Florence + The Machine

Only a few hours after I wrote about Hozier performing one of the most intimate sets I had ever experienced at Red Rocks, Florence Welsh completely redefined the word ‘intimacy’. The 28-year-old vocalist of Florence + the Machine had been photographed in meltdown mode at the Montreal airport just days prior, so it came as no shock when she decided do to something a little different on the last date of her current tour. Welsh has been pretty honest about her personal challenges with the road. She’s described feelings of loneliness and exhaustion that border on depression. I’m sure she found solace in the fact that her vocal chords held strong this time around (she damaged them not long before her Red Rocks show in 2012), but she seemed slightly unraveled by the time she took the stage for a special acoustic set on Monday night.

Large scale performances and frayed nerves usually equal disaster, but as Florence’s emotions danced around her windswept red curls, she used her sweet sorrow to create an air of melancholy that infected the crowd during her stripped-down set. The audience gained another ounce of empathy with each breath…thus absorbing her sadness and eradicating any loneliness she might have been feeling. The science was exact, so by the time the 12-piece ensemble went into full effect for ‘the electric era’, we had become her friends, her confidants, and her choir. The collective energy was enough to bring the rocks crumbling down on our heads, but lucky for us (and the City of Denver) Florence held things together with the pure power of voice. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky during the entire set, but this season has seen its fair share of strong weather, and Florence + the Machine gave every drop of rain, gust of wind and bolt of lightning a run for its money. The calm before the storm just made the storm that much stronger. - See more at: http://ilistensoyoudonthaveto.com/2015/08/06/florence-the-machine-red-rocks-08-03-15/#sthash.nrdxF7Aq.dpuf

Florence + the Machine are a power force in the UK indie scene who have conquered both sides of the Atlantic since their rise to fame following the release of 'Lungs'. Led by the charismatic and eccentric Florence Welch, the band has a reputation as one of the most exciting and energetic live acts currently working today.

As the thunder begins to roll, the machine appears onstage followed by a majestic looking Florence who confidently takes the helm and launches into the all-consuming 'Only If For A Night'. The haunting 'What The Water Gave Me' follows as Florence lifts her hands to the heavens and the audience cheer below her feet.

Before you have time to react, Florence abandons the facade of a renaissance painting brought to life and has launched herself from the stage to sing and dance 'Rabbit Heart' with the crowd. Her vocals shine through on the soulful 'Leave My Body' as she stands illuminated by a single spotlight and the restraint shown during early single 'Cosmic Love' make for an emotive moment. The finale of 'Spectrum' is a hedonistic piece of dark disco where the crowd surrender themselves to Florence's bizarre world.

Despite only having released their debut in 2009, Florence + the Machine have crafted a live show that is less a gig and more an all-consuming assault on the senses.

Florence Welch has one of the most distinctive voices of this era, and the indie rock band in which she is the lead singer is carried by this timeless vocal performance time and time again.

Opening her concert with ‘You’ve Got the Love’, Florence finds the perfect balance between a classically lyrical performance, and enthusiastic and upbeat. The blend of the band is something that comes across to the audience much more pronounced in a live performance environment. Throughout their transitions between ballads and energetic upbeat songs, they maintained their engagement with the audience, having them hooked for the entire duration. Their stamina is worth noting, as throughout the concert, their performance, both physical and vocal did not dwindle at all. The live performance topped their studio recordings.

Their 2010 nomination for Best New Artist at the Grammys was wholeheartedly deserved. Their dedication to their fans is admirable, and their endeavours to make each concert about every member of the audience is something very refreshing. Florence and the Machine set the bar extremely high for live performances, making no mistakes and topping the quality of their recorded work.

I've waited several years for Florence + The Machine to play an intimate gig near me. Suddenly, on April26th 2018 SONGKICK emailed to say just such a gig was on at Scunthorpe Baths Hall on May6th ! Wow!
Applied online via Baths Hall website, & so pleased tickets limited to 2 per person, we were all in with a chance... Feel so, so lucky to get 2x Standing, the perfect way to see her and the band. My daughter Susie & I went: she couldn't believe our good luck either.
Venue was perfect. I'd researched the playlist from Halifax, May5th, visited the old numbers + checked out the new ones, too, so I felt prepared... but I wasn't: I'd expected the atmosphere to be up close and personal, but it was so much more.
Florence hit the stage & wow! Perfect blend of old/ new, a very balanced set from a hugely professional outfit. Florence was so open & warm giving background to several numbers. She floated, danced, teased and enthralled her adoring audience. We didn't want it to stop: so much pleasure was being shared. Her voice is incredible, it blends with the music so very well. Truly, we are blessed !

