How good is Bon Iver’s live show?
To give you some perspective, I drove two hours out of my way on a vacation to Chicago to see Justin Vernon and company play in Madison, Wis.
I’ve since decided the nearly 16 hour drive from Baton Rouge to Madison would have been worth it for Bon Iver’s emotionally-charged, atmospheric live show alone.
While the songs on the latest self-titled album sound grandiose delivered through headphones, Vernon performs live with a 12-piece band which includes two drummers, two guitarists in addition to Vernon’s own strumming and a saxophonist/beat boxer/all around badass.
The ensemble’s sound was huge, encompassing and left me speechless. The live show offered a richer more fulfilling experience than could ever come across a digital medium.
Vernon, himself, was probably the most impressive part of the show.
Standing somewhat awkwardly at around six feet tall, Vernon appears like a somewhat intimidating giant with a knack for facial hair. His stage presence indicated otherwise.
Throughout the performance, Vernon and company remained humble, thanking the audience for their support, giving a shout out to his nearby hometown of Eau Claire and declaring his love and passion for the music he crafts.
Above all else, it’s Vernon’s otherworldly, angelic, strangely hypnotic falsetto which is the highlight of the show.
Though his lyrics are often cryptic and nonsensical, Vernon is able to convey every emotion on the spectrum through sheer vocal prowess. I was captivated, heartbroken, joyful.
To say I’m glad to have witnessed Bon Iver live would be the understatement of the century.
The concert will remain engrained in my memory as one of the most moving, powerful, engrossing concerts I have, or probably will, ever see in my life.
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Contact Kevin Thibodeaux at [email protected]