#

Bright Eyes

Live Performances by Bright Eyes in 2009

  • In January 2009, Bright Eyes was fresh off the release of *Cassadaga,* which had hit the shelves in April 2007. This album showcased a blend of indie ... Read Full Description >

    In January 2009, Bright Eyes was fresh off the release of *Cassadaga,* which had hit the shelves in April 2007. This album showcased a blend of indie rock and folk-inflected sounds, marking a significant evolution in Conor Oberst's songwriting and arrangements. By the time of the live recording in 2009, the band was still riding the wave of *Cassadaga's* success, and you'd find them deep in a creative groove where introspective lyrics met lush instrumentation. Interestingly, during this period, Bright Eyes was known not just for their music but also for their advocacy on various social issues, which added an intriguing layer to their live performances. The energy captured in the video reflects a band fully engaged with their art, and it’s this authenticity that resonates so deeply with fans. Seeing them perform live, you can almost feel the emotional weight of their journey up to that point—a testament to their connection with their audience.

Bright Eyes - Well Whiskey (Live) at Waiting Room, Omaha

Waiting Room
Omaha, NE, United States

March 21, 2009 | Video Length: 4:35
Watch Now
  • In March 2009, when Bright Eyes performed "Well Whiskey" live at the Waiting Room in Omaha, they were riding the wave of their critically acclaimed al... Read Full Description >

    In March 2009, when Bright Eyes performed "Well Whiskey" live at the Waiting Room in Omaha, they were riding the wave of their critically acclaimed album *Cassadaga*, which had been released two years earlier. *Cassadaga* was notable for its exploration of themes related to spirituality and the American experience, and the band’s frontman, Conor Oberst, often drew attention for his introspective lyrics and emotional delivery. By this time, Bright Eyes had garnered a dedicated following, and this performance showcases their raw energy in a more intimate setting. Interestingly, the band’s commitment to their roots is evident in the venue choice, as Omaha has long been central to their identity. It's almost like a homecoming—performing in the very city that shaped them, blending nostalgia with artistry. The inclusion of Alex McManus fills out the sound, making this live recording a captivating glimpse into a pivotal moment in Bright Eyes’ journey.

Bright Eyes - Contrast and Compare (Live) at Waiting Room, Omaha

Waiting Room
Omaha, NE, United States

March 21, 2009 | Video Length: 3:20
Watch Now
  • Back in 2009, when Bright Eyes took the stage at the Waiting Room in Omaha, they were in a distinct phase of their artistic journey. This live perform... Read Full Description >

    Back in 2009, when Bright Eyes took the stage at the Waiting Room in Omaha, they were in a distinct phase of their artistic journey. This live performance aligns closely with the release of "Cassadaga," their acclaimed album from 2007, a project that showcased a more refined and mature sound compared to their earlier work. "Cassadaga" was notable for its exploration of various genres and deep lyrical themes, reflecting frontman Conor Oberst's growth as a songwriter. This live performance of "Contrast and Compare" not only encapsulates the band's intimate connection with their Nebraska roots but also highlights the lineup changes—most notably, Neely Jenkins stepping in for the performance. The raw energy and emotion captured in that room must've felt electric, especially in a local setting that had seen the band evolve from its early, more lo-fi days. What a moment for fans, right? It’s always a treasure to witness an artist in their element, sharing their journey with the audience.

Bright Eyes - Landlocked Blues (Live at the Waiting Room, Omaha)

Waiting Room
Omaha, NE, United States

March 21, 2009 | Video Length: 5:14
Watch Now
  • Ah, Bright Eyes—a name that evokes such a rich tapestry of emotions, wouldn’t you say? By March 21, 2009, when that live recording of "Landlocked ... Read Full Description >

    Ah, Bright Eyes—a name that evokes such a rich tapestry of emotions, wouldn’t you say? By March 21, 2009, when that live recording of "Landlocked Blues" was captured at the Waiting Room in Omaha, the band had once again evolved in fascinating ways. They had just released their album **“Cassadaga”** in 2007, a project steeped in themes of spirituality and self-discovery, which was a bit of a departure from the more introspective works that initially defined their sound. It’s interesting to note that around this time, Conor Oberst was not just playing with his typical bandmates but also bringing in the soulful Neely Jenkins, who added a vibrant layer to their performances. The recording showcases the raw energy of their live shows, capturing the essence of Oberst's lyrical storytelling against the backdrop of Omaha's vibrant music scene. How amazing is it that songs like "Landlocked Blues" resonate so deeply with fans, reflecting feelings of isolation and hope? That emotional drive is what makes moments like these truly magical.

