It was four years ago that OneRepublic last played Apple’s iTunes Festival - now known as the Apple Music Festival - but they weren’t top billing, instead they played second fiddle to Matchbox Twenty. Last night not only did they headline but they also proved why they should never be looked at as a support act ever again.
Playing to a packed house at London’s revered Roundhouse, Ryan Tedder and co administered a shot of adrenaline to the Apple Music Festival. Using their impressive back catalogue of hits, albums cuts and looses to lead the charge, it wasn’t just the music that was impressive. The production value of the show was remarkable - when you’ve got money like Apple no expense is ever spared. The lighting, the VT backdrop, the smoke machines, the crystal clear sound booming through the speakers, this all played a part.
Then there’s the band’s ability to play like professionals when it counts. The timing, perfect. The notes, on-point. And Ryan Tedder’s natural leadership qualities shined brighter than the stars who pay him on the regular to write chart-topping songs for them. This night was special, not only for the band but for their fans too.
Whether it was fan favourites such as ‘Secrets’ or ‘All the Right Moves’, or whether it was newer and less familiar cuts like ‘Let’s Hear it Tonight’, Future Looks Good’, and ‘Kids’, the audience were engaged throughout. Screams from the crowd became the norm, especially when Tedder - who sporting a new haircut, leather jacket, and white tee looked like a younger Brad Pitt - took a moment to address the fans and make the occasional joke.
Visually stunning as well as musically, the stage setup looked futuristic in an almost Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure type of way. The band were kitted out with the best of the best instruments - the most attractive being a sexy black carbon cello - and add to that a beautifully lit stage and instruments that at times were illuminated from within - namely the drums used for the show’s ‘If I Lose Myself’ finale - and you’ve got the perfect complete experience.
Highlights on the night included a stripped back version of ‘Good Life’. which followed Tedder’s explanation of the affinity he and the band have with London, The Beatles, Oasis and Abbey Road, and then an incredible performance of ‘Stop and Stare’, which showcased Tedder’s insane vocal range and delivery.
‘Apologize’ remains the band’s most memorable hit and when you witness it performed live you understand why. Played by just Tedder (on piano) and Brent Kutzle (on the cello) in a dimly lit red and blue setting, as soon the words rolled off of Tedder’s tongue a singalong began. Heartwarming and sad at the same time due to the sorrowful lyrical content but undeniable passion, there’s no song this side of 2005 that can garner such a response from a live audience. With a live stream available of the performance it’s likely this moment will get the most replays.
Taking a quick moment to highlight three of his favourite songs and ones he wish he’d written - one was ‘Eleanor Rigby’ by The Beatles and another was Judy Garland’s (and later Frank Sinatra’s) ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - Tedder and OneRepublic performed their own rendition of Louis Armstrong’s ‘What a Wonderful World’.
With almost a billion and a half plays on YouTube ‘Counting Stars’ was of course going to make an appearance. But it wasn’t the night’s finale, which was a bit of a surprise, especially when cannons fired off confetti into the audience and four songs later when the night did end there a bang but no confetti. Was this a mistake? Who knows? What is obvious though is that OneRepublic are one of the best live show performers out right now and last night was beyond epic.
