The anticipation hung thick in the air on Monday night. I held a coveted ticket, yet a strange mix of excitement and skepticism churned within me. Of course, the allure of live music is undeniable, but a nagging fear whispered of fleeting fame, a “flash in the pan” performance. My apprehension wasn’t directed at Shaboozey himself, but rather at the industry’s fickle nature. He seemed to explode onto the scene overnight, propelled by a viral sensation. While I recognized his years of industry influence as a writer and collaborator, I suspected the sold-out crowd was primarily there for “the song.” The summer anthem, the earworm of the year – “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” had undeniably set the world ablaze. This concert felt like the event because of that song. My mission was to discover if Shaboozey was more than just that fleeting viral moment, more than just “the song.”
Before diving into Shaboozey’s performance and whether he transcended the “flash in the pan” label, let’s acknowledge the opening act, Luke Borchelt. Hailing from Maryland, Borchelt embodies a Northwoods Minnesota country vibe infused with a Southern drawl. Full disclosure: his music didn’t entirely resonate with my personal taste. However, the audience’s loud chatter, nearly drowning out his set, felt disrespectful. While his style wasn’t my preference, his raw talent and genuine heart were undeniable. Borchelt’s brief twenty-minute set on the iconic First Avenue stage was packed with earnestness. Accompanied only by a backup guitarist, he delivered heartfelt lyrics with gentle guitar melodies.
Musically, it wasn’t groundbreaking for me, but something he said resonated deeply the next morning. Addressing the crowd, he seemed genuinely awestruck to be opening for Shaboozey, almost questioning his worthiness. He thanked the audience, describing himself simply as “a guy from Maryland with a dream.” This raw honesty, this vulnerability, struck a chord. It was as if he was genuinely grappling with the surreal nature of the moment. This authentic charm, this disarming humility, won me over, even if the music itself wasn’t quite my style.
Luke Borchelt performing live, showcasing his heartfelt lyrics and soft guitar strumming, captivating a portion of the audience at First Avenue.
Luke Borchelt on stage at First Avenue, delivering an intimate and honest performance to the growing crowd.
Close-up shot of Luke Borchelt playing guitar, emphasizing the raw emotion and genuine passion in his performance as an opening act.
Luke Borchelt interacting with the audience at First Avenue, expressing gratitude and humility during his opening set.
Luke Borchelt and his backup guitarist performing, filling the legendary First Avenue stage with their genuine musicality and heartfelt delivery.
Luke Borchelt focused on his guitar playing, immersed in the performance and sharing his musical dream with the First Avenue audience.
Wide shot of Luke Borchelt on the First Avenue stage, highlighting his presence and the intimate setting of his opening performance.
Shaboozey: Pouring a Potent Musical Brew
Then came Shaboozey – the artist seemingly catapulted to fame overnight. You might know him for the ubiquitous “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” but did you realize his diverse background? He contributed to the ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ soundtrack and collaborated with Beyoncé on her groundbreaking ‘Cowboy Carter’ album. I suspect most of the sold-out crowd was unaware of this depth, perhaps even his musical history. But in that moment, none of that mattered. From the second Shaboozey and his band exploded onto the First Avenue stage until the final note of his hour-long set, he commanded the room, captivating every single person – myself included.
While Shaboozey’s country-infused sound, like Borchelt’s, isn’t my usual musical inclination, his live presentation was transformative. Despite his chart-topping success and burgeoning fame, he performed with an underdog’s intensity, as if he had everything to prove and nothing to lose. From soulful ballads to infectious dance tracks, he infused every song with heart and undeniable passion. His energy was contagious, compelling the audience to move, even if the rhythm felt unfamiliar. Even without knowing the lyrics, you felt compelled to sing along. There was an electrifying yet authentic quality to his performance, leaving me genuinely moved. This wasn’t just a concert; it was an experience – a potent, memorable musical brew, like a Double Shot Of Whiskey Song that hits you right.
Shaboozey electrifying the First Avenue stage with his dynamic presence and engaging performance, captivating the sold-out crowd.
Shaboozey interacting with the audience, creating a strong connection and immersing them in his high-energy performance at First Avenue.
Shaboozey showcasing his musical talent and stage presence, proving he is more than just a viral hit, delivering a memorable live experience.
Close-up of Shaboozey performing with intense passion, highlighting the raw emotion and authenticity he brings to his music and stage performance.
Shaboozey and his band delivering a powerful performance, demonstrating their musical synergy and captivating the audience with their stage energy.
Shaboozey in a moment of musical expression, showcasing his artistry and the deep connection he forms with his music and the audience.
I acknowledge Shaboozey’s talent; collaborating with Beyoncé speaks volumes. Yet, I didn’t anticipate being so profoundly affected by a performance from someone I feared might be a fleeting star. Entering the venue, I braced myself for a Lil Nas X-esque experience – impressive but hinting at a limited shelf life. I admire Lil Nas X’s talent, but the industry’s transient nature is undeniable. Maintaining relevance is a constant battle, and a hit song is only a starting point. Watching Lil Nas X previously, I sensed the initial spark already dimming. Shaboozey’s performance on Monday night was different. Within just a few songs, it became clear: Shaboozey is destined for more than fleeting fame. I could be wrong, but based on the raw energy and passion I witnessed, Shaboozey will become a fixture in my daily playlists and a priority on my live music radar.
Sha-mazing and Set to Soar
Next time Shaboozey visits, it will undoubtedly be in a larger venue. I eagerly anticipate that moment, ready to boast, “I saw him at First Avenue!” More importantly, I’m already eager to relive the magic of Monday night. It was, simply put, a sha-mazing show.
Line Up:
Venue: First Avenue
Smell-O-Meter: A little weed
Average Age of the Crowd: 42
Crowd Surfers: 0
Stage Divers: 0
Dance-ability: 4 out of 10
Beer Spilled On Me: $0
Broken Bones: None
Spotted Flying Through The Air: Nothing Noticed
Fights: None Witnessed
Pukers: 0
Passed Out People: 0
Idiots Taken Out By Security: 0
Times Seen Before:
Luke Borchelt – 0
Shaboozey – 0
Celebrity Sightings: None
Overall Score: 12 out of 10
Show on Deck: Avril / Simple Plan / Girlfriends
