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LAist @ SXSW: Day 2 - Queens of the Stone Age, Duran Duran, Black Angels
While SXSW is at heart a showcase for tomorrow's new groups, Wednesday night was a chance to see some of today and yesterdays breakout groups. The Palm Desert, California natives, Queens of the Stone age headlined the Rolling Stone showcase at La Zona Rosa. Kicking off their 2011 tour in style, QOTSA blew through a blistering performance of their debut album and then a set of hits. They were preceded by the Austin-bred Black Angels, who's moody atmospheric psych-rock provided the perfect lead in to Josh Homme's dark, riff heavy rock.
A mile or so away one of the most influential groups of all time, Duran Duran, took the Stubb's outdoor stage. Also a kick off for an upcoming world tour, 80's heartthrob Simon Le Bon and co. played in support of their new album the Mark Ronson produced "All You Need Is Now." The album is a fantastic return to the synth rock that made them superstars. They debuted the new tracks for the first time as well as some of their vast collection of hits. "Girls On Film" "Hungry Like the Wolf" "Notorious" were just a few.
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LAist @ SXSW: The Real March Madness Begins In Austin
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