Capturing a moment of pure catharsis, British post-punk titans IDLES took the stage at the Élysée Montmartre in Paris on February 28, 2022. This rescheduled show felt like a long-awaited release, a return to unrestricted live music, and the band channeled that pent-up energy into a ferocious performance. From the outset, it was clear this wasn't just a concert but a communal experience, fueled by rage, joy, and unflinching honesty.
For nearly two hours, with no encore or downtime, IDLES led the Parisian crowd through a whirlwind 21-song setlist that spanned their entire discography. From the thunderous opening of "Colossus" to the anthemic chants of "Mother" and "Never Fight a Man With a Perm," each track was delivered with the band's signature raw intensity. Frontman Joe Talbot, ever the charismatic and confrontational conductor, commanded the stage while guitarists Mark Bowen and Lee Kiernan launched themselves into the audience, dissolving the barrier between artist and fan.
The night was punctuated by unique moments, including a guest appearance from Jehnny Beth for "Ne touche pas moi." In a nod to their hosts, the band wove in snippets of French electronic legends like Air, Justice, and Daft Punk. The most poignant moment, however, came during "Danny Nedelko." With the conflict in Ukraine having just begun, the band altered the lyric to "My blood brother is Ukrainian," infusing the song about unity and immigration with a powerful, immediate resonance. This Paris performance was the quintessential IDLES experience: violent in appearance, but tender and full of love at its core.