John Legend Tour
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Frequently Asked Questions
What should I expect at a John Legend concert?
John Legend likes to play it rather safe in a lot of ways. Legend has been known to place a strong emphasis on his piano and voice, and in doing so, he has shied away from the more theatrical aspects of the show. With the upbeat nature of his latest work Love in the Future, and the strong hip-hop influences, fans will find Legend circling the stage and getting quite active. A seven piece backing band now accompanies John Legend on tour, and it sounds like a concentrated mini-orchestra. Sonically, the shows feature a grand testament to the R&B artist’s showmanship and vocal prowess. He seamlessly intermingles soulful standards with a groovy backbone and an orchestrated topping.
When John Legend has his backing band to lean on, he is freed up to get around the stage. But he is also known to tone things down and bring forward a mini-set of piano-driven ballads. He also settles into straight vocal performance by doing an extended version of some of his great hits purely a capella.
What songs are John Legend most likely play?
John legend is notoriously loyal, for he sprinkles mainstream hits and buried treasures from all four of his major studio works. Unlike many artists that place a domineering reliance on their latest studio work, Legend remains impeccably balanced throughout his career. He universally plays the opening track from his debut album, “Let’s Get Lifted.” He often opens shows with the reclusive “Used to love U,” which also appears on his debut.
A decade down the road, and Legend closes the show with “All of Me” from his 2013 release. “The Beginning” (the opening track from Love in the Future) sits complacently in the middle of the set, and reinvigorates fans intimately familiar with the new record.
Aside from these flashes of brilliance and wonderful pacing, Legend will embrace songs that feature a guest singer, in an effort to sustain the integrity of the original artist’s work in a new way. The hip-hop showmanship of “Who Do We Think We Are” with Rick Ross is a concert staple in 2014, and “Made to Love” with electronic songstress Kimbra is a fan favorite. Both of these inspiring ballads are present in Legend’s latest record, Love in the Future.
Below is a typical setlist in John legend’s latest concert tour.
Used to Love U
Made to Love
Tonight
Who Did That to You
Love in the Future (intro)
Open Your Eyes
The Beginning…
Let’s Get Lifted
Save Room
Number One
P.D.A. (We Just Don’t Care)
Everybody Knows
Green Light
Caught Up
Ordinary People
Who Do We Think We Are
So High
All Of Me
What covers does John Legend like to play?
He has always been known to tease fans with a handful of covers, and the 2014 tour is expected to be no different. Legend enjoys dipping into genres outside soul and R&B, and with his respect for music and the artistic integrity of the artist, it rarely comes as a surprise. Legend mixes Simon and Garfunkel’s own classic, “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” into the setlist. The classic rock epic “Light My Fire” by the Doors also weasels its way into the set. Legend further explores his rock sensibility with a laid back and calming rendition of Bruce Springsteen’s own momentously rhythmic track, “Dancing in the Dark.”
With the 50th Anniversary of the Beatles in 2014, Legend seems to sneak in a chilly version of the Beatles own pop classic, “Here Comes the Sun.” It is a somber and reflective moment that resonates through the evening.
Where can I get presale tickets?
Citi Private Pass offers presale tickets as well as preferred tickets which are a block set aside exclusively for card members. Normally, the presale password for Citi onsales are the first six digits of your Citi credit card. Review the Private Pass for further information.
John legend does not have an official fan club, but select venues are offering presale opportunities as well. Sign up for the venue’s mailing list, check their Facebook and Twitter feeds for further details on these special offers.
Who is John Legend’s publicist contact?
The UK publicity firm Edge Publicity is providing press for John Legend on the latest tour. Reach out to them via email.
How long is a John Legend concert?
John legend holds little back in his set, which can often be upwards of two hours. This has made many claim that he is a bit indulgent in his shows, but the extended versions of songs help pad out the setlist and keep things unique each time around.
This is especially poignant in his recent tunes, notably “Caught Up” which is filled with pop flourishes but manages to take on a whole new form in a live setting. He will cruise through a lot of the songs, managing to briskly speed through 28 songs over 100 minutes, letting a few songs breathe, where the others adhere to a strict formula.
Concert Reviews
“The classy, smooth 34-year-old (who easily looks 10 years younger) showed his age most of the evening. For Legend, that means keeping it upbeat and fun. From the moment he stepped onstage, swaying to “Made to Love,” the nine-time Grammy winner brought fans his ace. There’s no denying Legend’s talent as a vocalist and pianist. Fans would hardly ever be disappointed in either, his near perfect voice floating across the theater.” – Tracy Brown of Access Atlanta
“The gifted artist demonstrated a flair for showmanship, even venturing into the crowd for a few moments, without preening. He came across as an affable performer unhampered by ego”. – Gene Stout of Seattle Times
“John certainly lives up to his stage name (his actual surname is Stephens) and is one of the best R&B acts in the business. His music draws a wide audience, and with good reason, as his onstage charisma is disarming.” – Ellen Youngblood of ConcertTour.org
Tour Archive
Alicia Key’s The Diary Tour (2005)
Started February 23, 2005 in Columbia, South Carolina – Ended April 24, 2005 in Newark, New Jersey
Tour Opening Band: John Legend
Get Lifted Tour (2005)
Started June 12, 2005 Orlando, Florida – Ended August 26, 2005 in Seattle, Washington
Tour Opening Band: Lyfe Jennings
Once Again Tour (2006)
Started October 26, 2006 in Washington D.C. – Ended December 22, 2006 in London, England
Tour Opening Bands: Robin Thicke, Estelle
Show Me Tour (2007)
Started April 3, 2007 in Irvine, California – Ended August 4, 2007 in Caribbean
Tour Opening Bands: Corinne Baily Rae, Emily King
Evolver Tour (2008/2009)
Started November 19, 2008 in Minneapolis, Minnesota – Ended October 18, 2009 in Johannesburg, South Africa
Tour Opening Band: Raphael Saadiq & Estelle
Tour Date info from Get Lifted through Evolver
Sade Live (2011)
Started April 29, 2011 in Nice, France – Finished December 16, 2011 in Abu Dhabi, UAE
Tour Opening Act: John Legend