The legendary alternative rock band the Pixies have announced a major tour for 2023, marking their first full-scale tour since the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020. The Pixies rose to fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s with hits like “Here Comes Your Man” and “Where Is My Mind?” and have remained influential in the alternative rock scene for over 30 years now. Their highly anticipated 2023 tour is sure to draw huge crowds eager to see the pioneers of alt-rock perform their iconic catalog of songs live.
But before the Pixies take the stage each night, fans will be treated to sets from not just one, but two up-and-coming opening acts. The Pixies have selected exciting indie rock duo Flower Moon and solo artist Lily Konigsberg to support them on the entirety of their 2023 tour.
About the Pixies
The Pixies first formed in Boston, Massachusetts in 1986 when singer/guitarist Black Francis, guitarist Joey Santiago, bassist Kim Deal, and drummer David Lovering came together through a local classified ad. After releasing a few EPs, the band broke onto the scene in a major way with their acclaimed 1988 debut album Surfer Rosa, which generated college rock radio hits like “Gigantic” and “Where Is My Mind?”.
The Pixies went on to become one of the most influential alternative rock acts of the late 80s and early 90s, pioneering the loud-quiet-loud dynamics and shifting song structures that later defined the grunge movement. They famously served as an inspiration to Kurt Cobain of Nirvana as he crafted his band’s breakthrough album Nevermind.
The Pixies’ Legacy
Though the original Pixies lineup disbanded acrimoniously in 1993 after releasing five studio albums, their impact on alternative rock continued to resonate. Their trademark surf rock-meets-punk sound and cryptic, offbeat lyrics about surreal and provocative themes became a blueprint for the alt-rock explosion of the 1990s.
Even after their breakup, the Pixies’ legend grew. “Where Is My Mind?” became a rock radio staple and gained even more fame after being featured in the climactic closing scene of the 1999 film Fight Club. The Pixies even reunited with their original lineup (minus Kim Deal) in 2004 and have toured consistently since then, retaining their status as one of the most pioneering and celebrated alternative bands of all time.
About the Opening Acts
Flower Moon
One of the two openers that will grace the stage before the Pixies’ headlining sets is the upstart indie duo Flower Moon. Comprised of Sacramento-based singer/songwriter Nina Renee and producer Dylan McKee, Flower Moon began making waves in 2018 with their hazy, melancholy bedroom pop tunes.
Since then, the pair have honed their sound into a dreamy amalgam of synth pop, folk, and indie rock that is at once retro and cutting-edge. Flower Moon’s breakthrough came with their second EP Fictional Dreams in 2020, generating critical acclaim and drawing comparisons to the likes of Soccer Mommy, Girl in Red, and Phoebe Bridgers.
Flower Moon have quickly risen to become a buzzworthy act in indie circles, known for their candid, vulnerable lyrics and lush sonic textures. Opening for indie legends like the Pixies marks a major milestone that is certain to win over legions of new fans.
Lily Konigsberg
Joining Flower Moon as an opener on the Pixies’ tour is the talented singer-songwriter Lily Konigsberg. Though still early in her career, this New York-based artist has already made waves with her intimate bedroom pop and tender voice.
Konigsberg first entered the indie scene as the frontwoman for the art punk band Palberta, releasing three albums between 2014 and 2018. She branched out on her own in early 2019 with her solo cassette EP The Best of Lily Konigsberg Right Now. This stripped-down collection of songs established Konigsberg as a rising folk pop artist in her own right.
Her first full-length solo album, 2021’s Sweat Forever, generated rave reviews for its openhearted songs exploring love, loneliness, and identity. Now signed to the prominent indie label Wharf Cat Records, Konigsberg’s music pulls listeners in with its poetic, diary-like lyrics set to fuzzy guitar tones and candid production. Her opening sets on the Pixies’ tour will provide a chance for audiences to get acquainted with Konigsberg’s introspective style.
Tour & Ticket Details
The Pixies’ extensive 2023 tour spans over 50 dates across North America between January and March. Kicking off at The Met in Philadelphia on January 28, the tour snakes across the continent before wrapping up in Vancouver on March 25. Along the way the Pixies will hit major markets like Chicago, Austin, Los Angeles, Toronto, and more.
Flower Moon and Lily Konigsberg will each perform abbreviated opening sets before the Pixies take the headlining stage. Set times will vary by city, with the Pixies expected to perform 90+ minute sets packed with classics like “Here Comes Your Man,” “Monkey Gone To Heaven,” “Debaser,” and “Wave of Mutilation” along with deeper cuts for hardcore fans.
