By: Maddie Hendrickson
UK rock band Basement released their first album in 8 years on May 8th, 2026. Naturally, the band announced a tour to the joy of millions of fans around the world. More specifically, a few thousand fans in Arizona. Basement had a show for their WIRED tour at The Van Buren on October 19th, 2026. Their first show in the state in 9 years. One of our Pulse students was lucky enough to go to the show!
The Music
Openers included February, a young screamo band from Las Vegas, Hardcore band Big Boy from San Jose, and Momma, Indie rock band from Los Angeles. The openers had amazing sets, each being a different vibe from the last. Brandon Flores, singer of Big Boy, even stayed by the merch booth after the show, meeting fans of several years and some brand new.
With the Van Buren close to capacity, the venue boomed when Basement lowered the lights and began their set. They opened with Time Water, a song off their newest album WIRED. Around half of the set contained songs from the 2026 album with their hits like Covet placed at the beginning, Are You The One? In the middle and Pine second to last.
The Emotions
With such an electric crowd, I got to experience the beauty of a post hardcore/emo/alt-rock mosh pit. The open circle in the middle of the floor specially reserved for people wanting to get thrown around and push strangers. Maybe it sounds strange, but there was a smile on everyone’s face. There was so much joy and positive energy in the room, thousands of people listening to music we all collectively love.
At one point in the show, lead vocalist James Fisher, asked the crowd how many people were seeing Basement for the first time. The hands shooting up and the instant cheers put a look of pure joy, pride, and gratefulness washed over Fisher’s face.
The show was truly one to remember.
