Sonic Youth return to New York

Sonic Youth returned home to New York last night (February 16).

Besides a tiny gig at CBGB last year, the sold-out show at Webster Hall was the veterans' first proper Manhattan performance since spring 2005.

“It's good to be back at the Ritz,” guitarist Thurston Moore joked when his band took the stage, referring to the venue's former name. The quintet performed in front of projections of clouds, cockroaches, and pills.

Former Pavement bassist Mark Ibold continues to tour with the band, replacing Jim O'Rourke.

The 26-year old band emphasized songs from 2006's ‘Rather Ripped’, though showcased older numbers like 1983's 'Shaking Hell' throughout the performance. The final song of the double encore was 1986's 'Expressway To Yr Skull', which included an extended feedback jam.

The full set was:

'Candle'
'Reena'
'Incinerate'
'Bull in the Heather'
'Skip Tracer'
'Do You Believe in Rapture'
'What A Waste'
'Silver Rocket'
'Rats'
'Turquoise Boy'
'Jams Run Free'
'Pink Steam'
'Or'
'The Neutral'
'Shaking Hell'
'Expressway To Yr Skull'

Sonic Youth tickets: