Tame Impala Hits the Stage at Pechanga Arena in San Diego, CA after a Five-Year Hiatus with Fifth Studio Album, Deadbeat

Review by Josue Cambara | Photos provided by Colt Grice | Nov. 9th, 2025

Earlier this year, Kevin Parker—better known as Tame Impala—returned from a five-year hiatus with Deadbeat, his fifth studio album and his first release since 2020. To celebrate, Parker announced a brief, small eight-city U.S. tour, with three of those dates in California alone. I had the pleasure of catching Tame Impala’s San Diego show at Pechanga Arena on November 9th, and it was every bit the trip on acid as you’d expect. 

Tame Impala’s set design and lighting were otherworldly, hypnotic, and drenched in trippy LSD color. It felt like stepping directly into the world that is built when listening to their music. The night started with a fantastic opening set from Fcuckers, whose bedroom-pop sound translated surprisingly well to such a massive stage. Their energy was incredible, and thanks to the 360-degree layout, vocalist Shanny Wise made sure the entire arena felt included and walked away with a new artist they could be a fan of. 

When the house lights went black, the crowd erupted as Kevin Parker had arrived. He launched straight into “Apocalypse Dreams,” a psychedelic rock anthem from Lonerism. Parker did a perfect job in crafting a setlist that brilliantly balanced nostalgia with some of their older psychedelic rock cuts while also showcasing the more house-inspired direction of Deadbeat. Tracks like “Dracula” and “Loser” stood out as highlights, with fans already singing every word. 

Of course, “Elephant” was one of the night’s most electric moments; the entire arena shot to its feet. But the most visually stunning performance came during “Feels Like We Only Go Backwards,” when the stage dissolved into a hazy rainbow dream. Fog, lights, and color merged into what felt like a euphoric lucid dream, perfectly merging Parker’s ethereal vocals and warped instrumentation. 

Midway through the show, Parker made his way to a small B-stage on the opposite side of the arena. The B-stage was a stripped-down setup featuring just a lamp and a deck, resembling a home-studio environment where he often records. In this intimate space, he gave deeper cuts from Deadbeat—such as “No Reply,” “Ethereal Connection,” and “Not My World” their moment in the spotlight.

The whole arena quickly transformed into a miniature rave, complete with lasers and fans now dancing from their seats. 

Later, during “Eventually,” confetti burst across the arena, creating a breathtaking climax, bringing the show to a beautiful end. But the crowd wasn’t ready to say goodbye. Chants for an encore filled the venue until Tame Impala returned to the stage. Parker thanked the San Diego audience for their energy and hinted that this short tour was just the beginning, suggesting a full-fledged tour might be coming next year, and he will be back in San Diego quicker than we think. 

Photos provided by Colt Grice

The moment everyone was waiting for arrived as soon as the iconic opening guitar line of “The Less I Know the Better” started playing, and everyone quickly took out their phones to record this iconic moment of the show. The encore continued with “My Old Ways” and “End of Summer,” bringing the night to a warm and satisfying close. 

Overall, Tame Impala proved once again why they remain one of the leading visionaries in alternative music. Their long hiatus only amplified the excitement of their return, and with immersive visuals, ever-evolving soundscapes, and Kevin Parker’s unmistakable creative direction, Tame Impala is a must-see act in 2026 and beyond.