Last Thursday marked the first stop on the Railroad Revival Tour. Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Mumford & Sons, and Old Crow Medicine Show have teamed up to tour from Oakland to Louisiana. Travel for the tour will solely be on a classic train. The three groups plan to work together on music in the train along the way. Who knows what sort-of musical inspirations and collaborations will come of that, but I can see something big happening.
Critics of the Railroad Revival Tour described the tour as “gimmicky”, but when I arrived at Oakland’s Port I was greeted by a line spanning no less than a few thousand feet to enter. Tickets for the show had sold out in under five days, and marked-up tickets were selling for well over $100.
Edward Sharpe put on quite a show. Though, I’m not really sure how I felt about the odd dress like thing he was wearing. After getting everyone all riled up, Edward embraced fans by jumping over me and everyone else in the photo pit, to the arms of his fans. Something that struck me about Edward Sharpe’s performance, besides the amazing view of the bay, was how much fun it looked like he was having. His warm smile radiated happiness.
Of course, fans erupted when favorites like Home and 40 Day Dream were performed.
The sun set over the Bay just as Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros concluded their 60 minute set. It created a beautiful backdrop to ease out of the excitement of Edward Sharpe, on to the next group: Mumford & Sons.
As I waited for Mumford & Sons some fans in the front row struck up a conversation. One member of their group arrived at 10am that day just to secure them their spot, front row center. A guy from the same group told me to prepare. When I asked for what, he said “Get ready, Mumford & Sons are going to make your testicles explode.” I am happy to say, physically I am still in one piece. In a more metaphorical sense, I think this guy pretty accurately described the feeling of seeing Mumford & Sons play live.
As Mumford & Sons began their set, just like Edward Sharpe, their keyboard player radiated happiness. His smile so evidently conveyed to the audience that he was having the best time of his life. It really enhanced the show more than I could have ever imagined.
With nabbing the final set of the three Groups, Mumford & Sons were able to play during the night time. This allowed them to illuminate themselves and the crowd with some beautiful lights. This only further hypnotized the crowd within the music.
Another group of fans I met let me know that they planed to make an eight hour drive the next day down to San Pedro to catch the next date on the tour. This lets you know what type of fans Edward Sharpe and Mumford & Sons have.
Home – Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
40 Day Dream – Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
