Idles at Forest Hills Stadium: See Our Best Photos From Their New York Show

British punk band Idles had a full-circle moment when they took the stage at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens, New York, on Sept. 27. Their opening band was the 2000s rock act the Walkmen, a key influence on Idles frontman Joe Talbot. As he recounted from the stage, a friend gave him a copy of the band’s acclaimed 2004 album, Bows + Arrows, during a dark period, and it was a lifeline. Now, the newly reunited Walkmen offered a different kind of support.

Idles brought their latest album, Tangk, to the New York stage in characteristically raucous fashion, careening through tracks like “Pop Pop Pop” and “Dancer.” They also peppered in older favorites, like “Mr. Motivator” (off 2020’s Ultra Mono) and the ultra-snotty “I’m Scum” (from 2018’s Joy as an Act of Resistance). Earlier, the Walkmen played a set of classics, including standout track “The Rat,” off Talbot’s old favorite LP.

Here are our best photos from a memorable night in Queens.

Photos by Sacha Lecca and Griffin Lotz
Words by Brenna Ehrlich