The crowd lined up early at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, which hosts both movie nights and concerts during warmer months. THR's Merle Ginsberg described the assembled fans as "smart, cool, artsy, uncomfortable, self-conscious and geeky all at the same time."
Fans started filing in shortly before sundown to catch the opening act, Daughter. The London-based band released its debut album, If You Leave, in March.
Before The National took to the stage, the crowd had a little "Dejeuner sur L'Herbe" on the lawn.
English indie folk band Daughter took to the stage while it was still light out.
Daughter guitarist Igor Haefeli takes a bow to his guitar to provide signature spooky sounds from the band.
Bryce Dessner, one of the National's guitar-playing twin brothers, brought on some gloomy tunes.
Singer Matt Berninger and his band, which includes two sets of twin brothers, took the stage in style.
The National lead singer Matt Berninger and his signature clear-rimmed glasses hovered over the mic as he delivered haunting lyrics.
The New York band brought their full sound and light stage to perform in the Hollywood neighborhood. “Anyone's Ghost" was dedicated to the funereal and rather spooky locale.
Aaron Dessner, the twin brother of Bryce, joined in on a guitar solo.
Bass player Scott Devendorf, twin brother of drummer Bryan Devendorf, delivered another solid performance.
Matt Berninger drops in on the crowd during the gloomy anthem "Mr. November," from the band's 2005 album Alligator.
Bryce Dessner kept the crowd entertained during another guitar solo.
The band played for roughly two hours, drawing songs from their six albums, including a haunting version of "About Today," from the 2004 EP Cherry Tree.
The National asked the crowd to join in as they ended their set with an acoustic version of "Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks," from 2010's High Violet.