Tickets for most dates are on sale now through the Pixies’ website and major ticketing outlets. Given the Pixies’ legendary status and relatively limited touring over the past decade, these shows are expected to sell out fast. Prices range from around $50 – $150 depending on the city. Grab tickets soon to catch these historic sets from one of alt-rock’s most pioneering groups, with two rising indie talents setting the stage.
The Pixies 2023 Tour Dates
| Date | City | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| January 28 | Philadelphia, PA | The Met |
| January 29 | Washington, DC | The Anthem |
| January 31 | New York City, NY | Hammerstein Ballroom |
| February 2 | Boston, MA | Roadrunner |
| February 3 | Montreal, QC | M Telus |
| February 5 | Toronto, ON | History |
| February 6 | Cleveland, OH | AGORA Theatre |
| February 8 | Detroit, MI | The Fillmore |
| February 9 | Chicago, IL | Riviera Theatre |
| February 11 | St. Paul, MN | The Palace Theatre |
| February 12 | St. Louis, MO | The Pageant |
| February 14 | Dallas, TX | South Side Ballroom |
| February 15 | Austin, TX | ACL Live at the Moody Theater |
| February 17 | Phoenix, AZ | The Van Buren |
| February 18 | San Diego, CA | Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre |
| February 20 | Los Angeles, CA | YouTube Theater |
| February 23 | Sacramento, CA | Hard Rock Live |
| February 25 | Portland, OR | Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall |
| February 26 | Seattle, WA | Paramount Theatre |
| March 1 | Vancouver, BC | Orpheum |
| March 3 | Edmonton, AB | Edmonton Convention Centre |
| March 4 | Calgary, AB | Grey Eagle Event Centre |
| March 6 | Winnipeg, MB | Burton Cummings Theatre |
| March 8 | Milwaukee, WI | The Riverside Theater |
| March 10 | Indianapolis, IN | Egyptian Room at Old National Centre |
| March 12 | Pittsburgh, PA | Stage AE |
| March 13 | Buffalo, NY | Shea’s Performing Arts Center |
| March 15 | Providence, RI | The Strand Ballroom & Theatre |
| March 16 | New Haven, CT | College Street Music Hall |
| March 18 | Richmond, VA | The National |
| March 19 | Raleigh, NC | The Ritz |
| March 21 | Orlando, FL | Hard Rock Live |
| March 22 | Miami Beach, FL | Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theater |
| March 24 | Atlanta, GA | The Eastern |
| March 25 | Nashville, TN | Ryman Auditorium |
What to Expect from the Pixies Live in 2023
The Pixies have garnered a reputation over the past few decades as a phenomenal live act, despite their relatively sparse touring. The band’s current lineup featuring Black Francis, Joey Santiago, and drummer David Lovering delivers the Pixies’ signature surf-rock punk chaos with plenty of energy and personality.
Fans can count on the Pixies to rip through most of their “loudquietloud” alt-rock classics as well as sneak in some of their more recent material from post-reunion albums like 2014’s Indie Cindy or 2021’s Doggerel. Black Francis’ unhinged vocals and Joey Santiago’s frenzied guitar shredding often fuel impromptu moments and extended jams.
While they may now be in their late 50s and early 60s, the Pixies still deliver youthful verve and tight musicianship honed from their decades sharing stages together. This upcoming tour marks a rare chance to catch an iconic alternative band still operating with power and passion over 30 years into their career. The lively supporting sets from Flower Moon and Lily Konigsberg will perfectly complement the Pixies’ headlining attack.
Conclusion
The Pixies’ enormous 2023 tour will no doubt stand as one of the most highly anticipated alternative rock events of the year. The chance to see these genre legends perform heart-racing renditions of classics like “Gigantic,” “Monkey Gone To Heaven,” and “Debaser” is not to be missed for any fan of 80s and 90s alt-rock. Flower Moon and Lily Konigsberg make excellent additions as opening acts who embody the Pixies’ spirit of innovation and vulnerability. This tour provides the perfect opportunity for longtime devotees and new fans alike to experience the iconic sounds and offbeat essence of the Pixies live in concert. Don’t sleep on getting tickets to catch indie veterans at the top of their game alongside two of indie rock’s most exciting rising talents.
