Daniel Caesar Concert Review: A Showcase of Musical Versatility
Daniel Caesar made the sold-out MGM Music Hall feel intimate with his Boston performance on Oct. 16.
Daniel Caesar made the sold-out MGM Music Hall feel intimate with his Boston performance on Oct. 16. While shredding electric guitar solos, spinning sophisticated harmonic tapestries on a Wurlitzer, playing stripped-back acoustic versions of his songs, and even accompanying his fans’ singing, he transcended the boundaries of genre and stage.
Music enthusiasts were treated to an unforgettable evening, starting as opening act Montell Fish set the stage ablaze. His signature falsetto, booming baselines, and flashing red and blue lights captivated the crowd. Fish even ran through the audience, drawing screams from the first rows. His high energy antics and flashy backdrop provided a stark contrast to Caesar’s calm entrance.
A brief intermission bathed the stage in ethereal white light, creating an atmosphere of mystique and anticipation. Through the smoke, Caesar appeared, and the crowd erupted.
Recovering from illness the day before, Caesar addressed his devoted fans with gratitude and vulnerability.
“I’m going to need you guys to carry me through this one tonight. Just hold me down,”Caesar said.
The opening songs featured Caesar's distinctive raspy timbre, beautiful despite recent illness. Translucent curtains surrounded him for the opening songs, and video screens behind him played surreal visuals. When the curtains lifted, he seamlessly transitioned to playing a Wurlitzer piano. Caesar’s skillful accompaniment drew on his gospel roots.
During his performance of “Entropy,” the backdrop featured scrolling Bhagavad Gita passages, including one which read “Now I am become death, the destroyer of worlds.” With a dreamlike backdrop and the constant presence of smoke, the stage created an otherworldly setting for the song’s haunting lyrics, such as, “Ain’t no stopping entropy.”
Throughout the performance, the crowd's enthusiasm was palpable, with occasional screams of adoration and declarations of love. Despite the mellowness of his discography and his relaxed stage presence, every song brimmed with energy, a testament to his fanbase’s fervor.
Fans held up posters declaring their affection, with messages like “I love Daniel Caesar” and “Still asking for Omar’s number.” Someone in the audience FaceTimed a friend, allowing them to watch the performance from their bed in a state of jealousy and awe. Caesar engaged with the crowd often, holding the microphone out for them to sing along and building off of their energy.
Caesar surprised the audience with a few acoustic renditions of old hits, in one instance admitting, “I haven't played this song in like 5 years.”
When he forgot the lyrics to “Show No Regret,” a diehard fan took over. Caesar let her take the lead. She belted her heart out while he accompanied her on the guitar. It was a touching moment that showcased the intimate connection between the artist and his fans.
His performance focused mainly on the music — he kept his stage banter minimal. With the audience's unwavering support, however, Caesar was visibly moved.
“You guys are the fucking best for real, this is the only thing I need right now,” he said.
As the night continued, Caesar showcased his musical prowess with a series of electrifying performances. He shredded an alternating-picked guitar solo, dazzling the audience with his pentatonic blues runs and whammy bar tremolos. The crowd came alive during “Superpowers,” raising their hands to the sky to the lyrics.
The night continued with a Wurlitzer-only edition of “Valentina,” and the entire crowd joined in on the melismatic refrain of “Play it cool.”
Caesar closed his show with “Always,” a standout heartbreak ballad from his 2023 album “Never Enough,” joined by seemingly every member of the audience. As the night concluded, Caesar expressed his gratitude.
“I enjoyed that very much. Y'all were absolutely incredible,” Caesar said.