On Friday, August 30th, Bleachers took to the stage at Columbiahalle in Berlin, Germany, to close off the very hot month with an even hotter show. Starting the evening rather calm, opener Amy Allen began her set at 8 p.m. The American singer performed her song ‘RIP’ on a pink Hello Kitty guitar, but then switched to an acoustic guitar right after. In between the songs, she took the time to explain the backgrounds and her feelings when writing them. Allen doesn’t compose and write for herself only though – the list of music she wrote on is almost endless and includes everything from giant hits to special fan favourites, such as P!nk’s ‘Cover Me In Sunshine’ or Harry Styles’ ‘Matilda’. It’s definitely worth checking out her discography.
After a song with an energetic chorus, another slow and quiet song was next, and the audience engaged in it, rhythmically clapping during the chorus. Generally, the crowd was very supportive and participating, and loudly applauded or waved hands during songs. Amy Allen and her three band members left the stage at 8:31 p.m. to make room for Bleachers.
After teasing their performance by playing their song ‘Drug Free America’ through the speakers, the American band around Jack Antonoff took to the stage at 9:15 p.m., and the energy went through the roof immediately. Not just the temperature reached peaks, the audience also screamed so loud, you could feel it destroying your ears, even with earplugs on. Fittingly to the tour being called “From The Studio To The Stage”, a big recording studio light hung above the stage.
It was obvious Jack Antonoff and his band members had a lot of fun on stage, and Antonoff was dancing around on the black and white tiled floor, climbing the pianos and other things alike. His band, consisting of Evan Smith, Mikey Freedom, Sean Hutchinson, Mike Riddleberger, and Zem Audu, were also moving around, with each one switching from one instrument to another like playing saxophone or piano was the easiest thing in the world. It was hard to keep an overview, but there must’ve been at least two saxophones, four keyboards, and three guitars or basses on stage and, of course, the drums.
After a few songs full of energy, such as ‘I Am Right On Time’ or ‘Modern Girl’, ‘Wake Me’ was the first rather slow one, and it was met with just as much love from the audience as the upbeat ones. During the set, Antonoff enjoyed engaging with the crowd. Introducing his song ‘Chinatown’, he was curious to hear if everyone was from Berlin, which wasn’t the case, as someone came all the way from Texas. Antonoff explained he had written the song during the pandemic, when he couldn’t go home, though it was what he wanted so badly. During the chorus, he let the crowd sing parts of it alone, and the serotonin levels peaked.
After another song with a great saxophone duet, it was time for another slower song, namely ‘Self Respect’, that got faster as time progressed. Next was ‘Wild Heart’, and afterwards, the American singer showed the crowd his “favourite sound in the world”, a deep bass-vibration that you can feel in your chest. He stated that this sound was a turning point in his musical career and what made him start this band.
A little later, the man from New Jersey exited the stage with a little hop off the lights and behind the stage, only to come back for the encore. It included far more songs than usual encores, and bangers from the likes of ‘I Wanna Get Better’ or ‘Don’t Take The Money’. ‘Stop Making This Hurt’ was the song to end the incredible show at 11:05 p.m. The next day, Rough Trade Berlin hosted a signing with Jack Antonoff, which a lot of fans attended as well, to keep the spirit of the Bleachers show in their lives for a little bit longer.
The “From The Studio To The Stage Tour” had its last Europe stop on September 2nd in Paris before heading over to the United States, where it will end with a sold out show in Madison Square Garden, New York, on October 4th.
