
Real Estate’s Martin Courtney joined the band on December 18th, adding his talents to covers of Gene Clark’s “From a Silver Phial” and Lou Reed’s “Satellite of Love.” These collaborations demonstrate The War on Drugs’ ability to seamlessly blend their sound with a wide range of artists.
What Does This Mean for The War on Drugs’ Future?
These performances aren’t just about celebrating the past; they offer a glimpse into the band’s creative process and future direction. Currently,The War on drugs are actively working on their follow-up to the critically acclaimed I Don’t Live Here Anymore,released in 2021.
Interestingly, this new album will fulfill the terms of their contract with Atlantic Records. Prior to this,the band’s first three albums were released through the Indiana-based indie label,Secretly Canadian. This shift to a major label signals a new chapter for the band, perhaps opening doors to wider audiences and greater creative resources.
* A History of Collaboration: The “Drugcember to remember” residency underscores the War on Drugs’ commitment to collaboration and their willingness to explore different musical avenues.
* Evolving sound: The diverse setlists and guest appearances suggest a band that is constantly evolving and refining its sound.
* anticipation for New Music: The ongoing work on their next album has fans eagerly anticipating what The War on Drugs will deliver next.
For fans, the residency served as a reminder of the band’s enduring appeal and their ability to create a truly special live experience. You can expect continued innovation and captivating performances from The War on Drugs as they move forward.
