One a night when everyone in the Twin Cities was coming to terms with the loss of Prince Mumford and Sons came to Xcel and dedicated their show to the Purple One.
LA singer / songwriter Blake Mills opened the show. Mills is an artist whose work with others dwarves his solo work. “There’s nothing I’d rather be doing, on a night like tonight” summed up his feelings. His set was no nonsense, he was seated for most of it and let his music do the talking.
Before Mumford’s set a mix of Prince Songs was playing. There was some dancing in the side sections and “Purple Rain” brought out mobile phone lights as well as 2 lone lighters. Mumford and Sons took the stage and after a quick hello launched their set with “Snake Eyes”. Marcus Mumford dedicated the show to Prince. “He was extraordinary and we loved him, So we’re going to celebrate Prince tonight.” That was happening across venues in the Twin Cities and all over the world yesterday.
Munch has been made of the band moving past their “Banjo Period” on their current album “Wilder Mind” and their more rock oriented songs. Their set list was geared towards their newer songs but of course featured their earlier hits as well. Opener Blake Mills joined Mumford and Sons for several songs including the tribute to Prince “Nothing compares 2 U”.
The lights did justice to the arena setting but the focus was clearly on the music rather than a stage show with trick and gimmicks. For a sold out Xcel Center, the show felt very personal. Overall Mumford and Sons delivered with style and grace.
Set List: Snake Eyes / Believe / Below my Feet / Wilder Mind / Lover of the Light / Tompkins Sq Park / Ghosts / Nothing Compares / Awake / Cave / Little Lion Man / Ditmas / Dust Bowl Encore: Hot Gates / I’m on Fire / I will Wait / The Wolf
