ShareThe Lumineers performing their Brightside Tour at The Motorpoint Arena Nottingham on Thursday 24th February 2022.
Images and Review by Kevin Cooper
First it was the pandemic and then Storm Eunice both conspiring to keep The Lumineers from performing at the Motorpoint Arena on Thursday night, but braving both they managed to thrill the audience with their brand of anthemic Americana rock.
There was nothing pretentious about this performance, just the band and their instruments on stage. Delivering a set list that was skilfully put together to encompass all of the classic hits from their previous three albums, but they also increased the tempo by weaving in songs from their latest album, Brightside to give some fresh sounds.
Opening with the title track from the album, they immediately had the crowd on their feet where they stayed for their biggest hits, Ho Hey and Cleopatra which came early in the set. Displaying loads of energy, singer and founding member Wesley Schultz showcased his raw passion and great delivery whilst co-founder Jeremiah Fraites was no amateur on the drums.
But the rest of the band were no shrinking violets. Several of them swapped instruments at will and were masters of them all as shown on the beloved Flowers In Your Hair which was as jubilant as ever with front man Schultz dominating the stage.
The crowd were treated to the likes of Gale Song, Angela and Gun Song from their 2016 album, Cleopatra and My Cell and Gloria from III. But a real highlight of the set was Slow It Down with its stripped back, raw and unbelievably strong vocals from Schultz, which clearly moved some of this crowd.
Finishing the evening with the not to be forgotten Stubborn Love, The Lumineers had performed their powerful songs with unbridled passion, skill and energy. It was an electrifying performance by an immensely talented group of multi talented musicians who are undoubtedly a great live band.