Vampire Weekend break from studio for rare New York gig

Vampire Weekend took time out from recording their second album to perform an intimate show at Joe’s Pub in New York last night (May 6).

The performance was part of the 'Happy Ending Music And Reading Series', which features storytellers, writers and musicians, all of whom were required to take one public risk.

The band performed two sets of three songs, taking their risk as they swapped instruments during the first three tracks. Drummer Chris Tomson took on bass duties while bassist Chris Baio switched to drums.

Meanwhile frontman Ezra Koenig joined keyboard player Rostam Batmanglij at a grand piano for a rendition of 'M79'.

The second set saw Tomson take to the stage with a double bass, with Koenig telling the crowd: "This is our first ever performance with an upright bass. We’re taking quite a few risks tonight!"

He added: "It's been nice to take a break from the studio and come play for you guys," as lyric sheets were passed out to the crowd, and inviting them to join Vampire Weekend by singing along to a cover of Tom Petty’s ‘Walls’.

Vampire Weekend played:

'Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa'
'I Stand Corrected'
'M79'
'Oxford Comma'
'Walcott'
'Walls'

--By our New York staff.
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Vampire Weekend tickets: