Fox Theater in Oakland, CA — March 22, 2024

From the moment the lights dimmed and the familiar chords of “Seaside” filled the air, it was clear that The Kooks were there to deliver a performance to remember (as it was the last stop of the tour). Frontman Luke Pritchard’s charismatic presence ignited the stage as he danced and interacted with the crowd, channeling the same youthful energy that captivated audiences a decade ago. As the band delved into Inside In/ Inside Out‘s tracklist, each song felt like a trip down memory lane, evoking a sense of nostalgia and sentimentality among longtime fans. Tracks like “Ooh La” and “She Moves In Her Own Way” had the audience singing along at the top of their lungs, their voices blending with Pritchard’s in a chorus of collective joy. But it wasn’t just the hits from this album that stole the show; tracks like “Bad Habit” and “Forgive & Forget” from their 2014 album, Listen, and “Always Where I Need to Be” from Konk, showcased The Kooks’ versatility as songwriters and musicians. Their celebration of Inside In/Inside Out was more than just a trip down memory lane, the Kooks proved once again why they’re beloved by fans around the world, leaving everyone in attendance with a renewed appreciation for the music that has shaped so many lives over the past decade (including myself).

Words & Photography: Sabrina Poei