Wednesday, August 1st was dreary, hot, and humid. The humidity broke when rain hit the East Coast up until minutes before show time. And just like that, the skies cleared and there was the most picturesque sunset for the kickoff of Mumford and Son‘s month long U.S. tour. Having never performed in Jersey, the British group made their first time memorable by playing an outdoor concert at Hoboken’s Pier A Park. It’s no wonder the show was sold out to 15,000 fans in a matter of a few hours. Other than the unique talent, the views of the Manhattan skyline were breathtaking–and the sunset was a gift with purchase.
The quartet has a choir before them as they cheerfully played “Winter Winds,” “Little Lion Man,” and “White Blank Page” (during which I would bet Marcus shed a tear…or was that me?) from their first album Sigh No More. Between praising the vibe of the venue and boasting the site of the Olympic Games, Marcus Mumford, Ben Lovett, Winston Marshall, and Ted Dwane were eager to share several songs off of their new album, Babel. (due September 24th!!!!) Much to our surprise, Marcus put down his guitar and assumed position at the drums. The newer songs are more rock than folk as you will notice a heavy focus on the drums and electric guitar.
As the show came to a close, the men thanked Hoboken native, Frank Sinatra with a rendition of “New York, New York,” not to be slighted by a cover of Paul Simon’s “The Boxer.” It was eerie how they could manipulate the energy of some 15,000 people. Not moment before we all were stopped dead in our tracks at the opening of “The Boxer” were we all jumping around like drunks at a jamboree.
A surge of energy spread across the sea of people, again, as Mumford and Sons concluded the show with harmonious melodies of “The Cave” beneath fireworks.
-j
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