The xx begins new U.S. headlining tour, auctions memorabilia for charity

Seeking to capitalize on their recent Mercury Prize win, London based trio The xx will bring their minimalistic yet catchy style to the United States and Canada for a headlining tour which kicks off today at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles and continues on through early October. Although they have previously played for American crowds on the summer festival circuit, including a stop at the Bonnaroo Music And Arts Festival in Manchester, TN, a headlining tour is often one of the best ways for a previously “underground” band to suddenly introduce themselves to the ears of a mainstream audience. Although the Mercury Prize is an honor which is based in the United Kingdom, the prestige that comes with it is well known worldwide and has often played an instrumental role in lending credibility to a band, especially if they are attempting to succeed in the often daunting task of wooing industry heavyweights.

The band’s tour dates are:

09/22 – Los Angeles CA – Hollywood Palladium
09/23 – Oakland CA – Fox Theater
09/25 – Seattle WA – Paramount Theatre
09/29 – Toronto ON – Massey Hall
10/01 – Montreal QB – Place Des Arts Maissoneuve
10/02 – New York NY – United Palace
10/04 – Philadelphia PA – Merriam Theater
10/05 – Washington DC – 9:30 Club
10/06 – Atlanta GA – Tabernacle
10/08 – Dallas TX – Granada Theater
10/09 – Austin TX – Austin City Limits, Zilker Park

Fans who pride themselves on collecting one-of-a-kind music items will appreciate that The xx has chosen to auction off their unique X-shaped lightboxes that accompany them onstage for every performance. This decor theme is also used on the band’s debut album cover, so the ultimate winner of the auction should expect to hear admiring exclamations such as “Hey! Isn’t that the design of the album cover from that awesome band The xx? Yeah? I thought so…rock on!” Proceeds from the auction will benefit Amnesty International, and those who are interested can place their bids here. Although the lightboxes would look pretty stunning in my living room (right in front of my vinyl collection), space in my tiny apartment is at a premium, so I think I’ll have to pass. Happy bidding to the rest of you!

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