Mumford & Sons at the Belly Up, June 6, 2010

There isn't much for me to say about Mumford and Sons that could adequately describe how thrilled I was throughout the show. The night was just as incredible as I expected. I arrived early to get as close to the stage as possible, and a couple friends let me squeeze in with them.

The Silent Comedy performed as if it was the most important show of their career (which is pretty much the heart they put into every performance) and it's been a long time since I've seen that many people crowding the stage for an opening band at the Belly Up.

The Middle East sounded like a band I could really love, if only I could hear them over the crowd that wouldn't stop chatting through their set. It didn't help that the singer mumbled incoherently into the mic between songs. Nobody could hear, let alone decipher what he was trying to say through his thick accent. Their music was very hushed and the energy created by The Silent Comedy probably did them no favors. Sometimes that's the way it goes.

By the time Mumford & Sons came out the crowd was in a frenzy. From memory, I think the set was pretty close to the set they played in L.A. at the Troubadour in February. The crowd sang just about every song word for word, and it was really cool that they borrowed the Silent Comedy's horn section for a couple songs though they'd only just met that afternoon. It was clear that Mumford & Sons loved playing with The Silent Comedy, so it was a good feeling to have assisted in that happening. I told them they have to take me with them when Mumford invites them on a European and Australian tour. Wishful thinking.

I had my friend Dave snap a photo of the setlist with my camera, but it turns out they kinda moved things around.


The actual setlist:

Sigh No More
Awake My Soul
The Cave
Nothing Is Written
I Gave You All
Timshel
Little Lion Man
Lover of the Light
Thistle & Weeds
After The Storm
Dance Dance Dance
Roll Away Your Stone
White Blank Page
Sister
Winter Winds

I'll try and add some more photos from the night when I've got a more reliable wi-fi connection. In the meantime, here's pretty much the whole show for your viewing pleasure.