Messed!Up
Macklemore’s “The Ben Tour” was nothing short of electrifying, for a sold-out show of 8000 fans, that was a rollercoaster of energy and emotion. From the moment the crowd began chanting his name the anticipation was unmistakable. When Macklemore finally entered the stage at 8:06, the venue erupted in cheers. Dressed in an open white button up over a white tank top, sunglasses, and a neck scarf, Macklemore set the tone for an unforgettable night.
The show kicked off with “CHANT,” featuring a surprise appearance by Tones and I. The crowd went wild as she took the stage in a blue velvet outfit, matching blue cap and high pony, commanding the audience’s attention and getting everyone clapping along. Her powerful vocals and stage presence were the perfect complement to Macklemore’s high energy, belting out the ending of the song, setting the tone for the night. Macklemore took a moment to calm the crowd and praised Brisbane’s incredible energy. He encouraged everyone to take some pictures and videos but emphasised enjoying the show in the moment. He made a funny joke about not wanting to see the back of everyone’s iPhones—and especially not an Android phone. When the crowd started chanting for a shoey, he joyfully declined, saying they needed to work for it. Macklemore’s iconic leopard print mink jacket made an appearance for the performance of “Thrift Shop.”, and the stage was filled with go-go dancers, adding to the infectious party atmosphere. The crowd jumped in unity, creating a sea of bouncing bodies and lights.
“White Walls” brought a playful twist as Macklemore started the song seated on the stage, surrounded by his entourage and dancing go-go girls. Midway through, he switched back to a white button-up shirt and sprayed the crowd with a water gun, eliciting delighted screams from the audience. His engagement with the crowd was seamless, praising the unique Aussie spirit and humorously rejecting their chant for a shoey. Macklemore addressed the crowd again, expressing his love for the Australian sense of humor by quoting the classic Aussie phrase, “I’m not here to fuck spiders.” He then shared a heartfelt message about equality, emphasising that everyone is welcome, and all love is embraced. This genuine moment led perfectly into the next song, “Same Love.” As the song began, the entire crowd raised their hands in the shape of hearts, bathed in soft orange light that created a warm, intimate ambiance over the crowd. Macklemore’s heartfelt performance resonated deeply, with the audience singing along to every word. The emotional weight of the song was palpable, and Macklemore’s connection with the crowd was undeniable sitting down lower than eye level with the crowd creating an immersive deep connection with everyone before jumping up prancing around the whole stage with the mic stand raised high in the air.
The energy surged again with “Downtown,” featuring Eric Nally. Macklemore added a vest to his outfit, and the stage came alive with trumpeters and dancing go-go girls. Nally’s wild energy was infectious, making this one of the most vibrant performances of the night. During “Heroes,” Macklemore switched to a blue short-sleeve button-up and had the crowd bouncing to the beat. He took a moment for an emotional monologue, speaking passionately about global unity. Macklemore spoke from the heart, emphasising that everyone deserves liberation and should not live in fear. His call to end the world’s divides and ensure everyone has a home was met with cheers from the crowd, showing their appreciation for his message of equality and love. He then sang his latest song, “Hinds Hall”. As the night progressed, Macklemore continued to deliver hit after hit. “Wing$” had the crowd singing along passionately, especially during the chorus. “Dance Off” saw two audience members, Chai and Kaitlyn, brought on stage for a dance competition that had everyone cheering wildly. Chai’s energetic moves and Kaitlyn’s impressive gymnastics background added a fun, interactive element to the show. The concert also featured a playful intermission with “Zombie Nation / Tequila,” where Macklemore threw candy into the crowd. The main set concluded with “Glorious,” complete with sparklers raining down from the ceiling, creating a dazzling spectacle. The crowd’s persistent demand for a shoey was finally met when Macklemore humorously drank from his own shoe, much to everyone’s delight.
The encore was a perfect capstone to the evening. Tones and I returned to the stage for “Good Old Days,” Macklemore at this point wearing a Broncos jersey paying homage to Brisbane’s NRL team. Their chemistry was evident, and Macklemore’s praise for Tones as an artist and person was heartfelt along with taking time to highlight every one of his band members and dancers. The concert concluded with “Can’t Hold Us,” a high-energy performance that had everyone jumping and cheering. Macklemore even crowd-surfed, ending the night on a powerful note of unity and celebration. He concluded the night with a heartfelt thank you to everyone in the audience, expressing his deep appreciation for their energy and support as the lights dimmed and the final notes echoed through the venue.
Overall, Macklemore’s concert was a testament to his dynamic performance style and deep connection with his fans. His ability to seamlessly transition from humorous moments to emotional speeches created a rich, engaging experience for everyone in attendance. The night was a perfect blend of high-energy performances, heartfelt messages, and interactive elements that kept the audience captivated from start to finish. Macklemore’s genuine appreciation for his fans and his commitment to making each show special left everyone with lasting memories, ensuring that this concert will be remembered for a long time.
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Photos: Stephanie Siipola
Review: Brian Bosel