An electric show of epic proportions.

While I was expecting to hear more from the upcoming album, I was still delighted to hear all of the classics as well as a few new ones. This was my first time seeing FATM live, and they most certainly didn't disappoint. Florence's vocals were so omnipotent and sharp, and the same if not better than what you hear on the record. Her free as a bird movements and seemingly infinite pool of energy were wondrous to behold. I enjoyed her interaction with the crowd as well, she seemed to bring a life to her audience that I've never seen other live artists do, personally.

The only downsides might have been to do with the venue, which took too long to get everyone seated, also there wasn't much room between people so it was all rather cramped. And the supporting act, which I didn't particularly enjoy nor could I understand very well. But those things have nothing to do with Florence + The Machine personally, so it doesn't reflect on them negatively whatsoever.

Overall, an enjoyable experience that I would repeat in a heartbeat.

I definitely recommend that you go and see Florence and The Machine if they come to your city! They are such an amazing band and they sound as good live as they do on their albums. Florence has so much stamina and tirelessly runs around onstage from side to side, looking into the eyes of as many people as she possibly can. Highlights of her show in Manchester this year were 'Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up)' when she encouraged people to get on their friend's shoulders and she ran offstage and up the steps into the lower tier seating! 'Dog Days Are Over' was a perfect finale that ended with many people leaving the concert with very little clothing on! The stage was minimal but dramatic, with a huge sparkling background, rows of spotlights and a large round moon and sun that came out from behind the background during the middle of the show. Definitely go and see them if you get the chance, you won't regret it! They're worth every penny.

Florence + The Machine @ Manchester Arena
Friday 18th September 2015

10/10. Her voice sounds the same live as it does recorded. She was a crazy ball of energy dancing and running around every inch of the stage in a flowing dress and long hair. Florence even went into the crowd on several occasions to directly connect with people (much to the dismay of her security). Her commentary between songs majorly enhanced the performance as she is adorably shy and has the most calming ethereal presence- which basically means she is a massive hippie. She encouraged everyone to hold hands and embrace and put our phones away and jump wildly with her. Her band were also excellent and the staging- white sheets, almost like sails, hanging from the ceiling which were raised up and down and had lights shone on them- and the gorgeous glitter confetti which dropped at the end added to the magical experience. Next time I will be waiting for hours before to get to the front row!! Could not recommend more!!

This was the best concert I have ever been to. That is being said after seeing a lot of them. She has so much energy, and conects to the crowd so well.
A lady had jumped on to the stage while Florence was performing 'Rabbit Heart' and the security guard went after her. Florence stopped him politely, then gave the lady a big hug. Music continued on to add to the theme of her kindness. She then went on to run through the crowd, and hug a bunch of people. She ran around, then sang a note so clearly as if she hadn't moved a step. She even asked to have every one stand up and dance which was great, because where I live, people have the tendency to just sit and watch at concerts like that. I had a blast - danced my heart out to every song, and felt as if I was on some sort of high due to the energy that she sent through the crowd. I am going to see her every time she comes to town now. For sure.

What can I say? What a fantastic evening. We got to Ally Pally really early to be one of the first in....we weren't first!. Despite the heavy rain loads of people were in the line before us. The doors opened and we all entered. Luckily, we were able to get into the hall quickly, resulting in us being centre stage, 5 from the front.
We waited and waited, feet getting tired. The support band (Three girls from Watford) came on. They were awesome.
Finally,, the moment arrived, with Flo coming on stage. The concert started with 'What the Water Wants'....it just got better and better. The whole audience were enthralled. The audience sang along to every song. The atmosphere was electric. What a talented lady and group of musicians. I go to loads of gigs and concerts. I was looking forward to seeing FTM the moist and she didn't disappoint.

The concert was awesome.

Florence Welch's presence on stage is unbelievable, her voice is more powerful than in their CDs, and she dances and sings with a lot of passion.

The concert started with "What the water gave me", and it made clear that it was going to be very good. The band has a lot of great songs, and the concert was great from start to end.

One of the best moments was when, while performing "Dog days are over", Florence asked everyone to hug each other, then to take something off and wave it in the air, and to jump as high as we could on a count of three. Everyone was jumping and dancing, and the energy that the crowd, Florence and the song transmitted was huge.

Florence and the Machine´s fans shouldn´t miss the oportunity to go to one of their concerts.