Gig Review: Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, Manchester

Manchester Arena - 12/04/16

So, before I get into the incredible headline act we need to talk about this guy...

Raury. I've been following him for a while because he is mega talented and unique, and I'm confident he is going to make it big. He is just 19 years old but makes incredibly thoughtful and mature music. As a support act, he might have been playing to a half full crowd but he totally owned it like a fucking superstar. He gave it his all, taking his shirt off and throwing water on the crowd...anyone would have thought he was the headliner. Mark my words, he is the next big thing!!

Next up was the pop-rap God himself, Macklemore and his DJ Ryan Lewis. Right from the start, they made it clear how the night was going to go:

"I know it's been a hard day and there's some comfy seats in here...but this is a hip hop concert, so stand the fuck up."

Stand up everyone did - and the party didn't stop until we got home.

As well as delivering their punchy hits, they also added really fun elements into the show - including giving away drawings and cookies. During the encore they also invited two people on stage to have a real life dance off to their anthemic track 'Dance Off' which was a great way to end the show.

The truth is, there is nobody making music like Macklemore and nobody putting shows on like Macklemore. If you've ever listened to one of his albums, you'd know he is a master of contrast. They sing the silliest songs about cadillacs, mopeds and junk food, then deliver heartfelt pieces of music about consumerism, celebrity culture and becoming a Dad. This tour encompassed all of the different emotions really well, seamlessly transitioning from party tunes with colourful, tongue-in-cheek video accompaniments to serious rap ballads with a string quartet and choir.

Highlights for me were definitely Thrift Shop, Can't Hold Us and Downtown, they are my favourite songs and really got a club atmosphere going. Macklemore and Ryan Lewis may not have sold out the arena, but shame on every empty seat - you missed a damn good party.

J x

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Gig Review: Mumford and Sons, Manchester Arena

06/12/15

I've barely seen the arena as lively as it was last night for the return of folk rockers Mumford and Sons. Frontman Marcus even said it was the best gig they've done in ages...(do they say that to all the crowds though?!)

The talented musicians had a treasure trove of instruments filling the stage, and Marcus himself switched between most of them while singing the band's back catalogue of hits. Their new music has taken a slower, electronic pace recently but Mumford and Sons made sure they still treated the crowd to their foot stomping roots - everyone was on their feet for Little Lion Man, The Cave and I Will Wait.

Marcus has so much energy on the stage - and off it. During one track he decides to get down on the floor, run down the side of the arena and then pushes himself through the crowd of revellers all the way back to the stage. For the encore though they slow it down, taking to a small stage at the back of the arena and performing a short acoustic set.

Mumford and Sons certainly put on a good show - is it possible not to clap your hands and stomp your feet to most of their tunes?! A dreary Sunday evening was transformed into a thrilling hoe down... Catch the band if you can on their world tour.