The War On Drugs returned to the stage for their first time in a year with a splash, performing covers of Neil Young, Patti Smith and the Pretenders during their recent shows in their hometown of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. These two performances took place at Union Transfer and the Fillmore on December 29th and 30th respectively.
The band first covered Young’s “Look Out For My Love,” which was originally recorded for Young’s 1978 album Comes A Time. The band teamed up with Michael Polizze for this cover, as they performed the track in a straightforward blues inspired manner in tribute to Young’s Original.
They also performed a cover of Smith’s “Because The Night<‘ which was originally recorded as part of the Patti Smith Group’s 1978 album release Easter. Singer Rosali performed the vocals for this track, as the band was joined once again by Polizze for this equally electrifying performance of the Patti Smith classic.
Their cover of “Birds of Paradise,” originally recorded by the British punk/new wave group The Pretenders, was also performed with Rosali covering the vocals of the song, in a ballad-like manner. This track was originally featured on Pretenders II, which was originally released by Sire Records back in 1981.
The War on Drugs held a performance at The Hollywood Bowl last year alongside the band Alvvays. Haley Bosselman, who reviewed the band’s live performance at the show last year stated that the evening “felt like an inspiring farewell hug.”
Photo Credit: Sharon Alagna
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