Photos by Hillery Terenzi and Review by Codi Glancy
My Morning Jacket and Band of Horses are currently touring together across our country; leaving each city behind after blessing amphitheaters and stadiums with their amazing music. I’ve seen both bands before, but never in an environment quite like Verizon Wireless. Even though My Morning Jacket is the main headliner, I can’t even think of a better tour package than these two bands together.
The last time I saw Band of Horses was on their brief tour with Kings of Leon at an amphitheater near my hometown in Orange Beach, Alabama. It was clear then, that the majority of the crowd was only there to hear “Sex is on Fire.” Even though, I enjoy the “Kings,” I was disappointed in the low level of excitement for Band of Horses from the crowd. Alpharetta had a different vibe. Band of Horses is one of my favorite bands to see live and everyone seemed to share my eagerness for them to play.
As the native Southerners took the stage, everyone from the pit to the lawn cheered in excitement. The band began, opening with their newest single “Knock Knock,” from their newest and unreleased album. They then played a collection of their best songs, including “Laredo,” “The Great Salt Lake,” “No One’s Gonna Love You,” and “the Funeral.” The fans of BOH shouted along each lyric they knew, fueling the band into playing of their best performances I’ve seen. Towards the end of their 12-song set, lead singer of My Morning Jacket, Jim James joined them to perform “Slow Cruel Hands of Time;” another new song. They ended their show with the always beautiful and kind of ironic “The First Song.”
Shortly after, it was time for My Morning Jacket. As the house music turned off, and the stage lights turned off, all 11,00 people began to applaud. Jim James came out in what appeared to be a soaring eagle robe and electrified the crowd as the band started with “Lay Low.” Everyone sang and danced along as the band jammed out song after song of their expectedly long, but amazing set. As favorites like “Outta My System,” “Mahgeetah,” and “Gideon” were performed, MMJ became more alive. I’ve only seen the band at Bonnaroo, but they clearly felt more at home with all of their fans at Verizon. They performed one of the most genuine and amazing sets I’ve ever seen. I was mesmerized my James’ undeniably rare stage presence and his ability to write, sing, and play one of a kind songs.
After the first initial 17 songs, My Morning Jacket reappeared to perform one hell of an Encore. They played songs “Victory Dance,” “Highly Suspicious Anytime,” and ended with “One Big Holiday” to close out the night.
There’s something great about when a group of thousands of people gather together for one main purpose. It can be a rally, speech, festival or concert. Either way it’s a powerful experience when we share what we believe in. My Morning Jacket and Band of Horses are remarkable bands with fantastic live shows. They’re not just about providing us with songs. They also provide us with irreplaceable experiences and memories that
can often be monumental.
Photos and Set List After the Jump
My Morning Jacket:
Lay Low
First Light
Circuital
Outta My System
Honest Man
Mahgeetah
Where to Begin
Strangulation
Gideon
Steam Engine
Touch Me I’m Going To Scream Pt. 1
Wordless Chorus
Touch Me I’m Going To Scream Pt. 2
Cobra
It’s About Twilight Now
Run Thru
Phone Went West
Encore:
Wonderful (The Way I Feel)
Victory Dance
Holdin On To Black Metal
Highly Suspicious
Anytime
One Big Holiday
Band Of Horses:
Knock Knock
How to Live
Laredo
Older
The Great Salt Lake
Is There a Ghost
Islands on the Coast
(on setlist as “Too Soon”)
No One’s Gonna Love You
Cigarettes, Wedding Bands
10.Slow Cruel Hands of Time
(with Jim James)
11.The Funeral
The First Song
(on setlist as “Snow/Outro”)
In short, this band is making the most beautiful music of our time<3 #CantGetEnough