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Hans Zimmer Delivers a Spellbinding Spectacle of Sound at Moody Center

The legendary composer fused orchestral mastery with rock-star energy, showcasing an electrifying journey through his iconic film scores

Hans Zimmer performs at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Oct. 11, 2024, during his North American tour. (Photo by Suzanne Teresa)
Hans Zimmer performs at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Oct. 11, 2024, during his North American tour. (Photo by Suzanne Teresa)

On Friday, Jan. 31, the Moody Center transformed into a cinematic soundscape as Hans Zimmer made his Austin debut. The Oscar-, Tony- and Grammy-winning composer, known for his scores for “The Lion King,” “Gladiator,” “Interstellar” and “Dune,” led an 18-piece band and full orchestra through a nearly three-hour performance that blended the grandeur of film music with the energy of a rock concert. Throughout the evening, he also showcased his talent on several instruments.

Fresh off a long flight from Saudi Arabia, Zimmer joked about feeling a bit “dodgy” but quickly proved otherwise, showing an unshakable command of his craft. Dressed in a sleek black jacket, cowboy hat, blue jeans and boots—a playful nod to Texas—he exuded effortless charisma, weaving storytelling, poking fun at Austin traffic and exchanging banter with longtime collaborators throughout the night.

Hans Zimmer Live performs at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on Sept. 19, 2024, during his North American tour. (Photo by Suzanne Teresa)
Hans Zimmer Live performs at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on Sept. 19, 2024. (Photo by Suzanne Teresa)

A sonic and visual spectacle

From the moment the show began, it was clear this was no ordinary orchestral performance. The stage pulsed with energy as thunderous drumming, swirling fog and dynamic lights built anticipation before erupting into a powerful opening sequence. Zimmer’s ensemble, The Disruptive Collective, performed with uninhibited intensity, their movements as kinetic as the music itself.

The setlist spanned Zimmer’s vast career, featuring a meticulously curated selection of scores from “Dune,” “Wonder Woman,” “Man of Steel,” “Gladiator,” “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “The Dark Knight,” “The Last Samurai,” “X-Men: Dark Phoenix,” “Dunkirk” and “Interstellar.” Rather than presenting isolated themes, Zimmer masterfully wove together sweeping medleys, distilling the essence of each film’s soundtrack into a seamless, enthralling experience.

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Hans Zimmer performs with Lebo M., the original vocalist of "Circle of Life" from "The Lion King," at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Oct. 11, 2024, during his North American tour. (Photo by Suzanne Teresa)
Hans Zimmer performs with Lebo M., the original vocalist of “Circle of Life” from “The Lion King,” at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Oct. 11, 2024. (Photo by Suzanne Teresa)

Musical mastery and theatrical showmanship

One of the night’s most exhilarating moments came during “The Lion King” suite when Zimmer welcomed original vocalist Lebo M. to the stage. The crowd erupted in cheers as the unmistakable opening chant of “Circle of Life” rang out. Behind them, archival footage from the original recording sessions played on the LED screen. Zimmer affectionately called Lebo M. the “only Lion King,” and joked that the singer’s daughter, Refi (now a vocalist in the show) hadn’t even been born when they first recorded the song.

A raw intensity filled the arena as “Gom Jabbar” from the “Dune” soundtrack pulsed beneath Loire Cotler’s soaring vocals. In the crowd, dancers in flowing black robes, evoking the Bene Gesserit, moved in hypnotic synchrony, their arms rippling like petals in the wind.

The “Interstellar” suite delivered another breathtaking highlight, unfolding like a slow-burning revelation. Before the piece began, Zimmer introduced it by recounting how director Christopher Nolan approached him about composing the film’s score. Ahead of writing the screenplay, Nolan had given Zimmer a handwritten letter to convey the creative vision Nolan had for the film. As Zimmer recalled, he composed a piano piece inspired by the letter, and when Nolan heard it, he quipped, “Well, I guess I need to write the film now.” The music, a blend of delicate piano, stirring strings and operatic vocals, gradually built into a soaring crescendo. As it swelled, a performer dressed in white ascended above the stage, executing an aerial routine that reflected the celestial grandeur of the score. Meanwhile, a massive disco ball cast swirling lights across the venue, momentarily transforming the arena into a dreamlike expanse of sound and light.

The “Pirates of the Caribbean” segment, introduced by Zimmer’s playful remark that the piece, driven by cellist Tina Guo, would “tear your face off,” was a showstopper. Guo led the charge, her hair whipping as she leaned into her electric cello, delivering a performance as visually striking as it was musically brilliant. Meanwhile, guitarist Guthrie Govan unleashed a blistering solo, embodying the spirit of a rock god.

Hans Zimmer Live performs at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on Sept. 19, 2024. (Photo by Suzanne Teresa)
Hans Zimmer Live at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on Sept. 19, 2024. (Photo by Suzanne Teresa)

A triumphant finale and encore

After nearly three hours of music, Zimmer took a moment to acknowledge his orchestra and his crew, whom he called “the real heroes” of the tour. “We are only one part of the equation,” he told the audience. “You are the other part. You are in the band.”

The encore featured two unforgettable melodies: the theme from the 2021 James Bond film “No Time to Die” and the hauntingly beautiful song “Time” from “Inception.” As the final notes faded, Zimmer and the orchestra took a bow, bidding Austin farewell as the crowd rose for a standing ovation.

With this performance being his first live show in Austin and the final North American tour before he begins work on a new production, Zimmer’s visit was a significant milestone. For those in attendance, it was an unforgettable journey through the soundscapes of some of the most iconic contemporary films.

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