With the mass amounts of strict COVID-related restrictions being enforced regularly in Los Angeles, it was a wonder to learn months ago that the Hollywood Forever Cemetery would once again be hosting live concerts after over a year of being shut down as one of Los Angeles’ favorite concert venues. While the indoor venue is still closed to the public, Hollywood Forever has begun hosting outdoor concerts in the same space as their outdoor movie nights, which made locals feel even more comfortable going to a show for the first time since the pandemic shutdowns.
One of these outdoor concerts was hosted the last day of September 2021 with indie rock’s sensitive soul Andy Shauf supporting and western indie folk band Lord Huron headlining. With strict COVID-related entry requirements and mask-wearing enforced, everyone felt safe and calm walking into the famous cemetery for the evening, knowing that the venue was doing everything to the best of their ability to keep everyone as safe as possible during the event. It was also encouraged for everyone to bring blankets and chairs if they did not wish to stand in the front GA area, making this a large group & family-friendly show in addition.
Andy Shauf came on stage right at 7 PM and wasted no time in performing songs spanning his more well-known albums from The Party and The Neon Skyline to his newest release Wlids. With moody red lighting filling the stage, Andy delivered a sultry yet upbeat performance, even though he was only allotted a 30-minute set before Lord Huron took the stage. Andy and his live band ended the set with his ultimate crowd-pleasing song “The Magician,” making sure to end the evening on a high.
Lord Huron soon came on stage after an elaborate set change. The band made the most of the space with life-sized neon cacti and desert hills decorating the stage. Even some members interlaced with the background themselves. The group came out with a bang and made sure the audience was dancing from the start of their very first songs. With their new album Long Lost released this year, they made sure to play already popular singles and old favorites alike. With a long and robust set, they were still able to save the best by performing “The Night We Met” and “The Birds Are Singing at Night” during their encore.
Words and photos by Sarah Woods
