With all of the sound enhancements used in today’s music, it can be difficult to tell if bands and/ or singers have real talent. From auto tune to lip-syncing, no one really knows if they are hearing a true performance, or simply a modified version of what the writers “want” the song to sound like. As a result, many fans have found disappointment in seeing their favorite bands live, hearing more of the tech than the talk. Today, however, I would like to prove to you that Maroon 5 is not one of those bands. After seeing them twice in concert, I have witnessed Maroon 5’s true artistry at work. Each member is an incredibly talented musician, and the band puts on an amazing performance.
On August 1, 2013 in St. Louis, Maroon 5 began performances for the 2013 Honda Civic Tour, a promotion for exclusive Maroon 5 styled and signed vehicles. Though Maroon 5 was the head of the show, the performance included acts by pop star Kelly Clarkson, Maroon 5 keyboardist PJ Morton, upcoming artist Rozzi Crane, and Adam Levine’s NBC show The Voice contestant Tony Lucca depending on the dates [1].
On September 1st, I got to personally see the band perform when the tour came to the Toyota Pavilion in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Rozzi Crane opened the show to warm up the crowd and Kelly Clarkson followed with a spectacular performance of both visuals and vocals. Finally, when it was Maroon 5’s turn, they not only dazzled the crowd, but blew them away.
The show was incredible. Maroon 5 played everything from Songs About Jane to Overexposed and hit crowd favorites like “Moves Like Jagger” and “Payphone” while an amazing lightshow played in the background. Adam Levine kept everyone on their toes when he smoothly transitioned into a cover of “Get Lucky” by Daft Punk, and, though the crowd expected a new song to start at the rap breakdown of “Stereo Hearts” by Gym Class Heroes, Adam surprised the crowd yet again by continuing to sing the next rap verse. The entire performance showed of the band’s talent. Not only did the songs sound exactly like those on the band’s albums, but they also featured additional solos by Adam Levine and James Valentine on guitar. Towards the middle of the concert, the band included the crowd in the performance when Adam threw giant beach balls offstage, and, at the end, the singer even gave away his guitar to one lucky fan in the front row.
Overall, I can honestly say that the 2013 Honda Civic Tour concert was the best concert I have ever been to. Maroon 5’s performance was top notch on sound, sight, and energy, and the experience was without a doubt the most fun I have ever had at a concert. So the next time Maroon 5 is playing near you, be sure to check it out. You won’t regret a second.
Check out my video of Maroon 5 performing Won’t Go Home Without You!
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