Guess who got to see Wisconsin’s favourite musical export start off their tour at Milwaukee’s Riverside Theater! Bon Iver played to sold-out crowds on both nights here, unsurprisingly. In fact, only a handful of the shows they play on this tour have not sold out yet.
The Riverside was filled to the brim, the air uncomfortably thick, and the humidity made it seem like the air conditioning wasn’t functioning—but that didn’t put a damper on the night’s festivities. Everything about the show was magnificent: the pulsing lights in the backdrop of red, blue or white hues that washed over Justin Vernon, the beat boxing for a Bjork cover, performing a Bjork cover. I could go on.
The setlist was a dream. In “Holocene” the crowd roared at the Milwaukee reference. Then there was a jazzed up version of “Blood Bank”. Later, we’re taken to a secluded log cabin when the band left Justin playing “Re: Stacks” on a vacated stage. The crowd was recruited to chorus “what might’ve been lost” in “The Wolves (Act I and II).” “Skinny Love” accompanied with two drums and stomping feet is equivalent to perfection (see photo below). The set was concluded with “Beth/Rest”. It’s a little bit Phil Collins, but the track has been growing on me. Does it also make you want to constantly pump fists in the air?
And finally the setlist. The italicized song titles will take you to the live performances that will hopefully satisfy your Bon Iver live experience until they come around to a stage near you. In conclusion: SO GOOD.
Setlist:
1. Perth
2. Minnesota, WI
3. Holocene
4. Towers
5. Hinnom, TX
6. Wash.
7. Creature Fear
8. Blood Bank
9. Flume
10. Re: Stacks
11. Calgary
12. Who Is It? (Bjork cover)
13. Michicant
14. The Wolves (Act I and II)
Encore:
15. Skinny Love
16. For Emma
17. Beth/Rest
