Swans Live 2014 - 2015

From The Glowing Man's limited edition...
00:00 Frankie M
23:10 A Little God In My Hands
34:51 Cloud Of Unknowing
01:01:34 Just A Little Boy
01:15:42 Cloud Of Forgetting
01:27:04 The Glowing Man

[@NUeB_net]

One of all times best rock bands for sure. If only their songs weren't way too short.

[@thefunnytvmanofthenight1537]

Seriously! Who make a song ONLY 30 minutes cmon!

[@mindmy609]

one of the loudest ive never been to one of their shows but my ego was decimated with the soundtracks album prior listening into the subconscious before I dosed three hits of blodder it stuck with the trip of course things got crazy acid scissors and mirrors don't mix I cropped my personality hair lol looks like their playing in a air plane hangar lots of reverb

[@charmicarmicat2981]

Right? Fucking 32 minutes. Give us another pop album Mike, that’s exactly what we want :b

[@turqdeth]

@@mindmy609 bro u good?

[@frackingfluidinjection]

@@turqdeth he’s alright, he’s just the average swans fan

[@stratos4944]

you know it’s swans when it’s a 2 hour set and they only play 6 songs

[@MrKongatthegates]

I thought it was one. And not a very good one

[@coleintheville117]

@@MrKongatthegates goofy

[@numberfive3323]

genuinely impressive how none of them lose count during those long ambient sections

[@fleuvenoir7733]

I think they are mostly guided by Michael

[@dancarstens5577]

They aren't, at least not in the traditional sense. Even when he isn't obviously cuing them, they're all following Gira's playing, movements, and vocals. The band watches him closer than orchestras watch conductors. Their songs are always divided into distinct sections and they know what kind if playing is expected of them during those sections, but Gira is 100% in charge of the speed, feel, and length of those sections.Counting would be totally useless because they won't move on to the next material without being cued and Gira decides when to do that by feel. They also practiced for upwards of 10 hours a day, 7 days a week for months leading up to tours, which is how they are able to play pounding, repetitive chords for like 10 minutes straight and manage to be the tightest band I've ever seen.

[@richardroberson2564]

@@dancarstens5577 Also they are just fantastic musicians.

[@filtinator]

sure would be fun to do this

[@HiGlowie]

filt right?? Every time I watch these guys play I always think “man, I gotta meet some people like this!” Although, my musicianship is nowhere near these cats.

[@furupoweru1899]

the glowing man live is probably an unreal experience

[@el_mal_de_ojo]

Life-changing. Had the pleasure of seeing them in 2017 during the Deliquescence tour, totally life-changing. May be the best gig I ever experienced.

[@noprivacyleft]

This is beyond art, it is live revealing of nature, like watching a volcano. Criticism or acceptance are irrelevant next to the thing itself.

[@rotnihilist]

Bloody well said !

[@EvilLadderGaming]

I find it hilarious that arguably the loudest band on the planet today is a bunch of 50 and 60 somethings that seem like they'd refuse nights out on the bars because they're "too loud"

[@randomenbyuploads8925]

One thing to always remember is that if the members of a hardcore and/or loud band look like just a couple of guys, they will most likely shatter your skull

[@kvideogame]

30:05 - When you finally get home to listen to Swans

[@charmicarmicat2981]

Kevin M me when I got out of basic and could listen to Swans again

[@Sakeroz]

Its insane how loud they are live

[@fabiansanchez7203]

Theyve played at 140db which is the same as shooting a mid power handgun with no earplugs

[@rudolfboing]

You must see Mogwai live. I had a high pitch in my ears days afterward

[@Go_EZ-ier_On_Us_And_Enjoy]

I went to this tour - always wear ear plugs people! Protect the ears and enjoy!!!! 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@slightlyallthetime]

@@Go_EZ-ier_On_Us_And_Enjoy good advice. I didn't do this when I saw them in london in 2014 and 2015 and now I have tinnitus. Was worth it though

[@deadlysnakeman]

Guac Squad How is Michael Gira not deaf yet

[@xarildri1302]

i'm going to see them in may, i'm so excited

[@Sighbot]

1:11:49, this part where the crescendos changes from loud burst into the most earth shattering jam session is absolutely insane. What a phenomenal band.

