Bon Iver - Live Review

Bon Iver at OVO Arena Wembley: A Night of Magic and Surprise

Bon Iver brought their ethereal soundscapes and emotional depth to the OVO Arena Wembley in London, delivering a performance that was as intimate as it was grand. With a setlist spanning their career and a surprise appearance from Taylor Swift, the evening was nothing short of magical.

The night began with a captivating performance from CARM, the solo project of multi-instrumentalist CJ Camerieri, known for his work with Bon Iver and Paul Simon. CARM’s set was a masterclass in blending brass instrumentation with electronic textures, creating a sound that was both experimental and accessible. Tracks from his self-titled debut album, such as Land and Song of Trouble, showcased his ability to craft intricate, emotive compositions. It was a fitting opener for an evening that promised to push musical boundaries.

Bon Iver took to the stage with Perth, the opening track from their self-titled second album, immediately immersing the audience in their signature blend of layered instrumentation and haunting vocals. Justin Vernon’s voice, both fragile and powerful, carried the emotional weight of each song, drawing the crowd into the world he and his band created.

The setlist was a carefully curated journey through Bon Iver’s discography, featuring fan favorites like Flume, Calgary, and Skinny Love, alongside newer tracks like Faith and Jelmore from their 2019 album i,i. The band’s ability to seamlessly transition between delicate acoustic moments and explosive, electronic-driven crescendos was on full display, keeping the audience captivated throughout.

Highlights included the hauntingly beautiful 715 - CREEKS, performed with Vernon’s Auto-Tuned vocals echoing through the arena, and re: Stacks, a stripped-back moment that felt deeply personal despite the vastness of the venue. The addition of Reese, a track from Vernon’s Big Red Machine project with Aaron Dessner, added a unique touch to the evening, with Dessner himself joining the band on stage.

The night reached a peak when Taylor Swift made a surprise appearance to perform exile, their duet from her 2020 album folklore. This marked the live debut of the song, and the crowd erupted in cheers as Swift walked onto the stage. The chemistry between Vernon and Swift was palpable as they delivered a stunning rendition of the track, with Aaron Dessner accompanying them on piano.

After the duet, Vernon joked, “Well, I can’t top that, so we may as well finish the show here.” Thankfully, it was just a joke, and the band continued with Skinny Love, much to the relief of the audience.

The main set concluded with The Wolves (Act I and II), a track that built from a quiet, introspective beginning to a thunderous, cathartic climax, with the audience chanting along to the refrain, “What might have been lost.” The encore featured 22 (OVER S∞∞N) and RABi, two tracks that encapsulated the themes of impermanence and hope that run through Bon Iver’s music.

Bon Iver’s performance at the OVO Arena Wembley was a masterclass in emotional storytelling and musical innovation. From the intricate arrangements to the surprise duet with Taylor Swift, the evening was filled with moments that will stay with the audience for years to come.

For fans of Bon Iver, this was a night that reaffirmed why they are one of the most unique and influential bands of their generation. For those new to their music, it was an unforgettable introduction to a world of sound that defies categorization.