All articles tagged with #concert review
Jennifer Lopez reopened her Vegas residency with a theatrical, Broadway-inspired show featuring 27 songs, surprise appearances like Ja Rule, and personal anecdotes, marking a new era in her live performances and potentially breaking her previous records.
Paul McCartney opened his 2025 tour with a historic performance of 'Help!' in full, marking the first time he's performed the song live in his career, and delivered a lively, nostalgic concert that showcased his enduring vocal talent and classic repertoire.
Gustavo Dudamel, still the designated music director, opened the New York Philharmonic's season with a compelling program featuring a world premiere, Bartok concerto, and Ives symphony, offering a glimpse of the orchestra's future under his leadership.
Lady Gaga's Mayhem Ball at Madison Square Garden showcased her peak live performance, blending her musical talents with theatrical spectacle, personal storytelling, and a celebration of her New York roots, marking a significant artistic milestone.
Benson Boone's debut arena tour at Xcel Energy Center showcased his energetic, flamboyant style with impressive backflips and a strong stage presence, though his music was criticized for being surface-level and derivative. The show highlighted Boone's effort to embrace fame fully, appealing mainly to young fans, while his musical influences and songwriting received mixed reviews.
The Hollywood Bowl's three-night production of 'Jesus Christ Superstar' was a resounding success, highlighted by Cynthia Erivo's powerful and otherworldly portrayal of Jesus and Adam Lambert's energetic and gritty Judas. The show balanced concert and stage elements, emphasizing its rock roots with impressive vocals, dynamic choreography, and modern staging, making it a memorable and divine performance.
Gracie Abrams delivered a heartfelt performance on the first day of Lollapalooza in Chicago, showcasing her girl pop style and earning praise for her emotional set.
Lady Gaga's 'Mayhem Ball' tour opener in Las Vegas was a visually stunning and thematically rich performance that explored her career's past and present, blending elaborate theatrics with a setlist of hits and new arrangements, culminating in a raw, unadorned finale that showcased her authentic self.
Fans celebrated the first night of Oasis's reunion tour in Cardiff, praising Liam Gallagher's vocal performance reminiscent of the 90s, and expressing emotional nostalgia and excitement for the band's return after years of estrangement.
Taylor Swift's Eras Tour concluded its run in Vancouver, B.C., with a series of sold-out shows, marking the end of a record-breaking global tour. Swift captivated the audience with a three-hour performance featuring over 40 songs from her ten studio albums, showcasing her evolution as a songwriter and performer. The concert included nostalgic moments, surprise acoustic songs, and a visually stunning stage setup. Swift expressed her gratitude to the Vancouver audience, making the final shows a memorable experience for her fans.
Lauryn Hill and The Fugees kicked off their 25th Anniversary Tour for "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" in Newark, New Jersey. Despite technical issues with audio mixing, Hill delivered a memorable performance, showcasing her unique vocal arrangements and powerful renditions of her classics. The visuals and messages displayed on the screen added depth to the show. The Fugees joined Hill for the second half of the night, energizing the crowd with their hits. Overall, the concert was a celebration of a timeless album, even with the improvisations that Hill is known for.
Gunna made a triumphant return to the stage with his first headlining performance in two years at Barclays Center in New York. Titled "The Gift," the concert showcased Gunna's discography and reaffirmed his support for Young Thug. The show featured impressive staging, including imagery inspired by Ancient Greece and the Old Testament. Gunna performed hits from his recent album "A Gift & A Curse" as well as tracks from his previous album "DS4Ever." The concert also served as a fundraiser for The Goodr Foundation, which aims to end world hunger. Gunna's performance was a genuine reclamation of his narrative, showcasing his talent and emotional depth.
Vice President Kamala Harris hosted a "50 Years of Hip-Hop" celebration at the official residence in Washington, D.C., featuring performances by artists such as Lil Wayne, Common, Jeezy, Fat Joe, Remy Ma, and more. Harris emphasized the influence and diversity of hip-hop in American culture, while attendees enjoyed the event on the front lawn. The concert, organized in collaboration with the Recording Academy's Black Music Coalition and Live Nation Urban, concluded with a thunderstorm.
Drake delivers a nostalgic and high-energy performance at Madison Square Garden, treating fans to a mix of his greatest hits. The concert featured four acts, with interludes showcasing Drake's adolescent years. He engaged the audience, expressed gratitude, and paid tribute to the late Virgil Abloh. Drake performed a range of songs, from early fan favorites to recent hits, and even joined 21 Savage on stage for collaborative tracks. Despite his massive success, Drake's sincerity and ability to breathe new life into old classics make it hard not to like him.
Taylor Swift's "Eras Tour" is a setlist-busting tour through her catalogue, treating fans to over 40 songs each show. The three-and-a-half-hour plus NYC stop was nothing if not impressive, a clear message that Swift both loves her fans and material. The night's biggest surprises were all about buzzy Bronx rapper Ice Spice, whose collaboration with Swift on the remix to "Karma" dropped earlier in the day. As the lights went up, the audience still enchanted by Swift, it's difficult to think of anything more you could ask from a touring artist in 2023.