In the heart of Los Angeles, the art deco splendor of The Wiltern provided the perfect backdrop for Franz Ferdinand’s triumphant return to the West Coast.
The historic venue, with its vintage neon-lit exterior and lavish interior, has been hosting legendary performances since 1931, and the Scottish post-punk revivalists added another memorable chapter to its storied history.
Before the sold-out crowd could feast on the main course, The Telescreens delivered an opening set that was far more than a mere appetizer.
The New York outfit, formed in the late 2000s, commanded attention from their first chord. Despite maintaining a relatively underground profile over the years, The Telescreens proved why they’ve earned their reputation for kinetic live performances.
Their set married the angular guitar work of bands like Interpol with LCD Soundsystem’s electronic flourishes, all while carving out territory distinctly their own.
What could have been a tough opening slot instead became an unexpected highlight, with the LA crowd embracing these East Coast visitors as if they were hometown heroes.
By the time they left the stage, The Telescreens had accomplished the opener’s most difficult task – winning over a room of people who came to see someone else.
As the house lights dimmed for the main event, the anticipation escalated. Franz Ferdinand may be over two decades into their career, but they took the stage with the hunger of a band with something to prove.
Front-man Alex Kapranos, dressed in a sequined black suit jacket that would make Bryan Ferry proud, launched into “Bar Lonely” from their new album, “The Human Fear,” with characteristic verve. His feet barely seemed tethered to the ground, as he spent nearly as much time airborne as he did on the stage throughout the night.
The band immediately followed with “The Dark of the Matinée,” a fan favorite from their self-titled debut, setting up a pattern they would follow all night – new material seamlessly interwoven with classics, creating a set that felt both fresh and familiar. “Night or Day” showcased the band’s trademark wit and wordplay, with Kapranos delivering each line with the precision of a poet and the swagger of a rock star.
Midway through the set, “Audacious” from their new album demonstrated why Franz Ferdinand continues to matter in 2025. The track builds on their established sound while incorporating new textures that feel like a natural evolution. The crowd received it with the same enthusiasm as their classics – the mark of a band whose creative well remains far from dry.
What separates Franz Ferdinand from many of their contemporaries is their understanding that intellectual depth and physical release aren’t mutually exclusive. You can think while you dance; you can contemplate while you sweat. This philosophy was on full display during “Michael,” which had the crowd bouncing with abandon while Kapranos delivered its subversive lyrics with a knowing smirk. Kapranos dedicated the song to a fan in the front row who gave him a drawing of the band that seemed to really touch him.
When the opening notes of “Take Me Out” rang through The Wiltern as the final song of the first set, the response was seismic. No, literally, the floor was shaking! The song’s iconic tempo change hit like a thunderclap, and the audience reaction was deafening. The roar that followed was so intense that even Kapranos seemed momentarily taken aback, scanning the room with a look of genuine amazement as the crowd threatened to drown out the band entirely.
After a main set that would have satisfied even the most demanding fan, the band returned for an encore that didn’t disappoint. “Hooked” provided a moment of relative calm before “40’” ramped the energy back up. By the time the final notes of the night came and went, the crowd cheered easily for five minutes, loudly.
Twenty-one years after their formation, Franz Ferdinand continues to prove that post-punk revival wasn’t just a fleeting early-2000’s phenomenon, but a timeless approach to rock music. Their performance at The Wiltern demonstrated why they’ve endured while many of their peers have faded – unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, genuine stage presence, and songs that stand the test of time.
Franz Ferdinand wraps up the current US tour on April 15th in Toronto before heading back across the pond for multiple European tour dates. They will return to the US to play two festivals in September; Shaky Knees in Atlanta, and Oceans Calling in Ocean City, MD. If you need to catch a plane for those, it is worth it!
