On Wednesday, June 15, 2022, The National performed at Zitadelle Spandau in Berlin. Our photographer Erik Lorenz took his place in the stage pit and brought a few nice pictures with him. See what you’ve missed or witnessed in the gallery above.
The National are back on tour for the first time since 2019. At their European debut in Pamplona, Spain, the band around Matt Berninger presented three new songs. They have the beautiful names “Grease In Your Hair (Birdie)”, “Tropic Morning News (Havisham)” and “Bathwater (Mount Auburn)”. IThe National also played two of them in Berlin – here is the complete setlist of the evening.
Here’s a fan clip of The National performing their hit “Bloodbuzz Ohio” at Zitadelle Spandau:
And here is an excerpt from The System Only Dreams In Total Darkness:
And here is another clip:
The National haven’t announced a new album yet, but they do say they are working on new music. An Instagram post said with greetings from the rehearsal room: “It’s great for the seven of us to finally be back together in a room working on music both fresh and familiar”. Back in March, guitarist Aaron Dessner explained that their next album would go back to their classic sound and carry a lot of energy. Twin brother Bryce Dessner recently confirmed to us in an interview that the new album is “almost ready”. It’s due out either late this year or early 2023 and already has a title. Unfortunately, I’m not allowed to say it, otherwise the others will kill me. Sorry,” Dessner said.
Their tour will take The National to more European cities and festivals in the coming weeks. In Germany there is still a concert in Gelsenkirchen on the schedule:
June 13 Hamburg, Stadtpark15 June Berlin, Spandau Citadel- 16 June Gelsenkirchen, Amphitheater
The National’s current album I AM EASY TO FIND was released in 2019. Before and after that they toured Europe again and again. Read our review of their concert in the Max-Schmeling-Halle in 2017 here. Singer Matt Berninger released his solo debut SERPENTINE PRISON in 2020. Guitarist Aaron Dessner worked as a producer and musician on Taylor Swift’s albums FOLKLORE and EVERMORE.