To be featured on Germany's legendary music television show, Rockpalast, is a rite of passage for any influential band, and in July 2022, it was the Pixies' turn to take the stage in Cologne. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Cologne Cathedral in Roncalliplatz, this performance captures the alternative rock pioneers doing what they do best: delivering a powerful, no-frills set packed with iconic tracks. The band's reputation for minimal crowd interaction is on full display; they let their formidable catalog speak for itself.
From the opening chords, Black Francis, Joey Santiago, David Lovering, and Paz Lenchantin launch into a sprawling, two-hour show that blends beloved classics with newer material. The setlist is a journey through their influential career, featuring ferocious renditions of fan favorites like "Wave Of Mutilation," "Monkey Gone To Heaven," and the anthemic "Where Is My Mind?". Black Francis's voice remains as potent and beautifully unhinged as ever, while Santiago's distinctive, angular guitar work cuts through the open air. This professionally shot recording for Rockpalast, a program renowned for capturing historic live music moments since 1974, perfectly encapsulates the raw energy and enduring legacy of the Pixies.