The Church
August Hall
June 9, 2026
Photos by Raymond Ahner
Recently bringing their Singles 1980-2025 Tour to a near capacity August Hall in San Francisco, Australian dream pop legends The Church delivered a performance that shows why the band has remained influential for more than four decades. From the moment they took the stage, the group created an atmosphere that was both immersive and hypnotic, engulfing the crowd into the textured soundscapes that have defined their career.
Payling two sets of their “singles,” The Church opened the first set with “Columbus” and immediately established a connection with the crowd. Their signature jangling guitars and melodic bass lines filled the venue with a rich and expansive sound. Highlights from the first set included “The Unguarded Moment,” Realm of Minor Angels,” and, of course, Metropolis.” Despite the years that have passed since many of these songs were first released, they all felt remarkably fresh and relevant in an intimate live setting.
Lead vocalist Steve Kilbey commanded the stage with his storytelling, distinctive voice, and understated charisma. His vocals retained the dreamy, enigmatic quality that has always been central to The Church’s music. The band’s musicianship was equally impressive, with intricate guitar work of both Ian Haug and Ashley Naylor weaving through each song and creating layers of sound that were both complex and accessible.
Highlights from the second set of the evening included “When You Were Mine,” “Already Yesterday,” and “Destination,” and by the time they played“Under the Milky Way,” the room was echoing with sing-along participation from the audience. The song’s timeless melody and atmospheric arrangement reminded everyone why it remains one of the band’s most beloved tracks.
The audience remained thoroughly engaged throughout both sets, responding enthusiastically to every song. The Church rewarded that enthusiasm with over two hours of music that highlighted both their longevity and artistic consistency.
Here’s a slideshow with more photos of The Church by Raymond Ahner:
