At 5:45 A.M., Bon Iver played a sold out, special event at Hollywood Forever Cemetery (or as I now like to call it, “Hollywood Forever Ago”) in Los Angeles. Hundreds of people gathered on blankets and sleeping bags – some having gotten there at 11 PM the night before, one hour before doors officially opened.

Justin Vernon of Bon Iver seemed as awed by the setting as his fans, stating “Well, I think this is probably the weirdest thing any of us have ever done.” Even though Hollywood Forever is famous for showing movies on Sunday nights, Bon Iver seems to be the pioneer of a sunrise concert in this arena.

As the fog slowly cleared and daylight began to break, Bon Iver played an absolutely perfect set, hitting all of their songs. I have to believe even the dead people buried nearby appreciated the resonating beauty of his music, mostly from For Emma, Forever Ago, and some newer work. Justin made a disclaimer that unlike most bands, he would not be playing an encore. “We’re a young band still. We don’t have that many songs yet.” And sure enough a few songs later, about an hour and fifteen minutes after the set began, he said, “This is the last song we know how to play. I’m a little embarrassed,” before launching into a beautiful, eerie version of “Wolves,” with everyone joining in on the chorus. Hopefully this will motivate the band to release a sophomore album soon – this is the encore we have all really been waiting for.

– written by guest contributor, Lauren Isaacson.

DeYarmond Edison (Bon Iver and Megafaun) – Love Long Gone (via Rollo & Grady)

Bon Iver – Skinny Love

Bon Iver – For Emma