Tuesday night at The Van Buren in downtown Phoenix felt like a celebration of everything that has kept Pixies at the forefront of alternative music for decades. As part of their 2025 North American tour, each city gets two nights. The first features deep cuts and full-album performances, while the second is a “classic” set filled with the energy and edge fans have come to expect.
Special guests Kurt Vile & The Violators opened the night with their signature mix of laid-back rhythm and atmospheric guitar work. Their set slowly drew the crowd in and set a strong foundation for what was to come.
Pixies took the stage without pretense and immediately launched into a no-frills, high-impact performance. They moved through the set with the confidence of a band that knows exactly who they are, blending new material with long-loved songs in a way that felt fresh without trying too hard.
The crowd stayed locked in from the first note to the last. It was clear that this night was for the true fans, and the band delivered exactly what they came to hear. There was no need for elaborate production or extended banter. The music did all the talking.
With this residency, Pixies reminded everyone why they continue to fill rooms after all these years. The connection between artist and audience was undeniable, and Phoenix was lucky to witness it.
