Despite the heavy rain, dedicated fans traveled through L.A.’s water-soaked streets on Thursday night to see The Vaccines perform the final show of their North American tour at the Belasco.

The English indie-rock band set off on tour on Jan. 16 to commemorate their newest studio album, “Pick-Up Full of Pink Carnations.” Although their roots are proudly established in West London, the music pays a nod to their time in L.A. with songs like “Anonymous in Los Feliz,” which the crowd happily sang along to. 

Doors for the show opened at roughly 7:00 P.M., and dozens of fans shook off their drenched umbrellas and removed their dampened coats before filling the downtown theater. The crowd was a refreshing mix of diverse ages. Everyone’s faces reflected a spirited appreciation for music and excitement for the show, from adolescents to elders. 

The up-and-coming post-punk band Thus Love delivered a sharp and purely entertaining performance to kickstart the night. From their bleached hairstyles and unique wardrobe to their heavy bass, the band resembled a 1980s rock band, which the crowd adored. 

Following minor setbacks and technical difficulties, Thus Love finished their set and welcomed The Vaccines to the stage. 

As the 1973 hit “Live and Let Die” from the fellow London-founded band Wings played,  the members took the stage individually and settled into their instrumental positions while sporting sharp button-ups paired with their iconic sunglasses. 

After waiting for the applause to ease off and greeting the L.A. crowd, the band went straight into performing “Love to Walk Away,” a single off their newest album. For the next hour, The Vaccines performed a healthy mix of their new music and their old hits while the audience enthusiastically cheered, danced, and sang along. 

Watching groups of carefree friends cling to one another and enjoying the moment perfectly embodies The Vaccines’ youthful, upbeat, and easy-going sound. 

Halfway through their performance, lead vocalist Justin Young paused briefly. 

“The first time we ever played in L.A. was in 2011,” Young said. “It was at a little venue called Spaceland.” 

To speak about their first performance in L.A. as they ended their tour in the same city 14 years later was a full circle moment for both the band and the audience. 

During this pause, Young also introduced and thanked each band member. Over the years, an accumulation of new and original members formed what the band uniquely stands as today. With each member’s introduction, a roar of screams and appreciative fans celebrated the musicians. Young reminisced with the fans for a bit longer before returning to the music and performing “ Heartbreak Kid.”

At around 10 p.m., the show seemed to end as Young thanked the crowd one last time and the band exited the stage. However, disappointed fans began cheering again a few minutes later while The Vaccines returned for an encore. 

The band ended the performance and their North American tour with four fan favorites, including the song “A Lack of Understanding” from their 2011 album, “What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?”

For one night, The Vaccines transported the Belasco and its patrons back into the indie music scene of the 2010s. 

Set List: 

1. Love to Walk Away
2. Wreckin’ Bar 
3. I Can’t Quit 
4. Post Break-Up Sex
5. Wetsuit 
6. Your Love is my Favourite Band 
7. Discount de Kooning (Last One Standing) 
8. The Dreamer
9. Headphones Baby 
10. Jump Off The Top
11. No Hope
12. Handsome
13. Heartbreak Kid 
14. Teenage Icon
15. I Always Knew 
16. If You Wanna 
17. All In White 

Encore: 

1. Sometimes, I Swear 
2. A Lack of Understanding 
3. Lunar Eclipse 
4. All of My Friends Are Falling In Love

Photo Credit: Colin Hancock