The National have revealed details of their upcoming double live album Rome, set to be released on December 13th, 2024. The album features 21 tracks recorded during their performance at the Cavea at Auditorium Parco della Musica Ennio Morricone in Rome, Italy, on June 3rd, 2024. The recording has been mixed by longtime collaborator Peter Katis, showcasing the band’s live sound in a historic setting.
Over the past two years, The National have been heavily touring, with a series of arena shows across the UK in 2023, followed by outdoor performances in 2024, including headline appearances at Castlefield Bowl in Manchester and The Other Stage at Glastonbury. These live appearances have further solidified their reputation as one of the most powerful live bands on the scene.
While Rome is not their first live release, it stands out as their most extensive, offering a career-spanning setlist that reflects the band’s musical journey over the last 20 years. The National have previously released live albums, such as their 2018 performance of Boxer in Brussels and Juicy Sonic Magic, a cassette recording from 2019. However, Rome delivers a broader perspective, highlighting their evolution and depth as a live act.
The tracklist for Rome features a mix of well-known hits and fan favorites. Songs like Bloodbuzz Ohio, I Need My Girl, and Fake Empire appear alongside rarer tracks like The Geese of Beverly Road and Runaway, offering listeners a dynamic mix of the band’s most beloved songs.
In 2023, The National released two albums, First Two Pages of Frankenstein and Laugh Track, which were prominent in their recent setlists. However, the band has consistently refreshed their performances by incorporating a range of older and lesser-known songs throughout the tour.
To give fans a taste of what’s to come, The National have released four tracks from Rome, now available on streaming platforms. Live versions of I Need My Girl, Lemonworld, The Geese of Beverly Road, and Lit Up offer a preview of the energy and emotion captured in the new album.
Tracklist for Rome:
- Runaway
- Eucalyptus
- Tropic Morning News
- New Order T-Shirt
- Don’t Swallow The Cap
- Bloodbuzz Ohio
- The System Only Dreams in Total Darkness
- I Need My Girl
- Lemonworld
- The Geese of Beverly Road
- Lit Up
- Alien
- Humiliation
- Murder Me Rachael
- England
- Graceless
- Fake Empire
- Smoke Detector
- Mr. November
- Terrible Love
- Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks
With Rome, The National are offering a comprehensive live experience that spans their entire career, making it a must-listen for both long-time fans and newcomers alike.