Typecast Live Acoustic Performance of 'Bright Eyes' at Prelude Esplanade, Singapore

Prelude Esplanade
Singapore, Singapore

August 21, 2009 | Video Length: 4:32
Watch Now
  • In August 2009, when Bright Eyes performed an intimate acoustic set in Singapore, the band was in the midst of exploring new directions in their sound... Read Full Description >

    In August 2009, when Bright Eyes performed an intimate acoustic set in Singapore, the band was in the midst of exploring new directions in their sound. Just a year prior, they had released the album *Cassadaga*, which showcased a blend of folk-rock and a touch of orchestration, emphasizing themes of spirituality and personal reflection. Fast forward to the live performance, and you can feel the camaraderie and vulnerability in Conor Oberst's songwriting. It’s telling that this performance came just before the band embarked on a hiatus, marking a transition in their artistic journey. Interestingly, Bright Eyes has always been known for their DIY ethos, which is evident in their live shows—raw, genuine, and deeply personal. This acoustic set captures that essence, with songs like “Typecast” taking on an even more poignant quality in a stripped-down format. It's a beautiful reminder of how live performances can breathe new life into familiar tunes, don’t you think?

Typecast Performs 'Bright Eyes' Live at Prelude Esplanade, Singapore

Prelude Esplanade
Singapore, Singapore

August 21, 2009 | Video Length: 4:01
Watch Now
  • In August 2009, when Bright Eyes took the stage at the Prelude Esplanade in Singapore, the band was riding high on the waves of their seventh studio a... Read Full Description >

    In August 2009, when Bright Eyes took the stage at the Prelude Esplanade in Singapore, the band was riding high on the waves of their seventh studio album, *Cassadaga*, released a year earlier. This period marked an intriguing time for the band, as they were still basking in the success of *Cassadaga*, which showcased a more polished sound while retaining Conor Oberst's signature introspective lyrics. The live performance captures a pivotal moment as the band experimented with blending folk rock elements into their setlist, giving fans a taste of the musical evolution that would later lead to *The People's Key* in 2011. It’s fascinating to note that during this show, Bright Eyes embraced the energy of the crowd, highlighting their deep connection with fans. This concert not only represents their eclectic sound but also their ability to manifest raw emotion in live settings—a hallmark of their artistry.

Bright Eyes - I Know You (Live) at Waiting Room, Omaha

Waiting Room
Omaha, NE, United States

December 22, 2009 | Video Length: 4:15
Watch Now
  • In December 2009, Bright Eyes delivered a captivating live performance of "I Know You" at the Waiting Room in Omaha, Nebraska, just a year after the r... Read Full Description >

    In December 2009, Bright Eyes delivered a captivating live performance of "I Know You" at the Waiting Room in Omaha, Nebraska, just a year after the release of their critically acclaimed album "Cassadaga." This album, which came out in April 2007, marked a significant chapter in Conor Oberst's career and showcased a blend of folk, rock, and country, along with introspective lyrics. Interestingly, "Cassadaga" drew its name from a town in Florida known for its psychic community, reflecting Oberst's fascination with spirituality and self-discovery. By the time of this live recording, Bright Eyes had already established a passionate fanbase, known for their soulful, emotive sound and unique storytelling in music. The performance in the cozy Omaha venue undoubtedly resonated with fans, illuminating the deep connection between Oberst and his audience, and hinting at the raw energy that frequently characterizes Bright Eyes’ live shows.

Bright Eyes and Simon Joyner Perform 'Roll On' Live at Waiting Room, Omaha

Waiting Room
Omaha, Nebraska, United States

December 22, 2009 | Video Length: 3:46
Watch Now
  • In December 2009, Bright Eyes, led by the ever-eloquent Conor Oberst, was riding a wave of reflection and artistry, having just released the album *Th... Read Full Description >

    In December 2009, Bright Eyes, led by the ever-eloquent Conor Oberst, was riding a wave of reflection and artistry, having just released the album *The People's Key* earlier that year. This record, notably different in its soundscape, delves into themes of existentialism, paired with Oberst’s signature lyrical style. The live recording of "Roll On," featuring Simon Joyner, captures a moment steeped in nostalgia and camaraderie—two artists from Omaha sharing a stage that evening in the cozy atmosphere of the Waiting Room. It’s intriguing to consider how this concert blends the intimate energy of live performance with Joyner's influence, which has often colored Oberst's work, proving that even in his solo ventures, there are threads connecting him back to his roots and collaborators. This concert not only showcases their musical kinship but also epitomizes the hometown vibe that’s so integral to the Bright Eyes legacy.