In a heartfelt tribute to the late Steve Albini, Joanna Newsom honored the underground rock icon during her performance at the Kilby Block Party. This marked Newsom's first show since 2020 and her first US festival appearance since 2013.

Newsom took the stage and delivered a touching speech, expressing her deep admiration and love for Albini. Highlighting his impact on her life, both musically and personally, she spoke about Albini's significance beyond his music-related contributions. She described him as a hilarious, loving, and loyal friend, adding that she will greatly miss him.

Newsom also mentioned that Albini had engineered her 2006 masterpiece album, Ys, which held a special place in her heart. In memory of Albini, she performed the album's poignant track, "Cosmia," as a tribute to their collaborative work.

The loss of Steve Albini has been felt throughout the music industry, as many musicians have expressed their grief and paid tribute to the legendary figure. Just recently, Dave Grohl dedicated a song to Albini during one of his concerts.

Joanna Newsom's setlist at the Kilby Block Party included a mix of her newer material and songs spanning her discography. Her performance featured the debut of a new song called "No Wonder," as well as two songs from each of her four LPs, providing a well-rounded showcase of her artistic range.

The Kilby Block Party audience witnessed a powerful and emotional performance by Joanna Newsom, as she not only captivated them with her mesmerizing music but also honored the memory of Steve Albini, leaving a lasting impact on all who attended.

The music industry continues to mourn the loss of Steve Albini, a true icon and influential figure, whose contributions will be remembered for years to come.