[@handsome_man69]

I like this band, they are almost as good as coldplay

[@martinmcelroy8249]

Her de fucking har

[@neurotification]

How dare you compare them

[@handsome_man69]

Chris Martin is more edgy IMO

[@zlygor]

Your comment is so wrong on so many levels

[@Juozaps]

coldplay:DD

[@kivzzzz]

I want to listen to Swans live so bad. 😭

[@bulletfastspeed]

I saw their last Glowing Man show, it was incredible. But I relate to this comment, I would love to see them live again asap

[@diegosebastian2226]

Swans is the quintessential example of a band whose studio albums are merely a taster for the live experience, which after having experienced it myself can definitely say is THE way to consume their otherworldly sonic assaults. As genius as they are in the studio (legitimate arguments for several masterpieces in their discography), they blow the studio albums out of the fucking water with the live sound. They just know exactly what they're doing live. Frequencies are filled, the sound assaults you physically, stupefies you. You're left hypnotised and at the end of the set, you wonder 'just what on earth happened?'. I don't know exactly what happens, but I know it's got the potential to change your perspective entirely.

[@nataschkah]

Beutiiful

[@kamig6430]

perfect.

[@rotnihilist]

If there ever was a nail on the head response ! The albums are a point of reference ,they have to be made,they have to exist and they have to be archived...but where it's at ; the seances in the flesh...It's where the gates of heaven and hell open ; The most beautiful and terrifying thing you have ever witnessed...S\\//\ S

[@diegosebastian2226]

@@rotnihilist Perfect response. Swans live is indeed like a seance. Only a few other bands are similar. Current 93 is one of them.

[@alexswedock3911]

I know To Be Kind is the nu Swans album everyone says is their best one from that period, but I really think they were fucking onto something with The Glowing Man

[@iggypopdrop3509]

The perfect album would have been 1. Glowing Man 2. Could of Unknowing

[@diegosebastian2226]

The Glowing Man is the triumph of the Swans return, IMO. Even though I think To Be Kind is essentially a perfect album, The Glowing Man just takes that ultra-high level and springboards onto another dimension entirely. The apocalyptic blues of TBK implode into some kind of dark hole from the sheer mass of the instrumentals into a collapsing star on TGM. It's otherworldly music in the purest sense of the word. Deliquescence as a companion piece. It's just so unbelievably good. It digs deep into your brain and never leaves. I think I've heard TGM in its entirety at least 300 times, without exaggeration. I listened to it the album single day at work for a few years, it was my cheat code to getting into an extremely focused and productive zone. Every single listen had new discoveries, new sounds caught, something to ponder.

[@moushindeiru9769]

​@@diegosebastian2226 Dang where were you able to listen to deliquescence?

[@diegosebastian2226]

@@moushindeiru9769 Yes, a brilliant album. Easily top 2 in their live album releases. I saw them live as they were touring TGM and Deliquescence, so had the fortune of hearing The Knot live. Life-changing! I was too stupid to pick up the CD, and now it's resold for exorbitant prices, I'll likely still buy it off a reseller eventually.

[@migsea7830]

what they achieve together is beyond logic. even a small whistle sounds like a revelation.

[@nataliezementbeisser1492]

Swans is like a machine gone insane. Running around the globe without any aim.

[@sentienthotdog2353]

I like the caveman who hits things with hammers.

[@spanishkey2002]

His name is Thor

[@biscuitstheanteater7306]

Dude literally couldn’t have a better name to go with his job

[@sentienthotdog2353]

@@spanishkey2002 Thor Caveman?

[@michaelsnow7252]

wow never knew Thor could play all those instruments, what a legend

[@cringeybydefault4151]

This is what Thor was doing before endgame

[@MrGajo51]

I used to play this loud to scare away squealing young teenagers from outside my bedroom window. They don't go away now. Fuck I've made them Swans fans!

[@charmicarmicat2981]

I like seeing everyone in the crowd's reactions to "The Glowing Man" such a transcendent song and some people are really into it. It makes me happy Frankie M is a masterpiece and A Little God in My Hands makes me want to dance. Even though it's a song about death

[@electrik_loss]

I've yet to see Swans live, but if I do and The Glowing Man plays, I think I'll walk out of that concert a new person. I mean I will regardless, but The Glowing Man had such power to it

[@diegosebastian2226]

Caught them in 2017 touring Deliquescence. An actual life-changing experience. The Glowing Man is tremendous live, The Knot even more so. I was paralyzed in my spot for over 2 and a half hours, locked in some kind of trance.

[@bathsaltshero]

@@diegosebastian2226 the necks live shows do that to a man too. highly recommended

[@el_mal_de_ojo]

@@bathsaltshero I'm gonna have to keep an eye out for them. I see I missed a show of theirs here in London not two days after my birthday last year. Sucks! Hope they continue touring in the near future.

[@rodm1975]

Goddamn! These guys not only pick up where Pink Floyd left off at. They also put rocket fuel in the engine, drive it off the cliff, and set it to fly directly into the sun to burn for eternity. These guys are amazing!

[@thesensiblesocialist]

I showed this band to my parents and now they think im a serial killer.

[@elektrozil9728]

Blue Die-amonds &, Purple Horse- Shoes.

[@sex6cult9revolution]

You are. You just don't know it yet.

[@migsea7830]

the music of the swans is so impressive that it becomes devastating. no sound other than theirs survives.

[@lukaANDkrosty]

They do be hugging at the start

[@randomstandard]

We could all be hugging more

[@danielressler8140]

1:11:49 is the best part

[@hyf6845]

SO SATISFYING

[@GeorgeTengTV]

Genius.

[@Abrahamhamham]

I can't see that. Maybe i'm not sophisticated enough. I'm seeing them in March. I'm going because i'm really curious. I know there's something there, but i can't see and hear it yet.

[@stevenhines5550]

did it happen yet?

[@wollanooo]

i love this comment. I also saw something, felt something many many years ago, that moved or changed or opened something inside. I still can't say if I like Swans or not, all the time, forever. But the repetitions, those drones, on and on and on and on and on, they change you inside

[@Abrahamhamham]

It happened. Truly apocalyptic, dirty and incredibly loud. I had to wear earplugs. Good thing i got them, because as soon as the volume got to its peak (after one minute) i instantly started to sweat. I thought it was never going to end. And i didn't want it, though. I got pounded over and over for almost 3 hours. Left there feeling drained and tired. Truly an amazing experience. I'm thankful that it happened.

[@CliffordthebigredCat]

@@Abrahamhamham Swans fucked me and it felt so good! I can't wait to get fucked by Swans again! 😂😁😎😛👌☝️✌️✌️✌️

[@sarahpotter4008]

Incredible stuff, i love their art so much..soothing to know, that there are still artists like them in the world. Last 10 Minutes are not from this world. So fucking good, i was in trance, when i listened to this the first time. This sound leaves no space for thinking. Unbelievable good.

[@e.t.v.1255]

this band literally change my view on music and my life in general such a amazing band no one in the world will sound like them

[@charmicarmicat2981]

Still, after three years this is probably my favorite video on KZbin

[@cjbotts]

Wow. Been heavy into music for the better part of my 40 years alive and never heard of this band. What a happy coincidence thanks to the algorithm

[@Einherjer895]

That smile at 1:13:22 tho

[@tomt5745]

Absolutely stellar!

[@nznznznznn]

Love them for 36 years now...

[@charmicarmicat2981]

Cloud of Unknowing makes Helpless Child look like a pop song

[@Buffalohump77]

Best band on the planet!

[@TotinosOtherBoy]

Beginning reminds me of Set The Controls For The Heart Of The Sun from Pink Floyd Live At Pompeii

[@sex6cult9revolution]

I've heard Michael say that he loved that era of Pink Floyd. In fact, he was telling a story about seeing them play Careful With That Axe, Eugene while he was a teenager on acid. Apparently that left quite an impression.

[@TotinosOtherBoy]

@@sex6cult9revolution thats fukcing awesome, id love to see PF around the time they made the Pompeii concert. That setlist at the time was so great

[@mitchelaramenko5250]

I came for the music, but stayed for the hugs.

