As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden hue over Forest Hills Stadium, a energy rippled through the crowd. Fans of King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, affectionately known as “Gizzheads,” had gathered in droves, eager to witness the Australian psychedelic rock collective's first performance at this iconic New York venue. The anticipation was electric, and King Gizzard did not disappoint, delivering a mind-bending, genre-defying set that will be etched in the memories of all who attended.
For the uninitiated, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard emerged from Melbourne’s vibrant music scene in 2010, quickly earning a reputation for their relentless creativity and genre-hopping sound. With over 20 albums under their belt, they’ve dabbled in everything from microtonal rock and thrash metal to jazz fusion and acoustic folk. Their concerts are legendary for their intensity, unpredictability, and sheer volume, and tonight’s show was no exception.
The band took the stage with “Hot Water,” a simmering opener that set the tone for the night—hypnotic, heavy, and utterly immersive. From there, they launched into “Robot Stop,” the first of many fan favorites. The driving rhythm and chaotic energy of the song whipped the crowd into a frenzy, with heads banging and bodies swaying in unison.
As the night progressed, King Gizzard masterfully navigated their sprawling discography, touching on various eras of their sound. “Ice V” brought a slinky, groove-laden respite, only to be followed by the bluesy swagger of “The Bitter Boogie.” The seamless transitions between songs like “Antarctica” and “Raw Feel” showcased the band’s ability to weave together diverse sonic textures, creating a tapestry of sound that was as unpredictable as it was captivating.
Photos: Ehud Lazin
Midway through the set, the band unleashed the punk-infused “Planet B,” a blistering commentary on environmental destruction that had the entire stadium thrashing along. The raw, unfiltered energy of the performance was a reminder of King Gizzard’s punk roots, even as they pushed the boundaries of what rock music can be.
One of the night’s highlights was the trio of tracks from their 2017 concept album, Murder of the Universe. “Han-Tyumi the Confused Cyborg,” “Soy-Protein Munt Machine,” and “Vomit Coffin” were performed with a theatrical flair, complete with spine-tingling narration and mind-bending visuals. The dystopian tale unfolded with frenetic urgency, leaving the audience both mesmerized and unsettled.
Surfing the Gizzwave: Riding the Chaos at King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard
Photos: Ehud Lazin
The show’s climax came with “Am I in Heaven?,” a sprawling, psychedelic epic that perfectly encapsulated the evening’s vibe—otherworldly, exhilarating, and just a little bit chaotic. As the final notes echoed through the stadium, the band left the stage to a roar of applause, the crowd still reeling from the sonic journey they had just experienced.
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard’s performance at Forest Hills Stadium was nothing short of transcendent. They took the audience on a wild ride through their vast musical landscape, proving once again why they are one of the most innovative and exciting live acts in the world today. Whether you’ve been a fan since their early days or you’re just discovering them now, a King Gizzard show is an experience you won’t soon forget.
And as the crowd spilled out of the venue, it was clear that everyone had just witnessed something truly special—a night of music that defied convention, shattered expectations, and left us all asking the same question: When can we do this again?
