Ezra Koenig’s High School Band Sophisticuffs Reunites on Stage at Vampire Weekend Show

Ezra Koenig’s high school band Sophisticuffs reunited to open for Vampire Weekend, marking their first live show in over 20 years during the band’s US tour.

A Nostalgic Night at the Wellmont Theater

There’s something magical when the past and present collide on stage—especially when it’s Ezra Koenig, the charismatic frontman of Vampire Weekend, bringing his high school band Sophisticuffs back to life. This unforgettable moment happened during a recent Vampire Weekend gig in New Jersey, at the Wellmont Theater, where the original Sophisticuffs lineup took the stage for their first live performance in more than two decades.

As a lifelong fan, watching this reunion felt like being handed a backstage pass to Ezra’s formative years. Sophisticuffs isn't just any opening act — it's the band that shaped Koenig’s early sound and dreams. Adding to the nostalgia, the group also features Wes Miles, frontman of Ra Ra Riot, bridging decades of indie music friendships.

Sophisticuffs: From High School Halls to the Wellmont Stage

Sophisticuffs originally thrived between 1999 and 2002, years when Ezra and Wes were crafting those seminal sounds in New Jersey. For this reunion, the band took a delightfully DIY approach, hanging a small makeshift backdrop that barely masked the iconic Vampire Weekend curtain behind them.

This humble setup belied the excitement in the room — fans and longtime admirers were treated to a rare glimpse of Ezra’s roots, set to the sounds of his earliest band. To add to the excitement, Sophisticuffs will continue opening for Vampire Weekend for their remaining shows at the Wellmont, a true celebration of musical friendship and history.

Fans captured the moment with joyous enthusiasm, sharing clips and posts online:

“The original lineup came together to open the show, their first live performance in over 20 years.”

Below is a fan footage clip showing Sophisticuffs kicking off their set with infectious energy:

And another fan video showcases a medley of songs including “Car Ride,” “Don't Go,” “Hello Prof.,” and “Great Expectations”:

A Reunion Rooted Deep in New Jersey

It’s fitting that this reunion happened in New Jersey — the very place where Sophisticuffs first came together. By sharing these opening spots, Ezra Koenig and Wes Miles celebrate their shared beginnings in the indie scene. For the next three shows at the Wellmont Theater, this unique pairing will continue to open for Vampire Weekend, creating a beautiful bridge between past and present.

The excitement around this reunion also rides the wave of Vampire Weekend’s current momentum, as the band tours heavily in celebration of their latest album Only God Was Above Us. This album has been met with critical acclaim and showcases the band’s ability to reflect on their roots while embracing the complexities of today’s world.

Vampire Weekend’s Bold Stances on and off Stage

Vampire Weekend’s latest tour isn’t just about music; it’s also marked by meaningful moments and outspoken support for causes close to the band’s heart. During the summer, their headline set at the Victorious Festival made headlines when Ezra Koenig spoke out in support of the Irish band The Mary Wallopers, who faced censorship after flying a Palestinian flag on stage.

The Mary Wallopers were abruptly cut off midway through their opening song at the Portsmouth festival, and their Palestinian flag was taken down by festival organizers — a move that sparked outrage among fans and fellow musicians alike.

Several bands, such as The Last Dinner Party, The Academic, Cliffords, and Esme Emerson, chose to boycott the festival in solidarity. Koenig’s response on stage was clear and heartfelt:

“If someone was punished for flying a flag, that is wrong and they deserve an apology. The terrible suffering of the Palestinian people deserves all of our sympathy.”

This video captures the Mary Wallopers’ set being cut short:

Celebrating New Sounds and Covers on Tour

If you caught Vampire Weekend earlier on the tour, you might have been surprised when they broke into covers of some indie favorites like Tame Impala, Phoenix, and TV On The Radio during their Just Like Heaven festival performance. These unexpected covers display the band’s diverse influences and their eagerness to pay homage to their fellow artists.

Their latest album Only God Was Above Us has been praised for avoiding nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake, instead embracing a realistic and sometimes raw view of life and the past. Critics have noted how the album’s sentimental homages to New York City don’t sugarcoat the present but rather confront it with acceptance.

Final Thoughts on the Sophisticuffs Reunion and More

Watching Ezra Koenig’s high school band Sophisticuffs reunite on stage is a rare and beautiful musical moment. It’s a reminder of where great artists come from and how friendships and early collaborations can shape a lifetime of creativity. Pairing this nostalgic reunion with Vampire Weekend’s current socially conscious tour adds layers of meaning and excitement for fans old and new.

FAQ

• What is Sophisticuffs?
  Sophisticuffs is Ezra Koenig’s high school band, active from 1999 to 2002, reuniting now to open for Vampire Weekend shows.
• Where did the reunion take place?
  The reunion happened at the Wellmont Theater in Montclair, New Jersey during a Vampire Weekend concert.
• Who else is in Sophisticuffs?
  The band also features Wes Miles, frontman of Ra Ra Riot.
• What album is Vampire Weekend currently touring for?
  They are touring in support of their latest album, Only God Was Above Us.
• What social issue has Vampire Weekend recently taken a stand on?
  They publicly supported the Irish band The Mary Wallopers after their set was cut short and a Palestinian flag was removed at the Victorious Festival.

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