Last night, the Arctic Monkeys played their first gig in three years. The British titans made their comeback in Istanbul, Turkey and played a vigorous 21-song set at the Zorlu Center PSM. After a second night at the venue, the band is scheduled to play shows in Burgas (August 12), Pula (August 16) and Prague (August 18).
According to NME, the August 9 performance featured highlights from a career that has spanned two decades, including classics such as “Do I Wanna Know,” “Brianstorm” and “Snap Out of It.’ Moreover, fans were pleasantly surprised when the Sheffield four-piece played “Potion Approaching” for the first time since 2011.
“It’s lovely to see you all,” frontman Alex Turner said to the packed crowd that made their appreciation felt.
🎸 — via: arcticmonkeysturkiye instagram pic.twitter.com/3JwvybFYI1
— Arctic Monkeys Tour (@monkeystour) August 9, 2022
ALEEEEEX pic.twitter.com/MYIDCSRKpa
— Arctic Monkeys Tour (@monkeystour) August 9, 2022
Arctic Monkeys performing “Do I Wanna Know?” in Istanbul tonight
— Mainly Oasis (@mainlyoasis) August 9, 2022
Drummer Matt Helders recently commented on the band’s upcoming album: “It kinda like picks up where the other one [Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino] left off musically. I mean, it’s never gonna be like ‘R U Mine?’ and all that stuff again, you know, the heavy riffs and stuff.”
“But there are riffs in there and [it’s] a bit more up-tempo, even though it’s not loud,” he added. “It’s hard to explain!”
Though there hasn’t yet been any official announcement regarding the album’s release , new music from the Arctic Monkeys is expected soon given that they are touring again.
Asked if the new album was ready, Helders replied, “Yeah, pretty much, yeah. It was a bit disjointed how we had to do it, and there are bits to finish off, but yeah, it’s all in the works.”
Photo Credit: Marisa Ficara