On Saturday, September 20, 2025 I headed down to San Francisco, California. The destination was the Great American Music Hall. The event was the Swans with special guests Little Annie Bandez and Paul WallFisch opening. It was an excellent show!
First up were Little Annie Bandez and Paul Wallfisch. They captivated the welcoming crowd with their eerie music, creating a mellow atmosphere that felt relaxed. Between each song, they engaged with the audience, sharing humor and interesting stories, which was just what the crowd needed. Their set featured haunting melodies, with the exception of a song about being taken to church and their rendition of the Lou Reed classic, “Perfect Day.” That particular song stood out for me and truly made their performance memorable.
No Setlist Available
When the Swans hit the stage, it was an incredible experience. They began by asking the audience to refrain from using their cellphones and to adjust the lighting for the crowd. Their first song was a standout, clocking in at just under 37 minutes. It featured a chord that was repeated for about ten minutes before shifting. Toward the end of that section, there was an organized chaos that worked beautifully. The next part of the song had a melody that complemented the lyrics perfectly, creating a rock-infused sound that gradually built up. The conclusion of the song was a wrap-up that any music enthusiast would consider flawless.
That performance was just the beginning of their set. The next song opened with an intriguing drum intro that transitioned into a humming guitar sound. The powerful vocals surged forth, accompanied by screaming guitars and a driving beat from the drummer. At one point, it felt as if Michael was acting as a conductor, using his arm motions to energize the band. Following that song was another piece with a steady beat and great lyrics that resonated with the audience. It was excellently performed and touched the hearts of many in the crowd.
Next, they played “Little Mind”, which was a real banger. The talent of the band—both the guys and the girl—was fantastic as they poured their hearts into the performance. Their runs were impressive, and the drummer excelled as well. These songs presented a challenge, and they executed them flawlessly.
The subsequent song started off very mellow and maintained that tone throughout its lyrics. In this piece, the lyrics took center stage as Michael gently sang them, captivating us all. The following song picked up the pace, with the drums and bass setting a lively rhythm. There were impactful moments within the song, interspersed with deliberate slowdowns for dramatic effect, which they executed several times throughout its duration. The song was intense, and the band members clearly enjoyed themselves as they delivered that tune.
For the final song, the highlight was Michael’s vocals, which took precedence while the music provided a strong backdrop. The instrumentation was excellent, plodding along as Michael passionately sang. As his vocals began to fade, the music grew more intense. They maintained this energy until the song concluded. Overall, it was a marvelous show that continued the following night.
Follow the Swans band members on social media
Michael Gira – lead vocals, guitar
Norman Westberg – guitar, vocals
Kristof Hahn – lap steel guitar
Larry Mullins – drums, Mellotron, percussion
Phil Puleo – drums, percussion
Christopher Pravdica – bass
Dana Schechter – bass, lap steel guitar, keyboards
Setlist
1). The End of Forgetting
2). The Merge (Includes Lyrics of “The Healers”)
3). Paradise Is Mine
4). Little Mind
5). A Little God in My Hands
6). Newly Sentient Being
Follow Little Annie Bandez and Paul Wallfisch on social media
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