Rilo Kiley’s Fiery Reunion: Hot as Hell, Sounds Like Heaven

Relive the magic as Rilo Kiley’s reunion set lights up the stage with fiery passion and timeless indie rock classics.

The Unexpected Reunion That Set Hearts Ablaze

Jenny Lewis couldn’t believe her eyes: “I never, never, never saw so many people in my whole life,” she exclaimed halfway through singing “I Never” during Rilo Kiley’s electrifying Saturday night set. The band, hailing from Los Angeles, hadn’t performed in their hometown since the summer of 2008, which was supposed to be their last show. Back then, creative and romantic tensions between Lewis and lead guitarist Blake Sennett led to their split. Lewis had since launched a flourishing solo career, making this reunion feel almost unimaginable.

Yet here they were, back together, and Lewis was clearly overjoyed. “It’s amazing to be here with you all, but mostly…” she said, gesturing lovingly at her bandmates before finishing, “It’s amazing to be here with you all.”

Jenny Lewis’s heartfelt connection with fans shines through during Rilo Kiley’s reunion.

A Perfect Moment For a Comeback

Rilo Kiley picked the perfect moment for their comeback. Their influence on modern indie icons like Phoebe Bridgers and pop stars such as Olivia Rodrigo is undeniable. Meanwhile, longtime fans, now in their 30s and 40s, were eager to relive the soundtrack of their youth—witty, caustic, and perfectly capturing the flux of relationships and heartbreaks in their 20s.

This reunion was the highlight of the Just Like Heaven festival in Pasadena, a nostalgic celebration of indie rock and electropop from the 2000s and early 2010s. The vibe at Brookside Park near the Rose Bowl was like stepping back to the 2005 Coney Island Siren Music Festival. From the food and merch to the dance floor spun by a DJ who played weekends during the band’s original heyday, everything screamed retro indie bliss.

Battling the Heat, Bringing the Heat

The festival kicked off at noon, but with temperatures soaring near 100 degrees, the early crowds were sparse. Still, artists pushed through the heat with incredible energy.

London’s Block Party made their first US appearance in years, and lead singer Kele Okereke’s dynamic performance on tracks like “Helicopter” and “This Modern Love” proved his voice still soars between sharp post-punk edge and theatrical flair.

Perfume Genius, relatively new to the festival’s scene, captivated everyone with emotional vocals and mesmerizing choreography, even during the peak of the day’s heat.

TV On The Radio, recently reunited themselves, delivered a powerful, politically charged set. Their opening chant—“Fuck these fascists comma fuck these fascists comma fuck these fascists comma fuck these fascists”—preceded their song “Trouble,” and guitarist Kyp Malone sported a “Somebody I Love is Palestinian” T-shirt, making it the only politically vocal moment of the festival.

TV On The Radio brought passion and politics to the festival stage.

Rilo Kiley Steals the Show After Sunset

As the sun dipped below the horizon at 8:40 pm, the crowd swelled, nearly doubling in size for Rilo Kiley’s set. From the opening notes of “The Execution of All Things,” the audience was on fire, ready to dance and sing along. Despite years apart, the band sounded tight and full of life.

Highlights included the sparkling “Wires and Waves,” the groovy “The Moneymaker,” and a nostalgic performance of their cult early hit “Frug,” where Lewis wowed the crowd with signature dance moves and got everyone joining in on backing vocals.

“Jenny Lewis was and still is the queen of her scene (hence her actual tiara). Her every gesture and expression made the audience go wild.”

Jenny Lewis: The Indie Queen in Full Command

Lewis dominated the stage with charisma and precision. She could raise an eyebrow on “Paint’s Peeling” and ignite cheers, deliver a swoon-worthy kiss and a flipping middle finger on “Does He Love You?” and expertly command silence to launch the poignant “A Better Son/Daughter” after “With Arms Outstretched.”

Her acting background clearly informs her stagecraft—each moment was flawlessly chosen to captivate the audience.

Bandmates Shine Too

The reunion was far from a solo spotlight. Blake Sennett impressed with soulful guitar solos and his lead vocal on “Dreamworld.” The chemistry between Sennett, bassist Pierre de Reeder, and drummer Jason Boesel was infectious, their genuine smiles and easy flow showing they were having a blast.

By the time they closed with the bittersweet anthem “Portions For Foxes,” the crowd was buzzing. Honestly, it was hard to imagine anyone topping their performance that night—especially on their home turf.

Relive the Rilo Kiley Magic

Rilo Kiley’s reunion wasn’t just a concert—it was a vivid reminder of why their music still resonates with so many. It was a joyful celebration of a band that once shaped a generation’s indie scene and continues to inspire today.

If you want to dive deeper into the world of rock’s finest, be sure to check out the top 100 greatest rock stars of all time for more inspiration.

Conclusion

Isn’t it amazing how music from years ago can still spark such intense emotions and bring people together? Rilo Kiley’s reunion shows that great music truly stands the test of time—and nothing beats sharing those moments live with a crowd who feels just as passionate.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What made Rilo Kiley’s reunion so special?
  Their return after over a decade brought back a wave of nostalgia and demonstrated their lasting influence on indie and pop music scenes.
• Who are the key members of Rilo Kiley?
  Jenny Lewis (vocals), Blake Sennett (guitar), Pierre de Reeder (bass), and Jason Boesel (drums).
• What kind of music does Rilo Kiley play?
  They are known for indie rock, blending witty lyrics with emotional depth and catchy melodies.
• Why did the band originally split?
  Romantic and creative tensions between Jenny Lewis and Blake Sennett led to their breakup in 2008.
• Where was the reunion concert held?
  The reunion took place at the Just Like Heaven festival in Pasadena, California.

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