The Lumineers at the O2 Arena
The Lumineers – Wesley Schultz and Jeremiah Fraites – return to London’s O2 Arena, marking two decades since their formation and building anticipation for their forthcoming fifth album, Automatic. Perfectly punctual and wasting no time, they deliver a vibrant and at times intimate performance. The frontman weaves personal anecdotes into their signature warm folk-rock blend. However, the production occasionally feels overly polished, lacking the rawness and grit that might have given some of the more emotional moments greater impact.
They immediately launch into a spirited rendition of Same Old Song, seemingly setting the tone for a highly dynamic evening. The energy then softens with slower offerings Flowers in Your Hair and Angela, which, while tender and familiar, usher the show into an emotional lull that lingers until Charlie Boy, when support act Michael Marcagi joins them on stage. The crowd’s clapping injects much-needed vitality and a communal buzz into the performance.
Dead Sea brings a moment of unguarded vulnerability. Schultz pauses to absorb the atmosphere, visibly moved by the sheer number of people who have come out to see them. In what feels like a gesture of gratitude, he performs Brightside while walking through the arena – first across the floor, then up into the upper levels. These moments stand out against a backdrop of more choreographed segments, offering genuine warmth as fans light up in response.
A standout is Sleep on the Floor, its well-timed confetti explosion delivering a visual crescendo. Big Parade provides another highlight for very different reasons: each band member takes a verse, showcasing their personalities and vocal flair. Stelth Ulvang, The Lumineers’s keyboardist and pianist – also known as the “Barefoot Wanderer” – steals the spotlight with acrobatic antics, including a headstand atop his keyboard.
Throughout, the audience remains receptive and engaged, even during the more subdued stretches. To close the night, Schultz dedicates Cleopatra to his wife on her birthday – an endearing touch that neatly encapsulates the evening’s spirit: nostalgic and quietly celebratory.
Benedetta Mancusi
Photos: Virginie Viche
For further information and future events, visit The Lumineers’s website here.
Watch the video for Sleep on the Floor here:
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