King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard closed out the concert season at the Vina Robles Amphitheatre in Paso Robles, California, on November 3rd. Although some music journalists have described them as one of the hottest new bands on the planet, the ensemble has actually been together for 13 years, producing no fewer than 26 studio albums. Their sold-out performance at the intimate, 3,300-seat venue attracted many of the Australian band’s devoted fans, who have followed them across the country. The show came just one night after the group delivered a special three-hour set at the sold-out Los Angeles Forum, where over 14,000 people were in attendance.
A palpable sense of anticipation filled the air as the sun began to set over the picturesque Vina Robles Amphitheatre. The opening act, King Stingray—an Australian quintet known for their innovative blend of rock and traditional Indigenous music—took the stage and instantly transported the audience to their beloved Northeast Arnhem Land. Their sound was as vibrant as it was unique.
When one thinks of a rock band, drums, guitars, and keyboards typically come to mind. But for King Stingray, the didgeridoo is their defining instrument. Guitarist Roy Kellaway once remarked, “It’s one of the oldest instruments in the world. It provides so much on the low end that it complements the high sounds of the guitars. Its sound is beautiful, strong, and present.” From the first notes, the didgeridoo’s rich resonance filled the amphitheater, weaving a sonic tapestry that distinguished King Stingray from a typical rock concert.
Their setlist deftly combined infectious rhythms and melodies, showcasing a vibrant fusion of Yolŋu surf rock. From bright guitar riffs to the resonant undertones of the didgeridoo, every song celebrated their culture and heritage. “We wanted to make Yolŋu surf rock,” Kellaway noted—and they succeeded spectacularly, creating an atmosphere at once both traditional and contemporary.
The audience joined in with undeniable enthusiasm during several sing-along moments, reflecting the band’s ability to engage and connect with their fans. Hearing songs sung in both English and Yolŋu Matha added depth and authenticity to their performance, and the storytelling inherent in their lyrics flowed seamlessly with lively beats. Together, this allowed the crowd to experience the “powerful music that’s unique with an Australian sound,” as Kellaway described.
As the evening progressed, the band’s energy soared to exhilarating heights. Tracks from their self-titled debut album—which peaked at number six on the Australian charts and won the prestigious Australian Music Prize—were greeted with excitement. The eclectic mix of genres kept listeners on their toes, blurring the lines between rock, surf, and Indigenous rhythms.
Lead singer Yirrŋa Yunupiŋu commanded the stage with infectious charisma and emotional intensity in every note. The influence of their musical lineage was evident: Kellaway’s father and Yunupiŋu’s uncle were members of Yothu Yindi, the influential group that achieved massive success by fusing Indigenous and rock music. King Stingray continues that storied tradition, finding fresh footing internationally. Their set culminated in an energetic encore that left the audience buzzing with excitement.
After a short break on that crisp November evening, the Vina Robles Amphitheatre became a sanctuary for fans as King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard unleashed their vibrant, eclectic sound, demonstrating their incredible versatility. The band opened and closed their set with high-octane rock anthems—favorites like “Doom City,” “Hypertension,” and “Rats in the Sky”—but the true highlight emerged mid-performance with the introduction of “THE TABLE.”
This mobile altar of analog synths allowed the band to reinvent sections of their extensive catalog and incorporate their sole electronic album, The Silver Cord, into the live experience. A complex array of machines, cables, and microphones turned the amphitheater into a pulsing epicenter of sound. Frontman Stu Mackenzie, adopting the alter ego of Han-Tyumi, mesmerized the audience as he skillfully manipulated the technology. The synergy of all five band members creating music at the table—including the live drummer—evoked the spirit of electronic acts like Pretty Lights or Calvin Harris, while still retaining King Gizzard’s rock essence, which at times borders on heavy metal. They can even sound like a mellow Grateful Dead, and what makes their live performances so unique is their ability to blend all three of these genres into a single jam. Taking a page from the Grateful Dead’s playbook, King Gizzard never plays the same set twice. In fact, over three Southern California performances, they repeated only a single song.
The audience erupted when the band debuted “Intrasport,” a tambourine-laden disco romp from their 2020 album K.G. Fans had eagerly anticipated its inclusion since the table’s introduction earlier in the year. Although time constraints led to cutting the beloved “Mind Fuzz” suite, the electrifying energy of the new track cemented the night’s unforgettable character.
After their electronic exploration, the show ebbed and flowed between genres. King Gizzard returned to their heavier rock roots with a relentless run through “Set.” They transitioned expertly into an intense onslaught that included the powerful “Converge,” which segued into “Gaia,” interspersed with the ferocious “Gila Monster” and “Motor Spirit,” before concluding with a reprise of “Gaia.” Each track bristled with urgency. The audience danced wildly, their excitement palpable.
For newcomers, this performance served as the perfect entry point into King Gizzard’s musical landscape. Sometimes humorously described as a new favorite “boy band (with guitars),” members Stu Mackenzie, Ambrose Kenny Smith, Joey Walker, Cook Craig, Lucas Skinner, and Michael “Cavs” Cavanaugh each brought their own charm and skill to the stage, making it easy to become a devoted fan.
Enhancing accessibility, King Gizzard continues to innovate by streaming every show live on YouTube, allowing fans to relive the magic or experience it anew. They also offer a trove of audio recordings and streams for free after the show, further strengthening their bond with audiences.
As the final notes reverberated through Vina Robles and the night drew to a close, it was clear this performance would be etched into the band’s history. King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard demonstrated why they are among the most exciting and dynamic acts in contemporary music, bridging genres, redefining live performance, and crafting an experience unlike any other. Those fortunate enough to have been there will be raving about it long after the lights dimmed. It was a fitting end to the incredible season that Nederlander Concerts produced at the beloved venue. Nederlander is already announcing shows for next year’s season, including a stop by Rod Stewart on his final tour—likely the most intimate venue the legendary rocker will perform at.
For information on upcoming shows, visit: https://www.nederlanderconcerts.com/
