Okkervil River was riding a fascinating wave in their career around the time of the live recording of "Blue Tulip" in Sydney on May 7, 2009. At this point, they had just released "The Stand-Ins," an album that served as both a sequel and companion piece to their earlier work, "The Stage Names." "The Stand-Ins" deepened their exploration of themes like identity and fame, and "Blue Tulip" is a poignant reflection of those thoughts. What’s interesting is that this live performance captures the band’s evolving sound and the intimacy they shared with their audience. The Annandale Hotel, with its rich history, showcased Okkervil River's knack for engaging storytelling through music, making it a perfect venue for such an emotionally charged song. This moment adds a beautiful chapter to their legacy, as it highlights not just their artistic growth but also their connection with fans around the globe.