[@dakrua2010]

My favorite version of “ just a little boy” 🥰

[@user-fs7df1xg9v]

Like a holy chant from a forgotten pagan era. The Swans hit all the right vibes for me at least.

[@migsea7830]

Gira, we never met, but i spent more time with you than with my mother!

[@veertical]

hmmm. new era of swans! perfect

[@JuanCarlosPrada]

It's a shame this will be the last tour of the current line-up of the band.

[@vinyldiary6664]

new era of swans is one of the greatest things in music history, for sure!

[@simplemods7098]

ça fait dix ans que j'en entend parler et là je me dis que je vais acheter tous les albums de ce groupe génial....!!

[@bentrend]

They must have the most calloused hands on the planet. Love the shots where the camera is just getting rocked by the noise

[@nataliezementbeisser1492]

When he sang "heheeheeeeehaaaaaahehehehahahehehehahahehehaaaaaaa" I felt that

[@jessicaheitman8719]

I want to see them badly ❤ I’m going to see them in September!!! I only just fell in love this very day!! Lucky 🍀 me

[@SergioGarcia-bb8mr]

it's September now, DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE CONCERT!

[@cringeybydefault4151]

Did you see them in Ohio?

[@SergioGarcia-bb8mr]

@@cringeybydefault4151 saw them in Dallas and in Austin. Where did you see them?

[@cringeybydefault4151]

@@SergioGarcia-bb8mr cleaveland ohio

[@jessicaheitman8719]

Portland, OR

[@ultrasignificantfootnote3378]

Embrace the depression and it will evapourate.

[@sex6cult9revolution]

I've been a fan of Swans since about 1990 and I've had mixed feelings about the 2010's Swans. I saw them once in 2012 and once in 2018 and have definitely enjoyed most of the tracks/performances but I've only just now come to a conclusion how I feel about this period for them. Starting from the beginning, the early Swans is obviously raw and brutal, simple and direct. It's great but lacks the subtlety of later Swans. (This is neither better/worse, it's simply what it is). The Skin recordings and Burning World through Love of Life were Michael taking his persona to more traditional (even folky at times) forms of music to mixed results (mostly good, as is usual for him). On The Great Annihilator, Soundtracks for the Blind and Swans are Dead (and even rare recordings prior to the Angels of Light such as the Body Lovers album), Michael managed to blend experimentation, traditional sounds and the brutal early stuff to concoct a sophisticated and varied sound which he would expound upon after reforming Swans. However, where the recordings (such as on Swans are Dead) are near perfect in length, subtlety and overall effect, the reformed Swans drive this to proportions of overkill dimension! But in fairness, everything next to Swans is kind of underkill. They raise the bar on all other bands and where nothing later strikes me as quite as perfect as the Great Annihilator or Soundtracks for the Blind (or Children of God), perfection was never Michael's aim to begin with. Reforming and moving forward, Swans simply retook the artform that was theirs for better or worse and do it their way as uncompromisingly (if not moreso) than ever before.

[@theeggqueen]

Thanks for posting this I hope it stays up because my dvd of this is scratched

[@robjones2408]

Saw Swans in 1992, a very powerful experience indeed. Thanks for posting this performance.

[@cringeybydefault4151]

I believe this is the best version of just a little boy

[@christacartwright9083]

this is awesome! I would LOVE to see them live!!!

[@raulgilviejo6950]

Saw them in london few weeks ago and awsome again, a great goodbye... For now i hope

[@taunaengus4978]

Shamanic music.

[@michaelcolello2735]

Little God in My Hands has a Metal Box vibe. And that's just fine.

[@rickfeels]

You're a Legend, Sir!

[@october72393]

Swans blends in altogether

[@ST-kr7hz]

Now go listen to coil

[@mindmy609]

@TomorrowNeverKnows im a gen xer but I have what you call trans holding onto the past of the influences before my time homage yes for sure

[@mindmy609]

seen BALANCE in the TG lockdown on stage in 05 of course thru video wish I was there

[@bobsbigboy_]

coil is nothing compared to Swans

[@sex6cult9revolution]

@@mindmy609 I thought Balance died in Nov 2004.

