Review + Live Photos
Last night at a packed Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, concert goers were searching for an experience. John Mayer was happy to provide it with The Search for Everything Tour. The trek supports Mayer’s new album by the very same name with drops in full on April 14 via Columbia Records after preview releases of two EPs – Wave One and Wave Two – comprised of tracks from The Search for Everything. With the albums unconventional release, Mayer is shaking things up on stage with an unconventional live show that is proving to be absolutely delightful.
To warm up an already anxious crowd, The Record Company hit the stage with their rowdy rock ‘n’ roll reminiscent of The Black Keys, Rival Sons, and more. The power trio was a bit heavier that most of Mayer’s radiant riffs, but they were well-received and put on an energetic show. The band churned out tracks from their Grammy-nominated debut LP Give It Back To You, which is available now via Concord Music Group.
Mayer kicked things off with “Helpless,” a helping from Wave Two of his new disc. Next up was another new track “Love on The Weekend,” a classic Mayer melody with plenty of longing. Another new song – “Changing” – made its tour debut in Philly. The album seemed to garner a warm response live from Mayer’s Philadelphia faithful.
An acoustic set comprised of “Whiskey, Whiskey, Whiskey,” his killer cover of Tom Petty’s “Free Fallin’,” and a gorgeous rendition of “Daughters” were a welcomed change of pace during the show. Cover songs, when done right, really accentuate a live show. Mayer’s tribute to Petty does just that, while “Daughters” remains one of his catalogues crown jewels.
Mayer sprinkled in a few more covers, including the Robert Johnson-written classic “Crossroads” which was made famous by Eric Clapton and recorded by Mayer on his 2009 chart-topping LP Battle Studies. Mayer also covered Jimi Hendrix and Bob Marley.
Mayer wrapped up the 20-song set with a triple encore of “Waiting on The Day” and his seminal classic “Slow Dancing In a Burning Room.” Then, Mayer put the guitar backstage and sat behind the piano for a rendition of “You’re Gonna Live In Me Forever.” Coincidently, it is the last track from his new disc. John Mayer is proving once again this tour that he is one of the most talented musicians in popular music today. His songwriting and ability to create an ambience make each one of his shows noteworthy.
