I went to see The Lumineers in Manchester and was blown away

On Sunday May 25, The Lumineers brought their signature blend of raw emotion and folk-rock charm to Manchester's AO Arena, delivering a performance that captivated the sold-out crowd.

The concert was part of their extensive European and UK tour promoting their fifth studio album, Automatic.

The evening commenced with an engaging set by Michael Marcagi. His gentle vocal delivery enhanced the emotional depth of his songwriting.

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As the stomp-and-holler genre experiences a resurgence, Marcagi stands out by infusing it with a genuine and heartfelt charm that few others achieve.

At 8:30pm, The Lumineers took the stage - opening with the anthemic new tune ‘Same Old Song’ and the crowd were immediately energised.

The Lumineers at Manchester AO Arenaplaceholder image
The Lumineers at Manchester AO Arena | NW

The band's setlist was a well-curated mix of fan favorites and new material from Automatic, including tracks like ‘Same Old Song’, ‘Brightside’ and ‘So Long’.

Their rendition of ‘BRIGHTSIDE’ saw Schultz climb off stage and through the crowd to perform the track with the fans in a singalong that was touching.

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Throughout the 2 hour and 15 minute performance, lead vocalist Wesley Schultz and drummer Jeremiah Fraites showcased their musical synergy, seamlessly transitioning between instruments and engaging the crowd with heartfelt storytelling.

The Lumineers’ performance was supported by exceptional backing vocalists and musicians. Violinist Lauren Jacobson, the pianist Stelth Ulvang, bassist Byron Isaacs and guitarist Brandon Miller, who all performed an exceptional verse in ‘Big Parade’.

Their performance of ‘Automatic’, which was dedicated to a family in attendance who had sadly lost their daughter recently was incredibly moving as everyone came together in unison with their phone torches out.

The band's ability to create an intimate atmosphere in a large venue was evident particularly during acoustic renditions of ‘Angela’ and ‘Ophelia’, which had the audience singing along in unison.

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The production was understated yet effective with warm lighting and minimalistic staging that allowed the music to take centre stage.

The concert visuals were engaging and they consistently deliver performances where the visual elements are thoughtfully integrated, supporting the music without overshadowing it.

The Lumineers at Manchester AO Arenaplaceholder image
The Lumineers at Manchester AO Arena | NW

Their approach ensures that the focus remains on the emotional connection between the band and the audience, creating memorable live music experiences with visuals of open roads in America as well as thoughtful piano playing and nature were charming

The Lumineers' commitment to authenticity struck a chord with fans many of whom took to social media to express their appreciation for the band's genuine connection with the audience.

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They closed the night with a classic favourite ‘Stubborn Love’, which got everyone stomping along.

They continue their tour across the UK, however The Lumineers’ Manchester show stands out as an example of their enduring appeal and ability to connect with audiences on a deeper level.

Especially when they played a cover of Oasis’ ‘Don’t look back in anger’ which got everyone in attendance singing the lyrics back to Schultz.

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