The Killers didn’t just take the stage Friday night — they claimed it, turning the foggy San Francisco evening into a roaring, unforgettable spectacle at Outside Lands. As the temperature dropped, Brandon Flowers and his bandmates cranked up the intensity, delivering a set that had the crowd belting out every lyric, whether they were longtime fans or newcomers.
This was just one performance that kept the audience on their toes, whether you were drawn to the layered sounds of The Last Dinner Party or the raw energy of San Francisco’s own Underscores. Each stage had its own rhythm, with acts like The Japanese House offering a mellow counterbalance to the more intense sets from Jungle.
But for me, The Killers owned the night. Their set drew in everyone from Gen X to Gen Z, with songs that have clearly stood the test of time. Everyone in that crowd was singing their hearts out to all their most impactful hits, with Brandon Flowers delivering a mix of Corny Collins’ showmanship and a rockstar’s edge.
We briefly paused when someone in the crowd looked sick — The Killers filled that space with “Runaway Horses,” a track featuring Phoebe Bridgers, before seamlessly diving back into “Some Kind of Love.” It was a moment of concern quickly turned back into celebration, and by the end of the night, they took us to church — the church of The Killers.
The Last Dinner Party
Over at Lands End, The Last Dinner Party served us a dose of dreamy indie rock, bringing a mix of Gen-Z attitude and a sound that felt like a modern-day Kate Bush. Led by Abigail Morris, the five-member British band seemed to find their groove as the set progressed, with each song building on the last. By the time they closed with their hit “Nothing Matters,” the crowd — mostly young women — was fully on board, singing along and sharing knowing glances that said, “We’ve found our new favorite band.”
The Last Dinner Party has been making waves online, and their Outside Lands debut didn’t disappoint.
Underscores
Over at the Panhandle Stage, San Francisco’s own Underscores delivered a jolt of raw energy. She swung between deep, heavy beats and catchy club-pop melodies with little warning — all while managing an almost-bored expression.
Donning her usual laid-back style, Underscores shared a personal story about going to Outside Lands when she was 12 years old and seeing Skrillex perform — a moment that inspired her to start making music. It was a full-circle moment for her, and the energy in the crowd was palpable as she closed her set with a high-energy finale, opening up the pit and leaving the audience buzzing.
Young the Giant
With no time to spare, I ran back to Lands End for Young The Giant, the first major performer of the weekend and a favorite of mine. They kicked things off with “Cough Syrup” from their 2010 album, instantly connecting with the crowd. Lead singer Sameer Gadhia’s beautiful voice and stage presence were met with just as much love from the audience. And just for fun, they threw in a cover of Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso,” adding a playful twist to their set.
As Outside Lands rolls into its second day, the foggy chill of San Francisco isn’t showing any signs of letting up, so don’t forget to add more layers. Among the changes this year, the “Town Hall” grotto stands out — a new spot for lovers to tie the knot amidst a sea of flowers. Hellman’s Hollow has traded bubble tea for vows, but if you’re seeking the whimsical, Wonderland has taken over the former Toyota Stage area. With more music, surprises, and unique experiences still ahead, the weekend promises to keep festival-goers on their toes.
T. Von D. is a local museum worker and lesbian.
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More photos from Outside Lands Day One
All photos by Alive Coverage.
