Photo Credit: Kalyn Oyer
There’s something truly special about a summer night at the Hollywood Bowl. The open sky, the glowing hills and the buzz of thousands of excited fans all create a perfect setting for music that feels bigger than just sound. On June 12, 2025, Mumford & Sons returned to this famous venue and gave a show full of emotion and energy, reminding everyone why they’ve been one of the most loved folk-rock bands for over 15 years.
The evening started with the indie rock duo Good Neighbours. Their mix of indie-pop and soulful melodies set a warm tone for the night. Even though they are new to the scene, their confident stage presence shows they have a bright future ahead.
As the sun set and the lights dimmed, the crowd cheered loudly when Mumford & Sons took the stage. Marcus Mumford, Ted Dwane and Ben Lovett kicked off with “Rushmore,” immediately lifting the energy. Fans sang, danced and clapped, fully caught up in the vibrant and lively sound. This wasn’t just music played loud – it felt alive.
The band played a great mix of songs – from early hits like “Little Lion Man,” to newer songs from their album, Delta. Many songs started softly but then grew into powerful, layered performances. Standouts included “White Blank Page,” “Believe” and “Dust Bowl Dance.” During “Believe,” Marcus asked fans to turn on their phone lights and wave them, creating a beautiful sea of glowing lights that made the moment feel magical.
One of the most exciting parts of the show was during “The Truth,” when bursts of fire shot up from the stage in time with the music. The flames added a dramatic and unforgettable touch to the performance.
The lighting design matched the music perfectly. The slow songs included soft, moody lighting, while energetic anthems like “I Will Wait” and “The Cave” had bright white and gold lights sweeping over the crowd. Fans raised their arms and sang along, fully engaged in the shared experience.
Big screens on the sides of the stage showed live video, behind-the-scenes shots and lyrics that appeared in sync with the songs. When Mumford & Sons performed “Icarus” and “Awake My Soul” with the indie-pop duo Lucius, the on-screen lyrics made the moment feel like poetry set to music. The harmonies between Marcus and Lucius added a haunting beauty that deepened the mood.
Halfway through the show, Marcus surprised everyone by jumping offstage and running into the crowd during “Ditmas.” It was an exciting, spontaneous moment that made the connection between the band and fans feel even stronger.
Marcus also shared a personal moment, saying, “It’s great to be back home. I was born in California and this place means a lot to me.” The crowd cheered, showing the warmth of that local connection.
Later, the band moved to a smaller stage inside the venue for “Timshel” and “Reminder.” This quieter setup, with soft lighting and fewer instruments, created a feeling of intimacy that pulled the audience in like a private conversation.
Over their long career, Mumford & Sons have grown from their folk and banjo roots to a dreamier rock sound. However, their lyrics still carry deep emotion.
The crowd favorites truly fired up the night. “Little Lion Man” got everyone shouting and dancing like it was 2010 all over again but nothing matched the energy to when “I Will Wait” started – the whole Bowl stood up, singing and clapping together. It was a powerful reminder of how some songs become timeless anthems.
Between songs, Marcus spoke briefly but meaningfully. “There’s nowhere quite like this,” he said, looking out at the crowd. “We never take this place for granted.” Fans responded with loud applause, feeling the sincerity.
The band’s chemistry was clear throughout the night. Marcus switched between drums, guitar and singing with ease, Ben’s keyboard added rich layers and Ted’s bass kept the rhythm steady. Even without their former member Winston Marshall, the trio sounded tight and confident.
The encore started softly with “Awake My Soul,” fitting for the outdoor venue. The show closed with “The Cave,” a perfect ending.
As the final chorus played, the sky lit up with a huge fireworks display. Golden sparks, colorful bursts and bright trails exploded in sync with the music. Reds, purples, blues, greens, silvers and gold filled the sky, leaving fans amazed. The fireworks were grand and cinematic—worthy of a big theme park show.
For a few magical minutes, music and light came together to create a dreamlike moment at the Hollywood Bowl.
When the fireworks ended and the last notes faded, the crowd was silent for a beat – still caught in the magic of the night.
As fans slowly left, they weren’t just talking about the songs; they were still feeling them. That’s what Mumford & Sons do best. They don’t just perform – they create moments that stay with you long after the show ends.
Setlist performed by Mumford & Sons:
1) Rushmere
2) Babel
3) I Will Wait
4) White Blank Page
5) Caroline
6) Little Lion Man
7) Lover of the Light
8) Where It Belongs
9) Ghosts That We Knew
10) Holland Road
11) Truth
12) Believe
13) Icarus (with Lucius)
14) Awake My Soul (with Lucius)
15) Ditmas (with Marcus in the crowd)
16) Delta
17) Dust Bowl Dance
18) Timshel (B stage)
19) Reminder (B stage)
20) Malibu
21) The Wolf
22) The Cave (with fireworks)
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