Warpaint, the Los Angeles-based indie rock band, made their highly anticipated return to live performance on Thursday, June 11, after a nearly two-year hiatus. Their performance at the Southbank Centre in London served as the opening night for the Harry Styles-curated Meltdown festival, a prestigious annual event known for its influential guest curators.
Harry Styles' role as curator places him among a distinguished list of musicians who have previously shaped the festival's artistic direction, including David Bowie, Robert Smith of The Cure, and Nick Cave. This year's festival, running until Sunday, June 21, features an eclectic lineup chosen by Styles himself, encompassing artists such as Stephen Fretwell, Nilüfer Yanya, and LCD Soundsystem's James Murphy, alongside a performance by Styles.
Styles expressed his admiration for Warpaint on social media, calling them "a band I love so much," ahead of the opening night. The band, whose last performance was in November 2024, opened with 'Burgundy' from their 2010 debut album, 'The Fool,' delivering a set that heavily featured tracks from their debut EP, 'Exquisite Corpse.' The performance included fan favourites like 'Love Is To Die' and 'Undertow,' as well as a brief cover of Kate Bush's 'Running Up That Hill.'
The Meltdown festival, now in its latest iteration, underscores the significant cultural and economic impact of live music events in the UK. Such festivals not only provide platforms for artists but also contribute to the local economy through tourism, hospitality, and associated services. The Southbank Centre, a prominent cultural institution, benefits from the increased footfall and exposure generated by a high-profile curator like Harry Styles, whose influence draws a wide audience.
Warpaint's appearance at Meltdown follows their previous collaboration with Styles, having supported him on a South-east Asia tour in 2018. Singer and guitarist Theresa 'TT' Wayman reflected on the positive experience, highlighting Styles' commitment to "treat people with kindness" and his diverse approach to selecting opening acts. While no new material was debuted by Warpaint, fans are anticipating news regarding a follow-up to their 2022 album, 'Radiate Like This.'
The festival continues with performances from other artists, culminating in a closing show by Soulwax. Styles is also set to commence a residency at Wembley Stadium, with a portion of ticket sales from his UK gigs being donated to LIVE's levy, an initiative aimed at supporting UK grassroots music venues and emerging talent.