Rostam Revisits Vampire Weekend's 'Young Lion' in New Concert Film

The former Vampire Weekend member performs the song in his upcoming 'American Stories: A Concert Film'.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 12:00am

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An abstract close-up photograph of a shattered mirror reflecting a dim, red light, conveying a sense of fractured nostalgia and the tension between an artist's past and present.Rostam's revisiting of the Vampire Weekend classic 'Young Lion' in his new concert film explores the bittersweet nostalgia of an artist's musical journey.Los Angeles Today

Rostam, the former member of the band Vampire Weekend, has revisited the group's song 'Young Lion' in a new performance video taken from his upcoming film 'American Stories: A Concert Film'. The original 'Young Lion' was the closing track on Vampire Weekend's 2013 album 'Modern Vampires of the City', which marked Rostam's last record with the band before he departed in 2016.

Why it matters

Rostam's revisiting of 'Young Lion' provides fans with a unique opportunity to see the musician perform one of Vampire Weekend's most beloved songs in a new context, offering fresh insight into his creative process and the enduring influence of his work with the band.

The details

In a statement, Rostam said the piano melody in 'Young Lion' was always inspired by the Persian music he grew up with. The 'American Stories: A Concert Film' will screen in New York City on May 5 and Los Angeles on May 11, with both events featuring a Q&A with Rostam. The musician will also release a new album called 'American Stories' on May 15.

  • Rostam performed 'Young Lion' for the upcoming 'American Stories: A Concert Film'.
  • The 'American Stories: A Concert Film' will screen in New York City on May 5 and Los Angeles on May 11.
  • Rostam will release a new album called 'American Stories' on May 15.

The players

Rostam

A former member of the band Vampire Weekend who is revisiting the group's song 'Young Lion' in a new performance video for his upcoming film 'American Stories: A Concert Film'.

Vampire Weekend

An American indie rock band that Rostam was a member of until his departure in 2016. The band's song 'Young Lion' is the focus of Rostam's new performance video.

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What they’re saying

“The piano melody in 'Young Lion' was always inspired by the Persian music I grew up with.”

— Rostam

What’s next

Fans can attend the screenings of 'American Stories: A Concert Film' in New York City on May 5 and Los Angeles on May 11, where they will have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A with Rostam.

The takeaway

Rostam's revisiting of 'Young Lion' in his upcoming concert film provides a unique opportunity for fans to see the musician's creative process and the enduring influence of his work with Vampire Weekend, while also offering a preview of his forthcoming solo album 'American Stories'.