Benson Boone in Melbourne: A Night of Raw Talent and Unexpected Heartbreak
Okay, so, full disclosure: I'm a HUGE Benson Boone fan. I've been following him since his "GHOST TOWN" days, and seeing him live in Melbourne was a bucket-list item. I'd stalked Ticketmaster for weeks – weeks, people – to snag a decent seat. I even wore my lucky concert tee (a vintage Matchbox Twenty shirt, don't judge). So, naturally, I had high expectations. And let me tell you, it was a rollercoaster.
The Highs: A Voice That Could Melt Glaciers
Benson's voice? Forget about it. Absolutely stunning. Seriously, the guy's got pipes. He hit every note perfectly, even the really tricky ones in "In the Stars." The acoustics at the venue (I won't name and shame, but let's just say it wasn't the best) didn't even phase him. His range is incredible, going from these delicate whispers to powerful belts – it gave me goosebumps. I mean, legit goosebumps. The crowd was totally into it, singing along to every word. There was this amazing energy in the air, you know? That feeling of shared experience, pure musical bliss.
He also had fantastic stage presence. He interacted with the crowd a lot, making eye contact, telling stories, you could tell he genuinely loves what he does. He's incredibly charismatic, and definitely knows how to work a crowd. It felt like an intimate show, even though it was a pretty big venue. I especially loved his performance of "Broken." The raw emotion just poured out of him, and you could feel it resonating with the audience.
The Setlist: A Mix of Hits and Hidden Gems
The setlist was a really nice blend of his popular songs and some deeper cuts from his albums. He played "September 13th," "Letting You Go", and of course, "GHOST TOWN," which was amazing live. He even threw in a few covers, which were pretty unexpected but awesome. It’s a good mix to keep the casual fans engaged while showing off his artistic range for the more devoted ones.
The Lows: Sound Issues and a Slightly Short Set
Unfortunately, it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows. The sound mixing was wonky at times. There were moments where the vocals were a little too loud, and some instruments were almost inaudible. It was kinda frustrating, especially since Benson's vocals were so impressive. It really detracted from the overall experience, especially during some of the quieter songs.
Also, the set felt a bit short. I know bands have time constraints, but I could've happily listened to him for another hour, at least. Maybe that’s why I didn’t get to hear my favorite song, “Slip Away.” Boo hoo.
Practical Tips for Future Concert-Goers
- Check the venue beforehand: Seriously, do your research! Read reviews, check photos, anything to get a sense of the acoustics and seating. It could save you some heartache, like it didn’t save mine, lol.
- Arrive early: This avoids long lines and helps you snag a better spot. It's also a great opportunity to soak up the atmosphere before the show starts. I regret not getting there sooner.
- Bring earplugs: Protect your hearing, especially at louder concerts. I learned this the hard way after my last concert. You'll thank me later!
- Manage your expectations: Don’t expect perfection, especially when sound mixing and other factors are outside an artist's control. That way you can focus on enjoying the music!
Despite the minor hiccups, seeing Benson Boone live was an incredible experience. His talent is undeniable. If you have a chance to catch one of his shows, I highly recommend it. You won’t regret it. But, seriously, bring earplugs. And maybe check that venue beforehand. Just saying.