Declan McKenna closes out his North American tour with a special headlining set at the Fox Theater in Pomona on November 20th, delivering a deeply personal, high-energy performance that left fans in awe. This special headlining show was dedicated to a close friend McKenna lost this past year, adding emotional depth to an already powerful evening.

The setlist spanned his discography, from electrifying anthems like "Beautiful Faces" and "Brazil" to the introspective "Life on Earth" and "Sympathy." Declan's live rendition of "I Write the News" was a standout, with quick rock breaks and his band’s tight precision, building to an explosive chorus.

Engaging with the crowd, Declan was effortlessly personable, often taking instrumental solos right up to the barricade, his signature bow tie bouncing with his movements. He reminisced about his first visit to the Fox Theater to see LCD Soundsystem, crediting that Southern California trip as a creative turning point in his career.

For his encore, Declan slowed things down with a dreamlike piano ballad that had the crowd swaying under a sea of phone lights, before building to an explosive finale. The dramatic outro of "Brazil" seamlessly transitioned into "British Bombs," a moment of pure catharsis for the audience. The final song of the night saw Declan go “absolutely mental” on guitar, closing the tour with a fittingly chaotic burst of energy.

This wasn’t just another stop on the tour; it felt like a heartfelt celebration for SoCal fans—a night of remembrance, connection, and pure musical magic.

Article and Photo Gallery by Makenna Cordiano