The National announces major open-air concert in London with stellar guest lineup

In what promises to be one of the musical highlights of summer 2024, The National have announced a significant open-air concert in London’s expansive Crystal Palace Park on Friday 5^th July 2024. The event, larger in scale than their previous London gigs, will see the band share the stage with an impressive lineup of special guests including Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Kevin Morby and This Is the Kit.

Following the release of their surprise album Laugh Track in September, The National have continued to captivate their ever-growing fanbase with sold-out performances, including two nights at Alexandra Palace. Their return to the capital next summer is highly anticipated, not only by the fans but also by the band members, some of whom share a fondness for the Crystal Palace area due to football affiliations.

“We’re excited to be returning to London next summer, a city we’ve always loved. Crystal Palace is a new neighbourhood to us, although not to the football fans in the band,” The National expressed, highlighting their eagerness to perform in this new locale.

The National, a band that has consistently delivered nuanced, alternative rock across ten studio albums, has enjoyed significant success both in the UK and the US. Their last five albums have all secured positions within the top five in the UK charts, with the Grammy award-winning Sleep Well Beast (2017) reaching mumber one. In the US, the band has seen five of their albums enter the top ten on The Billboard 200.

Joining The National are Unknown Mortal Orchestra, bringing their experimental psych-rock sounds from New Zealand to the London stage. Their latest record V has been met with widespread acclaim, further cementing their reputation in the music world. Kevin Morby, known for his evocative songwriting influenced by the likes of Bob Dylan and Lou Reed, and This Is the Kit, led by the talented Kate Stables, will also grace the stage, adding depth and variety to the lineup.

This Is the Kit shared their excitement about performing alongside The National, stating, “Hooray! Over the moon to be hitting some shows again with The National. It’s been too long, lads!!”

Crystal Palace Park, with its rich history of hosting legendary performers such as The Rolling Stones, Bob Marley and Pink Floyd, is set to add another memorable chapter with The National’s 2024 show. As the original outdoor concert venue in London, the park continues to be a pivotal location for live music, promising an unforgettable experience for attendees next summer.

The editorial unit
Photos: Graham MacIndoe

For further information and future events visit The National’s website here.

Watch the video for the single here: