**LCD Soundsystem Launch Brixton Residency With Tributes to Musical Icons Brian Wilson and Sly Stone**
The iconic electronic rock band, LCD Soundsystem, opened their much-anticipated eight-night residency at London’s Brixton Academy with a nod to two towering figures in music history — Brian Wilson and Sly Stone. The Brooklyn-based group, led by the ever-charismatic James Murphy, set the tone for the evening amidst a palpable buzz from an enthusiastic, near-capacity crowd on Thursday night.
The atmosphere surged as LCD Soundsystem took to the stage, their arrival soundtracked by the unmistakeable harmonies of The Beach Boys’ classic “Good Vibrations,” a gesture of homage to Brian Wilson’s innovative legacy. James Murphy, centre stage in a luminous green Brat T-shirt, greeted the crowd before kicking things off with a spirited performance of “You Wanted A Hit,” a standout from their 2010 album, *This Is Happening*.
As the set unfurled, the band journeyed through their catalogue with evident gusto. The early highlight came in the form of “Tribulations,” from their 2005 debut. The infectious rhythm prompted an eruption of movement on the dancefloor, with Murphy’s familiar presence — equal parts technician and bandleader — on full display as he darted between his array of equipment.
In a characteristic moment of dry wit, Murphy introduced “Yr City’s A Sucker” by cheekily declaring, “your city’s a sucker, my city’s a creep,” resonating with old and new fans alike. He paused to reflect on the band’s connection to the city, telling the audience, “We played here a few years ago and we really liked it, and now we’re back, and we really appreciate that you came to see us. We don’t take it for granted.”
The setlist continued to evolve, with a playful start to Kraftwerk’s “The Model” swiftly giving way to a raucous rendition of “I Can Change,” which ignited the first mass singalong of the evening. Fan favourites “Time To Get Away” and “Get Innocuous!” from their Grammy-nominated second album, *Sound of Silver*, were met with exuberant cheers, further cementing the band’s enduring appeal.
Midway through the show, LCD Soundsystem paused for an intermission, departing the stage to the uplifting strains of “Everyday People” by Sly And The Family Stone. This subtle tribute took on added significance following Sly Stone’s passing earlier in the week at the age of 82, underscoring the influence his music continues to have across generations.
Returning to the spotlight, the band reignited the room with “North American Scum,” a track that playfully references their mistaken identity as an English group due to their significant popularity in the UK. The crowd’s energy peaked, with enthusiastic voices nearly overwhelming the vocals of keyboardist Nancy Whang during the song’s lively choruses.
Murphy, reflecting on the group’s history, reminded fans, “This is the first city we played in – somehow it was 23 years ago, and some of you weren’t even born.” This comment echoed the band’s evolving legacy, highlighting their influence on a new generation of concertgoers. The night also featured more recent tracks, including “New Body Rhumba” and “X-Ray Eyes,” illustrating the group’s commitment to fresh material alongside their classic hits.
With characteristic humility, Murphy expressed his gratitude, saying, “This is the first of many of these. We like to play in rooms that have some character and some love in. Thank you all for being excellent to us.” The evening’s finale was a crowd-pleasing sequence featuring “Dance Yrself Clean,” “New York, I Love You But You’re Bringing Me Down,” and the anthemic “All My Friends,” each song met with euphoric dancing and joyful celebration.
Far from being relegated to the memory of the 2000s indie boom, LCD Soundsystem continue to demonstrate their profound impact on the current musical landscape, influencing rising acts like The Dare and Fcukers. Their ongoing relevance was underlined by the noticeably youthful makeup of the audience.
The residency builds on their previous sold-out run at Brixton in 2022, with further performances scheduled for 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, and 22 June. For new fans and long-time followers alike, the band’s return affirms their status as one of the most innovative and beloved acts of their generation.