The Ben Tour Concert Experience
Article written and photos by Alec Moody
Macklemore's latest sold-out show in Salt Lake City, Utah was nothing short of spectacular, leaving fans of all ages with unforgettable memories. The night kicked off with the opener of the tour, the charismatic Beeba, whose lively performance was an instant hit with the crowd. He cleverly weaved together a medley of beloved songs that resonated with both the younger fans and the parents in the crowd. Beeba's stage setup featured a number of captivating graphic designs, with one standout being what appeared to have been footage from an old high school basketball game. Throughout his set, Beeba's message was clear: love yourself and know your worth, a powerful and affirming message for everyone. His performance set a tone of positivity and empowerment that carried throughout the night, making his opening act a memorable and impactful part of the Macklemore concert experience.
As the venue music faded out, the crowd's anticipation soared when the instrumental for Macklemore's hit song Chant began to play. The rapper made a dramatic entrance, rushing onto the stage to join his musicians, flanked by trumpeters. After a roaring first performance, he walked side-stage and donned his iconic leopard-print jacket, famously associated with his Thrift Shop music video. When the familiar lyrics "What-what, what, what?" echoed through the venue, the audience erupted into a frenzy, dancing and singing along to every last word of Thrift Shop. Macklemore took several moments to express his profound love for Salt Lake City, reminiscing about an early performance in his career at the intimate Kilby Court venue. He underscored the genuine affection he felt for the city and its passionate fans, which added a heartfelt touch to the night.
The energy in the arena continued to escalate as Macklemore moved through his repertoire, dousing the crowd with water guns during No Bad Days, prompting even more enthusiastic responses from his devoted fans. Throughout the night, Macklemore delivered a power-packed performance, showcasing a range of his best songs, from the uplifting Glorious and the infectious White Walls to the highly anticipated Can't Hold Us. However, the true standout moment was when he performed Wing$, a personal favorite for many, myself included. This song holds a special place in my heart specifically, as it was the soundtrack to an old Call of Duty quick-scoping montage uploaded to YouTube in 2011 that I used to watch constantly. That video marked my first introduction to Macklemore and the beginning of my deep appreciation for his music and artistry.
Macklemore's performance was nothing short of incredible. The "Ben Tour" promises to be an experience of a lifetime, and if you haven't already, I strongly urge you to check the tour schedule below and grab tickets to see Macklemore live! It's a night you won't want to miss, filled with electrifying performances and a powerful message that resonates with fans of all ages. Or if you’re unable to make it to a show this time around enjoy the playlist I created, which also matches the setlist from the evening!
