Composed of six members, Portugal. The Man has become a household name, with hits such as “Feel it Still” and “Purple Yellow Red and Blue.” While they haven’t released music (apart from 2019 Cherry Glazerr collaboration “Call Me”) since their 2017 album Woodstock the Troubadour was overflowing with anticipation. The band, who are able to fill much larger venues, were playing the historic and intimate venue as a part of the Hilton Honors Concert Series.
Prior to entering the stage Beavis and Butthead gave an impressive introductory video with remarks claiming Portugal. The Man is greater than “The Beatles.”
Once on stage, the band launched into a cover of Pink Floyd’s iconic song “Another Brick in the Wall, Pt. 2” which drew roaring appreciation from the crowd. Immediately they transitioned into “Purple Yellow Red and Blue.” This rousing single was the perfect entrance for Portugal. The Man and immediately garnered dancing.
Throughout the set, Portugal. The Man was accompanied by psychedelic background visual graphics, a perfect backdrop for songs such as “Live in The Moment” and “Atomic Man.”
A stand-out moment of the night was when “Real Bands Don’t Need Singers” flashed on screen prompting the temporary departure of lead singer John Gourley allowing his bandmates to rock out. It resulted in a fantastical guitar solo, which within the small venue caused the audience to quite literally feel the music.
However, soon after, the phrase “Whoever said we were a real band” then appeared on screen. Gourley triumphantly returned on stage to thunderous applause launching immediately into “All Your Light.”
The band performed, arguably the most highly anticipated single of the night, “Feel it Still,” as one of their closing songs. This was the only song which the audience sang along to every lyric, it was a performance by the band and their fans. The crowd was certainly feeling it still as the song got everyone dancing.
The majority of Portugal. The Man’s set was from their most recent albums Woodstock (2017) and Evil Friends (2013). However, with their last song, the band gave a nod to their OG fans with the melodic single “Sleep Forever” from their 2011 album In the Mountain in the Cloud. This smooth sorrow ballad was a relaxing ending, juxtaposing the majority of the concert’s rock songs. For this song, in the intimacy of the venue, the emotions of the band was most on display. It was clear they were using every last bit of energy left from a show that Portugal. The Man had fully dedicated themselves to.
For the last moments of their set, most likely as a nod to the introduction video, the band sang the chorus of The Beatles’ iconic “Hey Jude.” It was the perfect send-off. Portugal. The Man gave a phenomenal intimate show leaving the audience hopeful for new music soon.
Set List:
Damage
Purple Yellow Red and Blue
Live in the Moment
Creep in a T-Shirt
Atomic Man
Noise Pollution
Modern Light
All Your Light
Holy Roller
Feel it Still
Sleep Forever
File Photo: Kalyn Oyer
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