[@pedropablopicasso]

@@bobsbigboy_ both are on another plane of existence my dude

[@bananatarash3704]

Already loved the studio recording of a little god in my hands but this version is insane!!!!

[@glyph68]

Another thumbs up in the presence of music genius. I'd say it's impossible if it didn't happen.

[@imbadatnames1326]

27:48 the phone jumpscared me 🤣

[@enzogalli5506]

Awesome!! Pure genius...Swans THE Band!!!

[@jurgajanulioniene4259]

Best band ever

[@gusweg69]

Fantastique !

[@ivankarczewski8582]

Masterpiece

[@Berlin.Underground]

Legends!!

[@tomt5745]

Them hugs are amazing.

[@johnkeefer8310]

saw them in brooklyn last week. it was really great.

[@user-yr1oq5xd8r]

Ritual!

[@kerplunk2809]

an extraordinary journey

[@radekpavlik5469]

what a man

[@fuckyougoogleihateyou2008]

Phil Puleo, ladies and gentlemen.

[@cr33py51]

Amazing

[@dukeon]

I want to stand near the front at a Swans concert and feel my mind and body disintegrate

[@october72393]

Then do not miss them on this tour

[@jerf2121]

RIP to the audiences ear drums

[@DaShrimpBros2]

I don't like the editing in this video. Just show us the shots (in black and white, if you have to), and let me enjoy the band. No need for long cross-fades and chroma-keyed pageantry. Swans is raw, make the video reflect that.

[@koollegged5739]

Agreed, I think the previous DVD that came with To Be Kind was better, as it mainly just showed their performance at Primavera festival.

[@stvtron]

Is that Thor on drums?!?

[@vrod2144]

Bohren and them have concert on same day near me today! Have both tickets, still can't decide! 😩

[@examfinger8461]

And God bless us they use no words

[@fernandomunoz2158]

UNICOS

[@marcinonderka4142]

LOUDER!!

[@kiyarasa]

my love

[@4phunk161]

Oh my God.

[@harrisonwintergreen1147]

Should I call my neighbors? "Hi, just a warning but I'll be listening to Swans for about an hour. Might want to brace yourselves."

[@dukeon]

Neighbors: “Swans? Turn that shit up, son!”

[@ST-kr7hz]

People who didnt bring earplugs were FLEEING the venue.

[@assaghoff9187]

That smile at 1:13:22 😍😍😍

[@hamzaduval3909]

well that was a nice journey

[@MrDaigoRiki]

The best post-punk band for the truth.

[@grazynajabonka]

💗💗💗

[@drl909]

Is it just me or does Kristof slip in a little reference to "Trans Europe Express" at 28:16?

[@bulletfastspeed]

Haha nice catch

[@tantrabensko4839]

WHOOP!!!!!!

[@user-sx5px6ei3x]

не просто рок бэнд. глашатай нового искусства !

[@fernandomunoz2158]

mistic trance

[@wollanooo]

I find it interesting that a former sound engineer said that M Gira is not properly a musician, rather a sound curator. If you listen to these 30min "songs" you realise what that means

[@rozinopatkay6929]

A unbelievable neverendingsynchronsoundexplosion is the last 5 minutes of the all songs..! I can't find normal phrases...

[@alexwilson3133]

I kinda sad they won’t play this stuff anymore. Fingers crossed tho

[@parisas9306]

wow the speed modifications! What a pain in the ass!

[@examfinger8461]

These musicians looks like a Columbs of alternative universes. Sorry my pigeon english. Grets from spb russia

[@marcdoyle6297]

❤😊

[@2b2t95]

coldplay rip off

[@tobias7985]

Fuck yeah they are

[@Pinacoladadada]

Lmao

[@melvins74eyehategod]

absolutely rip off....

[@radioguy1667]

@@melvins74eyehategod mhm

[@aethio1145]

You people do understand that Swans predate Coldplay by almost 15 years right?

[@migsea7830]

mythological

[@aethio1145]

It's amazing how people are commenting that Swans are ripping off certain bands that were nowhere in existence when Swans first arrived on the scene! Please do your homework people!

[@user-ec4fm6uq8d]

most are sarcastic, if not all

[@agentsmith5514]

I must see the SwanS¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