Phoenix was one of the most anticipated acts at the 93XRT Big Holiday Concert last Friday. The band originally planned on playing a full set however plans changed due to unfortunate circumstances. That morning, Thomas Hedlund, drummer for Phoenix, had to fly back to France due to a family emergency leaving the remaining 4 members to figure out how to play their set without a drummer. The band contemplated not playing at all but agreed to play a stripped down acoustic set.

When the concertgoers were informed about the circumstances they reacted with mixed emotions. I personally was looking forward to hearing the full band play but I must admit that I was excited to hear how their acoustic set would sound. They played “Lisztomania,” “Everything Is Everything,” “One Time Too Many,” and “1901.” Although it was a very short four song set, they played their music brilliantly and made the most out of an unfortunate situation.

Laurent Brancowitz on the acoustic guitar [view larger]

Laurent Brancowitz, Thomas Mars, Deck D'Arcy, & Christian Mazzalai

Deck D'Arcy on the keyboard

Christian Mazzalai on guitar

Thomas Mars with vocals and Deck D'Arcy on keyboard

Members of Phoenix on stage [view larger]

Thomas Mars, vocals for Phoenix