Concert Review: King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard with King Stingray at Frost Amphitheater, Palo Alto, CA – November 4, 2024
On a crisp evening, the Frost Amphitheater in Palo Alto buzzed with anticipation as fans gathered for a dynamic showcase headlined by the beloved Australian psychedelic rock band King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard. Earlier in the night, the vibrant sounds of the opening act, King Stingray, set the tone for an evening of genre-blending musical exploration.
King Stingray: A Cultural Delight
King Stingray, hailing from East Arnhem Land, opened the show with an electrifying set infused with rich cultural heritage. The band, featuring the charismatic Yirrŋa Yunupiŋu on vocals, Roy Kellaway and Dimathaya Burarrwanga on guitars (the latter also wielding the didgeridoo), Campbell Messer on bass, and Lewis Stiles on drums, seamlessly blended English lyrics with Yolŋu Matha. This cultural duality offered a refreshing and immersive listening experience.
Their set began with the infectious “Get Me Out,” instantly captivating the crowd with its upbeat rhythm and stunning harmonies. The intricate guitar work of Kellaway and Burarrwanga created layers of sound that complemented Yunupiŋu’s commanding vocal presence. They followed with “Blackbird,” where the poignant melodies and lyrical beauty shone through, particularly when English and Yolŋu Matha intertwined effortlessly.
As the set progressed, King Stingray showcased their powerful connection with their ancestral roots, punctuating their performance with traditional sounds that resonated deeply with the audience. Tracks like “Camp Dog” and “Ladikatch” brought a chilled-out groove, while the ground-shaking beats of “Honey” had fans dancing with unrestrained joy. Their performance was not just a show but a celebration of identity and musical heritage.
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard: A Psychedelic Odyssey
After a brief intermission, the atmosphere shifted as King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard took the stage. The band started their frenetic set with “Superbug,” immediately launching the audience into a whirlwind of psych-rock energy. The intricate instrumentation and dazzling effects showcased the band’s virtuosity, setting the tone for what was to come.
“Supercell” followed a track that exemplified their ability to traverse genres while maintaining a cohesive sound. As the band delved into “I’m in Your Mind,” the seamless transitions into teases of “Cellophane” and “I’m Not in Your Mind” highlighted their improvisational prowess, captivating the audience and inviting them to lose themselves in the music.
The crowd erupted when “Cellophane” was played, its catchy hooks drawing fans into a sing-along frenzy. As the tempo varied, “I’m in Your Mind Fuzz” provided a heavy, psychedelic backdrop interlaced with the grittier “Le Risque,” showcasing the band’s eclectic penchant.
Midway through the set, Gizzard offered something special: “Interior People,” featuring Joey Walker on acoustic guitar, marked the live debut of this poignant track, and it was a moment of intimate beauty within the energetic set. The audience’s enthusiasm reached another level when “Hog Calling Contest” had Stu Mackenzie humorously donning clothing tossed from the crowd, showcasing the playful rapport Gizzard maintains with their fans.
The lush soundscapes of “Field of Vision” and “Raw Feel,” filled with teases of “Robot Stop” and “Witchcraft,” exemplified their creativity and improvisational spirit. This dynamic was capped with “Magma,” leading into “The Dripping Tap.” The extended jam featuring lyrics referencing “Magma” was a thrilling experience, punctuated by Lucas Harwood’s plea to vote the “orange baby out” – a cheeky nod to current politics that drew laughs and cheers alike.
Final Thoughts
The connection between King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard and their audience was palpable throughout the night. The concert was not merely a performance but a celebration of musical innovation. King Stingray and King Gizzard took listeners on a journey through sound, culture, and community, with each note resonating long after the final bow. By the night’s end, concertgoers left the Frost Amphitheater blissfully euphoric, already anticipating the next opportunity to experience the mind-bending magic these bands bring to the stage.
Photos by Scott Martin Photography
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard
King Stingray
