Just Like Heaven Festival 2025: A Star-Studded Lineup and Rilo Kiley Reunion
The highly anticipated lineup for California’s Just Like Heaven music festival in 2025 has been officially announced, much to the excitement of fans across the indie music landscape. Headlining the one-day festival on May 10 at Brookside at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena will be Vampire Weekend, alongside a diverse array of performers including TV on the Radio, Bloc Party, and Empire of the Sun. A particularly noteworthy aspect of this year’s event is the reunion of Rilo Kiley, the beloved emo band that has not performed together since 2008.
Rilo Kiley: A Beloved Reunion
Rilo Kiley, formed in 1998 in Silverlake, California, is returning to the stage, much to the delight of their fans. The band’s rise to fame began with their self-titled EP, which featured “The Frug,” a track that gained significant airtime on MTV’s influential show 120 Minutes. The lineup solidified by the early 2000s included Jenny Lewis, who is known for her witty and unfiltered songwriting, alongside Blake Sennett, Pierre de Reeder, and Jason Boesel.
The group released a series of well-received studio albums throughout the 2000s:
- Take Offs and Landings (2001)
- The Execution of All Things (2002)
- More Adventurous (2004)
- Under the Blacklight (2007)
Although Rilo Kiley concluded their last live shows during the Under the Blacklight tour, they officially announced their breakup in 2013. In the years since, Jenny Lewis has embarked on a successful solo career, with albums such as The Voyager (2014), On the Line (2019), and Joy’all (2023).
In their statement regarding the reunion, Rilo Kiley expressed their enthusiasm, stating, “We are so very excited to come back together for Just Like Heaven in Pasadena, California—Los Angeles. As a band, we began here, and we feel so fortunate to return among so many artists and friends, to this community we hold so dear, in such a beautiful and meaningful place.”
Festival Lineup Highlights
In addition to Rilo Kiley and Vampire Weekend, Just Like Heaven 2025 will feature a host of other artists, including:
- The Drums
- Courtney Barnett
- Toro y Moi
- Unknown Mortal Orchestra
- Grouplove
- Slowdive, who are classified as "very special guests."
These performances underline the festival’s commitment to showcasing a range of musical talents from various genres, capturing the essence of the indie scene that has flourished over the past two decades.
Conclusion
As anticipation builds for the Just Like Heaven festival in 2025, the reunion of Rilo Kiley marks a significant moment for both the band and their fanbase, likely rekindling nostalgia for long-time listeners while also attracting a new generation of fans. This event not only reflects the enduring legacy of Rilo Kiley but also embodies the spirit of community and musical appreciation that festivals like Just Like Heaven strive to promote.
With the blend of iconic bands and promising new acts, Just Like Heaven 2025 is set to be a memorable event in Pasadena, celebrating the power of music and bringing together fans from all walks of life to honor their favorite artists. For ticket information and updates, visit Just Like Heaven.
