Franz Ferdinand in Concert — A Guaranteed Good Time

Since 2002, Grammy-nominated Glasgow-based Franz Ferdinand has been creating music that is just down-right fun. And they’re doing it again with their forthcoming album The Human Fear set to drop on January 10, 2025. They’re planning a 2025 tour in support but it’s possible St. Louisans were privy to a little sneak peek during Franz Ferdinand’s hour-plus concert at The Pageant Wednesday night thanks to 105.7 The Point’s annual Ho Ho Show series.

But up first, St. Louis’ own Starwolf opened the night to a growing crowd with a 40-minute set of their mixture of funk-jazz yacht rock that blends smoothly together. Together since 2016, the trio has been making a bigger splash lately, perhaps due to the recent release of their Tropical Disco album or that the times are finally catching up to the resurgence of the disco/jazz/funk era. One fan called out at the beginning of their set “Play ‘Freebird’,” which garnered chuckles from the room. From the engagement of the crowd, it’s safe to say Starwolf made several new fans on this blustery December night.

Franz Ferdinand sauntered onto stage at 9 p.m. bathed in bright white lights and quickly got down to business with the catchy “The Dark of the Matinée” and the banging “No You Girls” before sliding into “The Doctor” from their upcoming album. The always suavely-dressed lead vocalist and guitarist Alex Kapranos knows how to move and keep fans engaged throughout. Nearly every song performed not only had fans dancing on the floor to the back of house and everything in between but also singing along to their heart’s content.

The group peppered in more songs from The Human Fear throughout the hour-plus set which included “Hooked” and the plucky “Audacious.” The band ended the night with the elegant, pure Brit-pop “This Fire” leaving fans sated and hoping it’s not another 6 years before they come through town again.