Check out Arcade Fire performing new material at New Orleans livestream show

Virgin Radio

5 Apr 2022, 11:48

Ahead of the much-anticipated release of their new album, acclaimed Canadian indie-rockers Arcade Fire played a livestream gig in New Orleans, Louisiana, last Friday.

Taking place on April 1st, the show included some classics, as well as songs from their forthcoming sixth record, WE. The gig was part of an event hosted by US telecommunication company AT&T, and saw the band play 18 songs in just over 90 minutes, with a setlist featuring tracks from all six of their albums. 

Clearly keen to showcase their new material live, the group opened their set at the “block party” with the first two singles from WE, called The Lightning I and The Lightning II. 

They then moved into more familiar territory, busting out Rebellion (Lies), Generation A, No Cars Go, Intervention, Ready to Start, The Suburbs, Afterlife and Reflektor

Then came another new one, in the form of as-yet-unreleased Age Of Anxiety II (Rabbit Hole).

As the gig drew to a close, the group played Creature Comfort, Everything Now, Haïti and Sprawl II. They also performed Electric Blue with The Original Pinettes Brass Band and Wake Up with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

You can watch the performance here: 

Arcade Fire fans may have noticed a difference in the line up at the livestreamed gig, as Will Butler, brother of frontman Win, was absent. He recently announced that he had left the group, saying on Twitter: “I left at the end of last year, after the new record was complete. There was no acute reason beyond that I’ve changed - and the band has changed - over the last almost 20 years. Time for new things.”

He continued: “I’m working on a new record; booking some shows this summer. I’m working on music for a David Adjmi play (which is so good). A few other projects percolating.”

WE, which is Will Butler’s last album with Arcade Fire, will be released on May 6th via Columbia Records.