I honestly find it comical how almost every critic has only negative things to say about the music acts that come through the Twin Cities. Half of the time these people are the ones who look up the music artist 10 minutes before the show. Why wouldn't you want the review from somebody who has followed the music act for years, has been personally impacted by their songs and had one of the best nights of their life? Well, that is what I am about to give you.
As I found my seat before the show, I looked around and saw the Xcel Energy Center filled to the brim with a broad range of age groups. Everybody was giddy and impatient for the well
At precisely 7:30 the opening act, LANY (pronounced LAY-NEE), an American three-piece alternative band from Los Angeles, California, took the stage. From that very moment, the crowd was drawn in. Lead singer, Paul Klein was a crowd pleaser with his wide range of vocals, dance moves, and of course looks. I may or may not be biased, but his man bun and bandana totally sealed up the whole package.
I have been a fan of LANY for a while, and when I found out they were opening up for John Mayer I was so excited! It was even more special because Paul has talked about how much he idolizes Mayer, so you just knew that being the opening band was an absolute dream come true for them. You could tell from the moment LANY took the stage that they were excited to be there and it continued throughout their whole setlist. Two stand out moments from LANY's set were when they played their hit song, "ILYSB" which was a definite crowd pleaser as well as their new single,"Good Girls." This is only the beginning for this band from Los Angeles, and for other fans like me, it makes you a bit emotional, but insanely proud to watch them continue to grow and reach their dreams.
Ok so first of all, I am not sure what John Mayer show Star Tribune Writer Jon Bream was at last night, but it was definitely not the show I attended. As Bream states, "Sixteen years and seven hit-and-miss studio albums into his career, Mayer might consider writing a new book — or at least a set list — for himself. " I literally laughed out loud in disgust when I read that. That sentence, and honestly his whole review, has no place in a review of Mayer's concert last night. Mayer played songs off almost all of his albums, left the crowd in awe with his guitar solos, and had amazing vocals, as always. Bream also mentions that it was disappointing that Mayer didn't play more of his hits from about 15 years ago, and played too many songs from his new album which was released one day before the show. I would like to point out that Mayer played a total of about 5 songs from his new album and 15 from past albums. I would say that is a pretty great selection and way for Mayer to get his fans on the hype with his new album. Especially being that it is "The search for everything Tour," the name of his new album. Everyone around me, including myself seemed even to know the lyrics to the new songs, so I don't know why it bothered Bream so much.
Mayer even commented multiple times throughout the night how he enjoys being able to switch up his set list each night. How boring would it be if it was the exact same night after night? Plus, it gives each show something special. The songs that we were able to hear and sing along to are different than the ones the next city will get. I think that is so cool! Overall, Mayer has written well over 100 songs and having to narrow those down to around 20 you can bet there will be somebody in the audience who wasn't able to hear their favorite song. However, that doesn't take away from the overall execution of the show.
Honestly, Mayer could have sung anything, and the crowd would have been pleased especially since it is his first time being back in the Twin Cities since whats felt like forever.
The way in which Mayer executed the show was brilliant. He did it in a way that was bound to reach everybody in the audience. The show was laid out as if it was a book, sectioned into five chapters with a short break between each. The chapters were laid out in the following order:
1. Full Band
2. Acoustic
3. John Mayer Blues Power Trio with drummer Steve Jordan and bassist Pino Palladino. This chapter was a definite crowd favorite.
4. Full Band Reprise
5. Epilogue
This allowed Mayer to include a variety of new and old music and create an incredible experience for his fans.
Three standout moments were Mayer's cover of Tom Petty's "Free Fallin," his own hit, "Waiting on the World to Change," and the single from his new album, "Moving On and Getting Over."
Overall, Mayer was able to take over the crowd, and there were smiles on everyone's faces throughout the entire show. He provided the Twin Cities with an incredible and very pleasing two-hour show, and I already wish I could go back and re-live it all over again.
Here is the setlist from the night:
Chapter 1: Full Band
Belief
Moving On and Getting Over
I Don't Trust Myself
Who Says
Changing
Chapter 2: Acoustic
Covered In Rain (Fan Chose!)
In Your Atmosphere
Quiet
Free Falling
Neon
Chapter 3: John Mayer Trio
Jam In E
Vultures
Crossroads
Chapter 4: Full Band Reprise
Waiting On The Day
Rosie
Something Like Olivia
Why Georgia
Waiting On The World To Change
Chapter 5: Epilogue (Encore)
Slow Dancing In a Burning Room
Still Feel Like Your Man
You’re Gonna Live Forever In Me
