Bright Eyes

Bright Eyes: KCRW Morning Becomes Eclectic Full Concert Featuring 'Landlocked Blues' and 'Poison Oak'

Music Box at the Fonda
Los Angeles, California, United States

• In April 2003, Bright Eyes was riding a significant wave of acclaim, with their album *I'm Wide Awake It's Morning* capturing the hearts of fans and c... Read Full Description >

  In April 2003, Bright Eyes was riding a significant wave of acclaim, with their album *I'm Wide Awake It's Morning* capturing the hearts of fans and critics alike. This live session for KCRW’s *Morning Becomes Eclectic* came right on the heels of that release, showcasing the raw emotion and storytelling prowess of frontman Conor Oberst. It’s a pivotal moment, reflecting not just the burgeoning popularity of Bright Eyes, but also Oberst's artistic evolution. The performance featured standout tracks like “Landlocked Blues” and “Poison Oak,” highlighting his knack for weaving personal narratives with relatable themes. Interestingly, the set also included a Simon Joyner cover—a nod to Oberst’s influences and the interconnected nature of the indie music scene. This live recording not only captures a snapshot of Oberst's dynamic stage presence but also cements Bright Eyes’ place in the early 2000s indie renaissance.

Bright Eyes Full Concert at Trees, Dallas

Trees
Dallas, Texas, United States

• On April 16, 2003, Bright Eyes performed at Trees in Dallas, Texas, during a significant phase of their career. This live recording took place shortly... Read Full Description >

  On April 16, 2003, Bright Eyes performed at Trees in Dallas, Texas, during a significant phase of their career. This live recording took place shortly after the release of their acclaimed album "Lifted or The Story Is in the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground," which debuted in 2002. This album marked a pivotal moment for the band, showcasing their evolution towards a more ambitious and orchestrated sound. Interestingly, during this era, Conor Oberst, the band’s frontman, was gaining recognition for his distinctive voice and introspective lyrics, firmly establishing Bright Eyes as a key player in the indie rock scene. The Dallas performance would have showcased the raw energy and emotional depth that characterized their live shows at the time, contributing to their growing reputation among audiences.

Bright Eyes Live Performance of 'The Trees Get Wheeled Away' on Late Show

Late Show with David Letterman
New York, NY, United States

• In June 2003, when Bright Eyes graced the stage of the Late Show with David Letterman, the band was riding high on the wave of their album *Lifted or ... Read Full Description >

  In June 2003, when Bright Eyes graced the stage of the Late Show with David Letterman, the band was riding high on the wave of their album *Lifted or The Story Is in the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground*, which had been released just a year prior. This album marked a significant point in frontman Conor Oberst's career, showcasing his poignant songwriting and the eclectic indie sound that captured the hearts of many. The live performance of "The Trees Get Wheeled Away," with its haunting melody, truly exemplified the emotional depth that Bright Eyes became known for. It was a pivotal moment that helped solidify their place in the indie folk scene. Fun fact: Oberst was only in his early twenties at the time, yet his lyrics conveyed a vast array of human experiences, further adding to the mystique of this talented artist. The performance not only highlighted their raw energy but also brought a wider audience to their evocative storytelling.

Bright Eyes Live Performance of 'Soon You'll be Leaving Your Man' at The Abbey Pub

Abbey Pub
Chicago, Illinois, United States

• In July 2003, Bright Eyes was riding the wave of acclaim following their album "Lifted or The Story is in the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground," whic... Read Full Description >

  In July 2003, Bright Eyes was riding the wave of acclaim following their album "Lifted or The Story is in the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground," which had been released a year earlier in 2002. This album, rich with intimate storytelling and poignant lyricism, marked a significant moment in the band's evolution, solidifying their place in the indie rock scene. The live performance of "Soon You'll Be Leaving Your Man" at The Abbey Pub captures the raw energy and emotional depth that Bright Eyes is known for. At this point, lead singer Conor Oberst's candid songwriting and distinctive voice were stirring a dedicated fanbase, reflecting a blend of vulnerability and authenticity that resonates with listeners. Did you know that Oberst started Bright Eyes as a solo project? It blossomed into a full band over time, showcasing his growth as an artist. This concert, filled with a mix of excitement and introspection, paints a vivid picture of Bright Eyes' trajectory in the vibrant early 2000s indie scene.

Bright Eyes Performs 'Poison Oak' Live at The Abbey Pub, Chicago

Abbey Pub
Chicago, Illinois, United States

• Back in the summer of 2003, Bright Eyes was riding a wave of critical acclaim, fueled by the release of their album "Lifted or The Story is in the Soi... Read Full Description >

  Back in the summer of 2003, Bright Eyes was riding a wave of critical acclaim, fueled by the release of their album "Lifted or The Story is in the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground," which came out just a year prior. This album, often heralded as a breakthrough, solidified Conor Oberst's reputation as a poetic force in indie rock. The live recording of “Poison Oak” on July 30, 2003, at The Abbey Pub in Chicago, captures a raw and intimate performance, showcasing the deep emotional resonance typical of Oberst's songwriting. Interestingly, “Poison Oak” itself deals with themes of loss and nostalgia—an exploration that seems even more poignant when experienced live. Fans at that time were eager for the musical evolution Bright Eyes was embarking on, and this moment in Chicago was one of many where the connection between Oberst and his audience felt almost electric. It’s a snapshot of an artist deeply in tune with his craft and his fans.

Bright Eyes - Motion Sickness Live Performance at ACL Festival

Austin City Limits Festival
Austin, TX, United States

• In September 2003, Bright Eyes took the stage at the Austin City Limits Festival, just a year after releasing their album "Lifted or The Story Is in t... Read Full Description >

  In September 2003, Bright Eyes took the stage at the Austin City Limits Festival, just a year after releasing their album "Lifted or The Story Is in the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground." This album marked a pivotal moment in Connor Oberst's career, showcasing his deeply introspective lyrics with a rich tapestry of folk-influenced sounds. At this festival, the band performed "Motion Sickness," an intriguingly candid and emotional opening track from that very record. What's cool is that this performance was rare, as the song wasn’t played often afterward. The crowd’s palpable energy and Oberst's raw vocal delivery brought a unique intensity to the moment, capturing the essence of early 2000s indie music. Plus, the collaboration with Beth Orton added a special layer, revealing Bright Eyes' knack for blending genres and connecting with other artists. It’s one of those performances that really encapsulated where they were at this exciting point in their evolving journey.

Bright Eyes - The Biggest Lie Live Performance from Halloween Concert

Housing Works Bookstore Cafe
New York, New York, United States

• On October 31, 2003, Bright Eyes delivered a memorable performance at a Halloween show, right around the time they were gaining significant traction i... Read Full Description >

  On October 31, 2003, Bright Eyes delivered a memorable performance at a Halloween show, right around the time they were gaining significant traction in the indie music scene. Just before this concert, they had released "Lifted or The Story Is in the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground" in 2002, an album that really showcased Conor Oberst's introspective songwriting and unique sound. This work marked a shift in their style, blending folk, rock, and a splash of emo, which is something fans loved. The live recording of “The Biggest Lie” from that night not only captures the raw energy of their performances but also reflects the intimate connection that Bright Eyes had with its audience. Fun fact: Oberst’s stage presence, especially during this period, was often described as electric, making every show feel like a shared emotional experience. It's always fascinating how these live recordings capture fleeting moments that, in many ways, define an artist’s evolution!