The National - Fake Empire Live Performance at House of Blues, Boston
Venue: House of Blues
Location: Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Date: May 23, 2009
In May 2009, The National was riding high on the momentum from their album "Boxer," which had been released just a year earlier. This critically acclaimed work marked a turning point for the band, solidifying their unique blend of brooding melodies and introspective lyrics. By the time of their performance at the House of Blues in Boston, the band was beginning to capture broader attention, thanks in part to the haunting beauty of tracks like "Fake Empire," which they played that night. The song embodies the lyrical depth and lush arrangements that became hallmarks of their sound. An interesting tidbit is that during this period, The National was characterized by an evolving stage presence, and their live shows started to gain a reputation for capturing raw emotion—a trait that would only deepen in their subsequent albums. It's a thrilling snapshot of a band on the brink of wider recognition, and that energy truly shines in the live performance captured in the video.
