Passenger @ 02 Academy, 29th November, 2016
Mike Rosenberg, stage name Passenger, is part poet, part social activist, and part comedian. It may seem like an odd mixture, especially when all of that is encompassed in the single musician, and yet this masterful talent is able to sing beautifully deep and enriching tunes while preaching a word of love and care all while cracking a few jokes. Passenger is a special breed of musicianship, and his most recent show at the O2 Academy encompasses the gem that is Passenger.
Passenger is most well known for hit “Let Her Go” which has over 1 billion YouTube views! The acoustic folk singer has over eight albums under his belt, with the most recent being the 2016 release of Young As the Morning, Old As the Sea, which quickly reached the number one slot on the charts. Backed by a full band, a rarity for the artists, Passenger has taken to a few months on the road to bring the newest album to every corner of the earth, selling out major shows and playing to the thousands. One of these sold out shows was at the O2 Academy in which fans lined the bitter cold streets to catch a glimpse and the hear the tunes of Passenger.
After an epic opener, shout out to the amazing Gregory Alan Isakov, anticipation built as the crowd eagerly awaited the smoky vocals and tight pants that typify a show by Mike. After an intense light blast that felt like a heavenly realm was opening, Mike walked onstage with obvious enthusiasm and confidence. “Somebody’s Love” filled the room, and the show officially started! As the song played the atmosphere transformed, devoid of any world outside the room became this unique little microcosm of its own. Mike creates his own world with each show; one is no longer in Birmingham but rather in some small corner of the world, surrounded by friends all singing the same songs. There is a warmth and ease, when time stops and breath slows. Mike is not a famous singer but rather a friend who is extra talented, a character that is continued through his extensive use of social media that is honest and open.
After the first song Mike switches to his comedic hat, spewing hilarious one-liners that are tweetable moments of brilliance. “Life for the Living,” an upbeat folk tune, follows. Passenger prances around the stage with his trusty guitar strapped tight, inviting fans to join along in the singing. Another incredible part of all of his live shows are Mike’s ability to include fans in a way that makes their voices as integral to the show as his own. Mike continuously seeks fan participation so that our singing adds a harmonious piece to his talented band.
Only two songs in and we where singing loudly and dancing furiously. There was no need for a warm up, we as fans where fully invested from the beginning. Another tune from the first album followed, “If You Go,” precedes a few stories that are told at each Passenger show. One is about Frozen and the confusion of hits, and how his passion for connecting with people via music has fuelled his journey. It is in these stories that we find the social activist side of the musician. His speeches remind individuals to continually chase their dreams, to not settle for the contrived archetype of life that is deemed enjoyable by society. “27,” a song about the tension of journeying as a musician, upholds this espoused truths. Clearly a fan favourite, “27” is not merely a catchy dance tune but is also a battle cry for the thoughts of many. As the band fills the empty space of the instrumental section the crowd grows more and more rowdy, and screams the lyrics by the end.
“Anywhere,” and “Everything” round out the upbeat section. Mike then turns to what he calls the “misery” portion. The band exits and the Passenger that many of us know, a bearded man with guitar singing somber tunes, plays for the next 30 minutes. With hits like “Traveling Alone” and a cover of Simon and Garfunkel’s “The Sound of Silence” Mike exuded calm energy from every pore and through every chord. This toned down middle section is the bread and butter of what makes Passenger so incredible, deeply impactful lyrical content paired with dark and relaxing acoustic sound.
The band entered the stage and a rousing rendition of “I Hate” filled the air. “I Hate” is a staple at each Passenger show, the upbeat tempo paired with hilarious quips of what Mike hates combines his musical side with his activities side with his comedic side, so its no surprise that its both a fan and a musician favourite. Slowing it down a bit Mike plays new hit “Beautiful Birds,” and “Let It Go.” After a Van Morrison cover Mike ends the night with “Scare Away the Dark,” his closing song for the last ten or so shows that I’ve seen. Coming back to the stage, the encore consisted of two fan favourites “Life’s for the Living” and “Holes.” Mike ends an incredible show with up-tempo emotion that permeates through the souls of each person in the room.
Passenger may be known for a single hit, and yet he is much more than that. Mike’s ability to intertwine musical geniuses with poetic force and political hints makes him an artist to listen to. His incredible on stage presence and energy, mixed with his jovial humour, make him an artists to see live. While I have been a card-carrying member of the Passenger fan club for many many years, I am constantly and consistently reminded how Passenger’s music and live show create a world and a moment that is uplifting and beautiful, a transformative space created by an incredible musician.
Reviewer – Kylie McCormick
Photographer – Adriana Vasile
Very good photo!