When I tell you that I’ve been impatiently waiting for a concert for months, weeks, days, you should automatically assume it might be just Mumford and Sons. With their new album Prizefighter already on repeat in my library, I was ready to scream at the top of my lungs to all the lyrics. Despite the weather trying to rain us out, Syracuse did not let anything stop us for a monumental show with it being Mumford’s first visit to the Empower Amphitheater on June 18th.
Warming up the crowd was Dylan Grossett, one of the biggest and brightest new stars in country music. He had a big task of warming up the crowd for Mumford, and he did not disappoint. He brought some great tunes that provided relief to the broken-hearted with a southern twang. He brought us through his new and breakout songs, including “Coal”. He and his band put on a great opening act despite the huge expectations leading up to Mumford. Check out his debut album Westward, released last year, before this guy blows up more and you’re behind.
The crowd packed in further and further in their seats and on the lawn, the breeze marrying the beginning tunes of “The Wild” to carry away our worries for the entirety of Mumford‘s set. Mumford and Sons is known for their infectious stage performance, with an expanded band including a horn section and a fuller band section accompanying them. Marcus Mumford reminded us why fans are so lucky to have bands like this willing to come to the Amphitheater, bouncing around the stage and engaging fans constantly. If other bands weren’t already watching Mumford’s ability to command a crowd, they need to start taking notes.
“This is the most fun we have as a band, playing shows like this,” Marcus Mumford shouted to the Syracuse packed crowd, with cheers in reply.
The band barely took a break between songs, pausing only seconds to switch instruments as they played through fan favorites like “Awake My Soul” and “Lover Of The Light”. Fans sang along with the already energetic band, creating memories that fans will be talking about for months, if not years. When Marcus jumped from the stage during “Ditmas, ” he ran through and greeted fans as they tried to reach for him. He made one little girl’s dream come true, stopping to high-five her after climbing over the railing to reach her and bring her a little magic that she herself will remember forever. If you haven’t seen the videos on TikTok, look them up because they are just so precious. I was reminded of being young, aloof, and appreciative of the nights that establish core memories in the heat of summer.
As the night came to a close, they disappeared on the main stage to head over to a small, single-mic-ed stage in the middle of the crowd to strip things down with a more intimate set. Marcus reminded the crowd, “It’s gonna be real quiet. So here’s the deal, if you want to enjoy the moment, please shut the f— up.” And suddenly, you could hear a pin drop in a crowd of almost 20,000. For three songs, fans all listened intently while lip-syncing along to revel in the moment.
But in true Mumford and Son’s fashion, they had one more surprise for us all; an encore consisting of four more anthems, with my personal new favorite “The Banjo Song” being my highlight. My friends and I sang along, belting out the lyrics to each. Remembering the nights we were young, in love or heartbroken, and reminded those beside us that we’re “with you ’til the end” along with Marcus as they closed with “Conversation With My Son”.
If you haven’t listened to their new album Prizefighter, check it out now because it is truly an incredible album worthy of hours worth of listening. It may become your soundtrack for the summer with its anthems that resonate with so many of us. Syracuse, we were beyond lucky to get to experience the Prizefighter tour this summer, and I hope Marcus keeps his promise that they’d be back. Because we sure are already missing that night and are awaiting their return. With that, I’ll see you next time in the pit.
Amanda Miller
Concert Reviewer and Photographer for Good News York
*Special thanks to Catherine Snead at Sacks & Co. Nashville for the accreditations.
