Kevin Parker Slept Through His Grammy Win: Tame Impala’s Surprising Moment

Kevin Parker admits he completely forgot the Grammys were happening when Tame Impala took home Best Dance/Electronic Recording.

When the Grammys Happened—and Kevin Was Fast Asleep

Imagine this: your band just snagged one of music’s biggest awards, the Grammy for Best Dance/Electronic Recording, but you had no clue it was happening because, well, you were asleep! That’s exactly what happened to Kevin Parker, the mastermind behind Tame Impala, during the recent Grammy Awards on February 1st in Los Angeles.

Kevin Parker shared in a recent chat with fellow musician Mac DeMarco for Interview Magazine that he “forgot they were even on.” He wasn’t just unaware of the ceremony itself; he also forgot he was even nominated. The confusion only grew when he woke to a flooded phone full of congratulatory messages—none of which initially explained what he had won.

“You have to imagine my confusion because in Australia, we wake up and then we find out about what happened in America last night, so my phone has absolutely blown up. I’ve got 30 messages on my phone, all saying congratulations. None of them are saying what for. And I’m like, ‘What for, motherfuckers?’” — Kevin Parker

This little anecdote perfectly captures the surreal nature of winning a Grammy. It’s one thing to hear your name called out live on TV; it’s quite another to find out about it the next morning from frantic texts.

Tame Impala’s Back-to-Back Grammy Success

The award Tame Impala took home wasn’t their first rodeo. Their winning single, “End Of Summer,” earned them the Best Dance/Electronic Recording prize for the second year in a row. The previous year, they won for “Neverender,” firmly cementing their place in that category.

“End Of Summer” carries the hallmarks of Tame Impala’s evolution. Released in July, it’s a sprawling, seven-minute journey inspired by the acid house movement, serving as the lead single from their fifth studio album, Deadbeat.

Kevin Parker in his element, crafting Tame Impala’s genre-blurring sound

Check out the official video for “End Of Summer,” a visual companion to the hypnotic track:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulkdUfItyxI

Critical Reception: A New Chapter for Tame Impala

Deadbeat, the album housing “End Of Summer,” sparked mixed feelings among critics. It was praised for Parker’s evolution beyond his usual sonic comfort zone but also noted for a kind of lyrical inertia that didn't quite land.

A three-star review from our team summed it up well, noting how Parker’s experimentation sometimes gets bogged down by his own introspective style. Still, it’s clear that Deadbeat represents a new chapter—one where Tame Impala is stretching its psychedelic wings into fresh territory.

Touring Plans and Collaborations Ahead

After the Grammy buzz, Kevin Parker and Tame Impala are gearing up for a massive tour across the UK and Europe. Starting in April and May, they’ll be lighting up arenas in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, and Dublin.

Following that, the tour heads stateside for a North American run later in the summer. This will be a chance for fans old and new to experience Tame Impala’s immersive live sound on a grand scale.

Exciting Studio Work with Other Big Names

Kevin Parker isn’t just resting on his laurels. He’s confirmed to feature on Thundercat's upcoming album Distracted, the artist’s first record in six years. Sharing space with talents like A$AP Rocky, WILLOW, and Lil Yachty, Parker’s presence hints at some exciting genre-melding ahead.

In addition, he was recently spotted jamming and recording with members of Geese, Pond, and King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard—some of today’s most adventurous psych-rockers. These studio sessions promise thrilling new sounds and collaborations.

Wrapping It Up: A Sleepy Grammy Surprise

Kevin Parker’s tale of sleeping through his Grammy win is a charming reminder that even music legends have their moments of disbelief and bewilderment. It’s hard not to smile imagining the Aussie waking up to a barrage of congratulations without a clue what for.

As Tame Impala continues to push boundaries with their music and live shows, this Grammy nod feels less like an endpoint and more like a pit stop on an exciting journey.

FAQ

• How many Grammys has Tame Impala won?
  Tame Impala has won two Grammys for Best Dance/Electronic Recording: one in 2025 for “Neverender” and another in 2026 for “End Of Summer.”
• What inspired the track “End Of Summer”?
  The seven-minute single draws inspiration from the acid house movement, blending psychedelic and electronic elements.
• What does Kevin Parker say about the Grammy ceremony?
  He admitted he forgot the Grammys were on and was unaware of his nomination or win until the next morning.
• Is Tame Impala touring soon?
  Yes! They have announced a UK and European arena tour in April and May, followed by a North American tour later in the summer.
• What collaborations is Kevin Parker involved in?
  He’s featured on Thundercat’s upcoming album Distracted and has been working alongside members of Geese, Pond, and King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard.

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