vance joy live at london’s ovo wembley arena

★★★★★ (5/5)

VANCE JOY PERFORMING AT LONDON’S OVO WEMBLEY ARENA
PHOTOCREDIT: MILES HUMPHRIES

Vance-Joy's highly anticipated concert at Wembley Arena on October 1, 2024 was a big highlight of his career, a night to remember for artists and fans celebrating the 10th anniversary of his debut album Dream Your Life Away, Joy produced the best combination of his ten-year musical career, while also highlighting the rise from indie singer and songwriter to global star dominating one of London’s most iconic venues.

The setlist was the perfect mix of old and new sounds. He opened with ‘From Afar’ immediately setting the heartbeat tone for the night. His soulful voice and melodious singing carried through the venue, capturing the attention of the audience. Of course, "Riptide," the song that catapulted him into stardom, was a showstopper. The crowd singing along to this song was one of the emotional high points of the night, momentarily creating a connection between the artist and his audience that felt intimate despite the size of the arena.

Songs from his latest album In Our Own Sweet Time (2022), such as "Clarity" and "Missing Piece" also featured in the set, showing the growth in his songwriting. These new songs, whose lyrics and infectious music, were met with equal enthusiasm from himself and the band, which proved his ability to stay relevant and keep his fan base growing over the years Visually, the stage setup is simple but effective, keeping Vance focused on his music and ability to emotionally connect with his fans. The lighting matched the mood of the music, from the soft, vibrant colors in the quiet acoustic numbers to the bright, energetic lighting in an upbeat moment.

The night at Wembley was not just a celebration of Vance Joy's career but was a testament to his continued ability to capture hearts with his honesty, integrity and talent. The energy of the crowd was palpable throughout the night, as long-time fans from the earliest days of his, a new audience. As the evening ended, a sense of community and shared spirit of the audience couldn't be missed, and his journey through the decade showed, making it clear that Vance Joy's music resonates with listeners worldwide