Review: Macklemore at HBF Stadium
Macklemore at HBF Stadium
w/ Beeba
Monday, May 20, 2024
Macklemore hit the stage at HBF Stadium on Monday night, performing the first of two sold-out shows in Perth, and it was the epitome of feel-good vibes.
Opening act Beeba, a DJ from Macklemore's hometown of Seattle, primed the audience with a mix of throwbacks, playing hits by TLC, Usher, Fatman Scoop, and Michael Jackson. Acknowledging the youthfulness of the crowd, he asked who was attending their first concert and who had come with a parent. He then encouraged those with raised hands to thank their parents for bringing them to a hip-hop show on a Monday night.
Beeba highlighted his strong message of self-love throughout his set, reminding the crowd to love themselves and look after each other. His performance was the perfect start to the night—wholesome and fun.
Beeba
Macklemore bounced out and launched into Chant, his track with Australian singer-songwriter Tones and I from his latest album, Ben. Accompanied by a brass band, backup dancers, and Tones and I’s stunning vocals, it clearly signalled the beginning of an unforgettable set to come.
Macklemore encouraged fans to capture a few videos and photos, then to put their phones away before adding, “I need your energy; I want to see you and be in this moment together.” As the instantly recognisable Thrift Shop riff played, Macklemore donned his signature fur coat, and the crowd danced and sang along with him. With the energy palpable, the onstage dancers then launched into a high-energy Cadillac routine.
Macklemore
“I want to commend you Aussies for showing up for one another and leading with love. You are welcome here tonight to be 100% authentically yourselves," he concluded as Same Love began to play.
The arena was packed and very hot, and there were three audience members who fainted during the performance. Each time, Macklemore would stop, signal security, ask staff to hand out more water, and discuss the importance of community care and looking out for one another.
Prior to performing Hind's Hall, Macklemore addressed the audience, delivering a powerful political message about Palestine. This sombre and quiet interlude demonstrated his commitment to using his platform for awareness and advocacy.
Macklemore
The vibe then picked up again with the performance of Dance Off, as Macklemore amplified the excitement by inviting two audience members onto the stage for a dance battle. The dancers absolutely delivered, and the crowd cheered.
It’s rare for a performer to feel so genuinely filled with gratitude and reciprocity, but the artist-crowd connection felt symbiotic throughout the night. The combination of loving messages and high energy that didn’t falter right up to the end made for a show that left the audience walking out feeling significantly better than when they arrived.
After an encore, with Tones and I rejoining him on stage, Macklemore ended the night with a heartfelt statement: “My friends and family call me Ben. Please call me Ben, because you are my f…ing family."
