LANY’s much-anticipated world tour landed in New Zealand, transforming the iconic Auckland Town Hall into an unforgettable live experience. The American alt-pop band delivered everything you could want in a live show: perfect vocals, magnetic energy, and visuals that transported fans to dreamy pink skies and California sunshine. It’s safe to say that there’s no party like a LANY party, and Auckland got to witness that magic firsthand.
The Setlist
The night’s setlist was a blend of fan favourites, taking us through LANY’s journey from early hits to newer releases. They opened with the electric “you!” before diving into the nostalgic “ex i never had” and “up to me.” With each song, the atmosphere grew more vibrant, punctuated by iconic LANY tracks like “It Even Rains in LA,” “I Don’t Wanna Love You Anymore,” and “pink skies.” For long-time fans like myself, hearing these live is a personal experience; having followed LANY from their beginnings, it felt like witnessing a full-circle moment.
The show featured stellar performances of “Thick and Thin,” the much-loved “Super Far,” and “13,” sending fans into collective joy. The encore was the moment everyone was waiting for—when “ILYSB” echoed through the hall, it was as if the whole room was singing in unison. Paul Jason Klein’s voice was perfect, each lyric and note sounding just as flawless as on their records, adding a special touch to an already emotional song.
The Experience: A LANY Show Like No Other
It’s impossible not to be pulled into the energy of a LANY concert and Paul Jason Klein is all about the fans. He spent the night reaching out, leaning into the crowd for hugs, and even made his way up to the first-floor balcony, where fans swarmed to catch a quick selfie or video. At one point, different fans handed him a pink high-vis jacket, a hat, and some sunglasses, and he wore them onstage, which made everyone cheer even louder. It felt so spontaneous and real—like he was just as excited to be there as we were.
The visuals added to the magic of it all, with dreamy backdrops and colourful lights that pulled us into LANY’s world. It was like stepping into a California sunset, with each song getting its own cinematic vibe.
“As Long as We Are LANY, We Will Come Back to Auckland”
Toward the end of the night, Paul shared something that left us all smiling: “For as long as we are LANY, we will come back to Auckland.” The crowd erupted. You could feel the love between the band and their fans—it was more than just a concert; it was a promise.
A Personal Connection to LANY
Having discovered LANY before their debut album, I’ve followed their journey closely. I’ve had the privilege to see them evolve, even interviewing them during a UK tour. Their music has a unique way of connecting people, making us feel understood and a little less alone in a busy world. Tracks like “Malibu Nights” and “Thru These Tears” strike a chord with fans across the globe, and seeing these performed live feels like an emotional release.
Wrapping Up the Night
As the show concluded with “XXL,” fans left with a renewed sense of connection and joy. LANY’s Auckland Town Hall show proved that they are more than a band—they’re a movement. The night reminded us why we fell in love with them in the first place. Their genuine love for their fans, their incredible music, and the unforgettable energy made this a night we’ll remember for a long time.
