After a long-awaited return (four whole years), Post Malone was finally back in Manchester on Tuesday night, bringing his latest album Twelve Carat Toothache to Manchester’s AO Arena. With having announced earlier that day, his new album, Austin dropping on 28th July, there was an exciting buzz amongst the fans at the arena.
Opening with ‘Reputation’, the crowd were in suspense as Post Malone emerged on stage with a single spotlight revealing the rockstar. Fans lit up the arena with their phone torches welcoming Posty to Manchester as he looked up in awe at the crowd. The stage and lighting set-up had a cinematic feel to it, it was evident this show was going to be an unforgettable experience for everyone in the room.
Flowing straight into ‘Wow’, Post Malone left his position from crouching on the stage to walking down the long platform into the middle of the crowd, bringing out his wholesome personality as he threw his classic Posty dance moves that caused the crowd to cheer in support.
Playing a setlist of a range of songs from his entire discography, the fan-favourites were relentless, ‘Better Now’, ‘Candy Paint’ and ‘I Fall Apart’ had the crowd putting on their own performance singing along word for word. The energy in the room was electrifying as Post Malone’s voice reverberated throughout the venue.
The production of the concert was impressive and kept the fans mesmerised from start to finish, designed by creative director, Lewis James. A notable moment was when a view of Posty appeared on the screens looking up through the metal vents on the floor of the stage, a unique take that looked very cool.
‘Stay’ brought an intimate feel to the set as Posty sat down with just an acoustic guitar and a lit cigarette. Taking note of a sign in the crowd, Post Malone went off setlist to play an ‘Feeling Whitney’ from his debut album, as a fan requested, it was an emotional moment for himself and the crowd and showed the appreciation he has for his fans and how humble he is. During songs Post Malone would reach out his hands to the crowd on the barrier, showing genuine gratitude for them and the strong connection they have as they touched fingers.
‘Over Now’ and ‘Rockstar’ brought out Post Malone’s more heavier vibe. His range in talent is impressive, his songs are genre-bending, from R&B, to rap, pop and rock. It is clear that his fans adore his more hardcore songs just as much as his hit pop tracks. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Post Malone gig without the flames and a guitar being smashed up at the end of ‘Rockstar’, which he absolutely is.
Swae Lee joined Post Malone on stage for fan-favourite ‘Sunflower’, handing out sunflowers to the fans with gratitude, a fun singalong to end the main part of the set. It was only seconds Post Malone was off stage before the fans started chanting “Posty! Posty! Posty!” which happened multiple times throughout the set in adoration.
Beginning the encore with latest single ‘Chemical’, the song transpired well live as everyone sung along having already learnt the lyrics word for word. Post Malone seemed genuinely happy on stage and his love and passion for his music and performing could be felt around the room. It was clear how appreciative he was for his fans for getting him to where he was today.
The concert was drawing to a close as Posty finished his set with ‘Congratulations’ and ‘White Iverson’, the atmosphere had reached its peak as a sense of euphoria lingered as he said goodbye. It is clear that Post Malone is a musical powerhouse adored by his devoted fan base and we look forward to welcoming him back to Manchester as soon as possible, a future headline act at Parklife, maybe?
