Macklemore, Auckland NZ, 2024

Macklemore

9th May 2024
Spark Arena, Auckland, New Zealand

Review by Sarah Kidd with photography by Doug Peters.

The good vibes were overflowing last night at Tāmaki Makaurau’s Spark Arena, as Macklemore and his outstanding entourage of band members, dancers and backup singers took over the stage and brought messages of love and peace as well as a good dollop of fun to Aotearoa.

Having already destroyed Wellington it was impressive that Macklemore (aka Benjamin Hammond Haggerty) and co could do it all again the very next night; but for anyone who had seen his killer set at Friday Jams in 2022 (hands down set of the day) or his show back in 2018, this would have come as no surprise. The man knows how to deliver.

With no less than eight performers on stage, Macklemore kicked off with the uplifting ‘CHANT’ from his latest album Ben, released last year. Wearing a satin powder blue bomber jacket featuring two patches (one that read ‘Black Lives Matter’, the other the flag of Palestine) Macklemore literally wore his heart on his chest.

Advising one and all that sometimes in life we have to go backwards to move forward, the arena exploded as the familiar notes of ‘Thrift Shop’ saw everyone busting out their best dance moves, Macklemore himself donning the iconic giant fur jacket as his kiwi fans hollered every word in time. No one can deny it is an absolute banger of a tune that chases away any thoughts of winter blues.

Speaking of winter, Macklemore seemed a little sad that he had chosen to be here while in our colder months, despite it being a beautiful day which he apparently spent down by the water with his flute. Obviously fond of our little slice of heaven he spoke of how every time he comes here, he enjoys his time just that little bit more.

‘No Bad Days’ was followed by ‘White Walls’, proving that any collaboration he does with Ryan Lewis is a guaranteed hit, the sultry underlying groove to the track underpinning it perfectly, his crew breaking out seamless choreography while never missing a beat on their respective instruments. Shout out to his dancer duo, those girls had enough energy to power the venue all on their own.

Once again pausing to address his fans, Macklemore spoke of how performing was all he had ever wanted to with his life from the time he was six years old, and that he never took one moment for granted, the audiences’ reactions at each and every one of his shows always making him feel humbled. There is a genuine honesty to his words; it is no one wonder he always brings people out by the thousands.

‘Same Love’ was unsurprisingly a huge hit of the night, the room harmonising as they sang of love being both patient and kind, as Macklemore says, “I might not be the same, but that’s not important; No freedom til we’re equal, damn right I support it”. Following it up with another Ryan Lewis collab in the form of ‘Downtown’ the whole place once again blew up as people bounced to the upbeat tune, screams of excitement elicited by the arrival of Eric Nally of Foxy Shazam (who features on the track and in the official music video) who dropped both killer moves and those high notes that make you take a step back and say, ‘damn son’.

Having debuted ‘Hinds Hall’ in Wellington last night, Auckland was waiting on tenterhooks to see if it would be performed for them; Macklemore addressing them first and explaining how the current genocide in Palestine had awoken something in him. Having only dropped the track this week, Aotearoa were the first in the world to experience the powerful song live; so, it was a little disappointing that Spark Arena had publicised earlier that any “banners, posters and flags” (in relation to Palestine) would need to be coat checked as they would not be allowed inside. Freedom of speech? Apparently not.

It should also be noted that all proceeds from the song will be donated to UNRWA – now that’s putting your money where your mouth is.

Shifting straight into second gear, Macklemore and his crew had some fun, both XP and DJ Nick Beeba (who had opened the night with some absolute tunes) tearing up the stage. Donning a cape and wig, Macklemore performed ‘1984’ and a hilarious version of ‘And We Danced’ from his 2009 album The Unplanned Mixtape. Which led rather nicely into the stonking track that is ‘Dance Off’, Macklemore’s request for two volunteers to join him almost setting off mass hysteria as people begged to be picked. Shout out to the two young fans who both ate in their own respective styles.

Closing the set with ‘Glorious’, Auckland once again came together in song before desperate cries for an encore were met with not one but two tracks, ‘Good Old Days’ completely eclipsed by the energy levels generated by ‘Can’t Hold Us’, which saw everyone on their feet, jumping and punching the air; pyrotechnics and confetti bringing the night to a spectacular end as Macklemore joined the fans down front and proudly waved the Palestine flag handed to him by a fan.

No question about it; Macklemore delivers. Every. Single. Time.

Macklemore:

Nick Beeba:

Were you there at Spark Arena for this superb hip-hop gig? Or have you seen Macklemore perform live somewhere else before? Tell us about it in the comments below!

Setlist:

1. CHANT
2. Thrift Shop
3. No Bad Days
4. White Walls
5. Same Love
6. Downtown
7. Heroes
8. Hinds Hall
9. Wing$
10. Otherside
11. 1984
12. And We Danced
13. Dance Off
14. Glorious
15. Good Old Days [encore]
16. Can’t Hold Us [encore]

_{Note: Ambient Light was provided passes to review and photograph this concert. As always, this has not influenced the review in any way and the opinions expressed are those of Ambient Light’s only. This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase a product using an affiliate link, Ambient Light will automatically receive a small commission at no cost to you.}

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