When it comes to indie rock royalty, few bands have maintained the artistry, energy, and loyal fanbase that Vampire Weekend has over the years. From their breakout self-titled album to their most recent releases, they’ve crafted a sound that’s both sophisticated and wildly fun — and nowhere is that more evident than in their live shows.
For fans and newcomers alike, one of the most common curiosities is: What songs do they play live? In this blog, we’ll break down Vampire Weekends concert setlists over the years, dive into their most-performed tracks, explore fan-favorite deep cuts, and look at how their live shows have evolved. Whether you’re preparing for an upcoming tour or just love dissecting setlists, this is your ultimate guide.
Introduction: The Magic of Vampire Weekend Live
Vampire Weekend shows are more than just concerts — they’re communal celebrations of rhythm, melody, and sharp, literate lyrics. Known for their infectious energy and impeccable musicianship, the band delivers performances that feel both polished and spontaneous.
At the heart of the experience are the Vampire Weekends concert setlists, which reflect not just their biggest hits, but their artistic growth and evolving relationship with fans.
How Vampire Weekends Concert Setlists Have Evolved
When Vampire Weekend hit the indie scene in the late 2000s, their live shows centered heavily on their first two albums: Vampire Weekend (2008) and Contra (2010). Early Vampire Weekends concert setlists leaned into hits like:
- “A-Punk”
- “Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa”
- “Oxford Comma”
- “Horchata”
By the time Modern Vampires of the City (2013) arrived, their shows became more layered and reflective. The setlists expanded to include:
- “Unbelievers”
- “Step”
- “Diane Young”
With the release of Father of the Bride (2019), the band began embracing longer shows with more dynamic pacing, including acoustic moments, jammed-out versions of older tracks, and rotating song selections.
Signature Songs in Vampire Weekends Concert Setlists
Certain tracks are almost guaranteed at any Vampire Weekend show. These are the anthems that get entire crowds moving:
- “A-Punk” → Perhaps their most iconic song, it’s often played early or mid-set to ignite the crowd.
- “Oxford Comma” → A sing-along staple that showcases their clever lyricism.
- “Hannah Hunt” → Known for its emotional build, it’s often a centerpiece of the show.
- “Diane Young” → A rowdy, frenetic burst of energy.
- “Harmony Hall” → A newer anthem that closes or anchors the main set.
Fan-Favorite Deep Cuts
Beyond the hits, Vampire Weekend treats longtime fans by weaving in deep cuts. Some beloved rarities include:
- “Ottoman” (from the Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist soundtrack)
- “Ladies of Cambridge” (an early demo favorite)
- “Jonathan Low” (from The Twilight Saga: Eclipse soundtrack)
- “I Think Ur a Contra”
- “Ya Hey”
Including these tracks in Vampire Weekends concert setlists makes each show unique and builds strong fan loyalty.
Covers and Surprises
Vampire Weekend loves to surprise their audience with unexpected covers and mashups. Over the years, they’ve performed:
- “Blister in the Sun” (Violent Femmes)
- “Everywhere” (Fleetwood Mac)
- “Purple Rain” (Prince)
- “I’m Goin’ Down” (Bruce Springsteen)
These moments turn their shows into unforgettable experiences and highlight the band’s musical range.
Setlist Length and Show Structure
Typically, Vampire Weekends concert setlists include:
- 20–25 songs per night
- Main set: ~16–18 songs
- Encore: 3–5 songs
A typical structure might look like:
- High-energy opener (“Bambina” or “A-Punk”)
- Alternating hits and deep cuts
- Mid-show acoustic or piano moment (“Hannah Hunt”)
- Big singalongs toward the end (“Harmony Hall,” “Oxford Comma”)
- Fun, loose encore with covers or jams
Highlights from Major Tours
Let’s break down some standout moments from recent tours:
- 2019–2020 Father of the Bride Tour:
Huge setlists, rotating songs nightly, and extended jams on “Sunflower” and “Sympathy.” - Modern Vampires of the City Tour:
A moodier, more atmospheric set with an emphasis on vocal harmonies. - Contra Tour: Danceable, concise sets with fan favorites and high energy throughout.
Special Festival Performances
At festivals like Coachella, Lollapalooza, and Glastonbury, Vampire Weekend often condenses their set to maximize crowd-pleasers. Expect setlists like:
- “A-Punk”
- “Diane Young”
- “Harmony Hall”
- “Unbelievers”
- “Oxford Comma”
Festival sets often have extra surprises, like guest appearances or rare covers.
How Fans React to Vampire Weekends Concert Setlists
Fans are famously passionate about the band’s setlists. Social media lights up with:
- Predictions and wish lists before shows
- Live tweets and Instagram stories during shows
- Detailed reviews and rankings afterward
Fans often trade recordings, create Spotify playlists of Vampire Weekends concert setlists, and even design custom setlist posters.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect on the Next Tour
With new music on the horizon, Vampire Weekend’s next tour will likely introduce:
- Fresh material
- Revamped versions of older songs
- More rotating deep cuts and regional nods (they sometimes tailor setlists to the city they’re in)
Expect setlists to evolve as the tour progresses, making each stop unique.
Tips for the Best Live Experience
If you’re heading to a Vampire Weekend show, here’s how to make the most of it:
- Arrive early: Get a good spot if it’s general admission.
- Check recent setlists: Sites like Setlist.fm can give you clues.
- Listen to deep cuts in advance: You’ll appreciate the rarities more.
- Stay for the encore: Some of the best surprises happen at the end.
- Bring earplugs and water: Protect your ears and stay hydrated.
Final Thoughts
Vampire Weekend has mastered the art of crafting concert setlists that balance hit songs, musical experimentation, and deep fan service. Whether you’re dancing to “A-Punk,” swaying to “Hannah Hunt,” or belting out “Oxford Comma,” their shows offer something for everyone.
To recap:
- Vampire Weekends concert setlists have evolved from tight indie rock sets to expansive, genre-hopping performances.
- They consistently include fan favorites, deep cuts, and creative covers.
- Fans can expect dynamic, evolving setlists on future tours.
If you’re a die-hard fan or a casual listener considering seeing them live, now’s the time to dive into their past setlists and prepare for an unforgettable night.
