Salt Lake City, UT — The Silversun Pickups brought MAJOR weekend energy to Salt Lake City’s — otherwise far too quiet — Wednesday night. The concert was held at The Union Event Center in Downtown Salt Lake. The Union Center has crept its way up on my list as one of my all-time favorite venues in the greater Salt Lake area. Having a humble and simple design outside, the inside of the venue is far from lack-luster.
Not only did the venue have a huge space to fit all the “Silversunians” tonight; it also had several food and bar areas (21+ only, sorry kids). After already being impressed by the ever-growing crowd on the main level, I was pleasantly surprised to spot an entire upper level I had yet to explore. The view from the second level railing was absolutely magical.
The highlight of the night was the pure talent emanating from the stage. The opening performance was provided by Eliza & The Delusionals. Matching the indie-rock persona of The Silversun Pickups, the crowd’s reaction gave a clear 5 stars.
The Silversun Pickups began in the early 2000’s. Now two decades into their careers, the group synergy might be due to the fact that they actually started off as friends. They began playing music together and would often play at The Silverlake Lounge in Los Angeles, California.
Before their performances, one member would usually stop by the liquor store across the street from the lounge. This quickly became termed “making a Silversun pickup” and kicked off the beginning of an era.
The group consists of lead singer Brian Aubert, drummer Christopher Guanlao, bassist Nikki Monniger, and keyboardist Joe Lester. Hitting over a million records sold in the U.S., it’s easy to see why. On behalf of indie/alternative music enthusiasts, thank you to the Silversun Pickups for a mind-blowing performance.
The entrance by Silversun Pickups tonight was one I will never forget. The crowd was waiting patiently when first the fog started to rise up from the stage. Then came the lights, revealing the legendary rock silhouette from the performers holding their instruments, waiting to hit that first note. In true Silversun fashion, there was no subtlety to their first song.
They came out to the crowd pouring their hearts into their instruments. Their genuine love for music was evident and carried on throughout their performance. It was all gas, no brakes.
Lead singer Brian Aubert’s legendary comment to the crowd said “You know this… there is something f***ing radical about Salt Lake City.” *cue the crowd going wild*. I’d have to say, Brian, I definitely agree with you.
