The Lumineers - The Automatic World Tour
On a busy Saturday night in Los Angeles, fans filled the Kia Forum to get a view of The Lumineers on their second LA show of the Automatic World Tour. The folk rock band was founded by duo Wesley Schultz and Jeremiah Fraites. Between Schultz’s lead vocals and guitar and Fraites piano and percussion, the Lumineers have created hit songs that are recognized by everyone.
The Kia Forum is a fan favorite venue, not just for the artists performing, but also for the decorations around the venue. Bold letters are cast onto the outer ceiling, and posters hanging on the outer walls let the surrounding street know who is occupying the stage that night. Popular lyrics fill the pillars, creating the perfect picture moments for attendees to show off their outfits.
Kicking off the night, Tom Odell entered the stage with his band in dark outfits under the low lights. A single spotlight shone onto the piano as he opened his set with “Don’t Let Me Go.” Stage lights highlighted him and his band in purples, reds, and whites, putting on an eye-catching performance to his emotional songs. His 8 song set ended off with his popular single "Another Love.”
This show definitely felt like a special one as The Lumineers stepped on stage to perform their 5th studio album, as well as celebrate 20 years of the band’s music. The longevity and variety of their music attract fans of all ages, from young girls in flower crowns, to gentlemen clapping along in the crowd. No matter who you are, you can always find a home with the Lumineers.
The two hour show featured fan favorite songs, special guests, covers, and incredible stage effects. Opening with “Same Old Song” mirrors the opener of the new album Automatic, which also features “You're All I Got,” “Ativan,” and “Strings.” Songs from their previous albums also made it onto the setlist like “Angela,” “BRIGHTSIDE,” and "Salt and the Sea." They also made sure to include their biggest hits like “Ho Hey,” “Cleopatra,” “Ophelia,” and “Sleep on the Floor,” where confetti showered everyone standing in the pit.
As the lights dimmed, six musicians filed onto the stage. Joining the duo on stage is Lauren Jacobson playing violin, Byron Isaacs on bass, Brandon Miller on guitar, and Stelth Ulvang on keys, percussion, guitar, and more. The group makes sure every seat has an amazing experience, with Schultz walking across the floor and into the stands multiple times. Ulvang took the crowd by surprise, standing out from the rest of his band in his bright red suit. Along with his outstanding performance on multiple instruments, his high energy had him climbing up the piano, running through the crowd, and dancing around the stage.
Between songs, Schultz still entertains, introducing songs or simply thanking the audience for coming. Most memorably, Schultz shared a moment with the audience, giving insight into the recent loss of his brother, Sam. As he covered Billy Joel’s “New York State of Mind,” he encouraged the audience to think of their loved ones. Joining the six on stage for "Salt and the Sea” was opener Tom Odell, singing along with Schultz and joining Fraites on the piano. While Schultz took the lead vocals throughout the show, each member of the band took a verse of “Big Parade,” a song from their debut album. This segment highlighted the true talent of each member and brought a sense of community from the stage.
The stage production in this tour is unlike any other. Projections lit up screens, showing cars, trees, and houses perfectly supporting the nature of the songs and the feeling of being home. Stage lights shone through the entire arena, flashing a variety of colors or switching with the prominent beat of each song. White lights placed on the roof of the arena gave the illusion of stars in the sky and were often met with phone flashlights among the audience, creating a visual element like no other. Emerging from the main stage is an arrow-shaped catwalk, which brings them closer to the audience and moves back and forth from the main stage.
Closing off the night, the bunch performed “Cleopatra,” a popular fan favorite, introducing the first verse acoustically. As the instruments joined in, it was impossible not to dance along. They quickly followed it up with "Stubborn Love,” with clips playing behind them like a scrapbook. Unlike many artists with a dramatic exit, the band went around the stage waving and thanking the crowd showing their true love and connection with their fans.
Check out the full photo gallery here.