Review: Post Malone brings it all to sold-out Cincinnati ‘If Y’all Weren’t Here, I’d Be Crying’ tour stop
IF Y’ALL WEREN’T HERE,
I’D BE CRYING TOUR
POST MALONE,
BEACH FOSSILS
RIVERBEND MUSIC CENTER
CINCINNATI, OHIO | JULY 9, 2023
By Neil Shumate, OOTB Publications
Post Malone brought an impressive production to a sold-out Riverbend Music Center in Cincinnati last night—a giant screen that filled the back of the stage, an extensive moving drop down lighting rig, pyrotechnics, and most notably a nine member band featuring violins, a cello, guitars, bass, drums, and keyboards.
Not to downplay the bells and whistles as they significantly enhanced the live show (especially during the explosive performance of Ozzy collab song “Take What You Want”) and the backing band was remarkable, but ultimately, it was just Posty; one person carrying the crowd… and really that’s all fans wanted: his likable presence and the opportunity to sing along with him through the night.
Post’s personality was defined as he lit up a cigarette while singing, drank from multiple red Solo cups (maybe his branded Mason No. 9 wine was in the cups?) and danced with some humorous IDGAF moves, sometimes putting his mic in his jean shorts’ pocket so he could really break it down.
The overall atmosphere with frequent fan interactions made the show feel one-on-one, like a small club show packed into a large amphitheater; Post even performed with an acoustic guitar—sporting a guitar strap with the word “Stinky”—for new unreleased songs “Overdrive” and “Enough Is Enough” as well as older songs “Stay” and “Feeling Whitney.”
“Playing these songs for you guys is the most beautiful thing in the fucking universe,” said Post. He gratefully thanked the crowd after nearly each song.
Having songs that are in different genres is one of the 28-year-old’s signatures (pop/hip-hop/rock/rap/R&B) and he certainly brought variety as he crouched down, kneeled, and leaned into the mic giving it his all with songs from each of his five albums, including: “I Like You (A Happier Song),” “I Fall Apart,” “Rockstar,” “Circles,” “Better Now,” “Too Young.”
Although there were no special appearances with any of his many song collaborators—which have included Justin Bieber, Swae Lee, 21 Savage, Doja Cat, The Weeknd, Roddy Rich and others—crisp backing tracks successfully fulfilled the live collab absences.
Before performing show closer “White Iverson” and before a three-song encore which included “Sunflower,” Post shared some positive thoughts: “Keep chasing your dreams, keep loving your life, keep being true to yourself and keep being epic, keep spreading love.”
Post jumped off the raised stage down to the front row barricade where he hugged fans, took selfies and signed autographs on hats, posters, shirts, hand made signs, records, shoes, his branded Magic: The Gathering cards, and even signing and giving away his own Chuck Taylor’s.
Post Malone’s new album Austin (titled after his real name) featuring current singles “Chemicals” and “Mourning,” both of which were performed, is due out July 28.
One thing’s for sure, “If Y’all Weren’t [There], I’d Be Crying.”
Comments
Post a Comment