The Lumineers headlined a sold-out show at Little Caesars Arena last Friday, with openers Mt. Joy and J.S. Ondara. This tour features their latest album, “III,” which centers around common narratives of addiction.“III,” released in three chapters, tells the story of a family struggling with addiction, with corresponding music videos released as well, scenes of which were played on stage, adding visuals to some of the more subdued performances.
They played III in its entirety, but maintained a mix of intimacy and upbeat moments. Lead singer Wesley Schultz and percussionist Jeremiah Fraites, co-founders of The Lumineers, spoke to the crowd about the realities of having a loved one struggle with addiction. Despite the intense narratives of this album, the energy was high in the packed stadium for fan favorites such as “Cleopatra” and “Ophelia.” Their final song before returning to the stage for an encore was “Big Parade,” a lively and dynamic hit from their first album that culminated in the audience singing together and confetti exploding above the crowd. While the vocals were strong and consistent throughout, instrumentals were highlighted in solos, particularly intimate moments with the violin and piano. “Jimmy Sparks” saw violinist Lauren Jacobson step out onto the cat-walk illuminated by a single spotlight in an otherwise dark, and silent, stadium. The solo grew gradually in intensity and emotion with a climactic conclusion that had the crowd applauding.
The tour did more than tell the story of addiction. A portion of every ticket sold on the North American Tour went to taking action on addiction, as well as climate change and homelessness. The Lumineers also supported the Homeless Action Network of Detroit, as part of their commitment to support a specific local charity at every stop of the tour.