By Dawn Hamilton
A wave of anticipation buzzed throughout the Air Canada Centre, captivating the sold out audience from the very first note of “Belief” to the very last note of “You’re Gonna Live Forever In Me”. It has been quite some time since John Mayer has graced a Toronto stage and the fans couldn’t have been any more appreciative. John stepped out on stage to deafening screams and started off the night with “Belief” from his album Continuum. The backline (drums etc) were all on risers with rollers which made it easily moveable as the night was broken up into chapters, a timeline if you will, over the various periods of John’s musical career. Much to my delight with Chapter One (The Band) performed “Why Georgia” from the album “Room For Squares”. The LED floor and LED wall made for a simple, yet effective, ambiance which filled the Air Canada Centre with ease. John even made light of the photographers during the third song, letting the fans know that the photographers in the pit would be leaving after this song and he wanted great photos for the papers tomorrow and posed for them. Being a photographer for tonight’s show as well I laughed due to the fact that not many artists acknowledge the photographers and for him to make note of it and pose was definitely a memorable experience for myself. Thanks John!
Chapter Two (Acoustic) The whole entire stage was transformed, the backline now hidden by the LED wall and nothing was left on stage but two microphones and a bridge. This made way for a special guest appearance by none other Canada’s own Shawn Mendes. John explained that earlier he was talking to Shawn about performing with him and Shawn told John he wasn’t going to tell his friends he was performing “I am just going to tell them I am going to the bathroom”. I am quite curious what the aftermath of this conversation was when Shawn got off stage. I was very impressed with their performance of “Mercy” and “In Your Atmosphere” mashed up into one song, their voices melted perfectly together and I wish Shawn had the opportunity to be on stage with John a little longer.
Chapter Three (JMT, John Mayer Trio) This portion of the evening would only last three songs but it was a powerful three. Playing “Who Did You Think I Was”, “Crossroads”, and “Wait Until Tomorrow”. The audience seemed memorized and they sat there just taking it all in. I did however hear screams from the audience of “I love you” and “We’re not worthy” bellowing from the fans in my section of the arena.
Chapter Four (The Band Reprise) The 7 piece band was now back on stage ready to rock the rest of the night starting with “Waitin’ On The Day” from “Paradise Valley” and the audience leapt back to their feet. I did find at this point of the night the audience was up and down like a toilet seat at a mixed party. After every song they sat back down only to jump back up at the next song realizing how much they loved the next song as well.
Ending the evening with style the backline disappeared again and there was nothing left on stage but a piano and John Mayer. The LED wall and floor was completely white. A piano was wheeled to the middle of the stage. John sat behind the piano and played “Wheel”, “You’re Gonna Live Forever In Me” and “In Repair”. The fans in the audience sang their hearts out, and it seemed to be a fitting ending to an amazing show. If you missed this concert you are in luck he will be back in Toronto this summer and I highly recommend it. John Mayer has named this tour and his new album “The Search For Everything” and in my books he has found it all already.
Once again thanks to the crew because without them there would be no show!
(Review and photos done by Mini’s Memories. You can contact her at minismemories@hotmail.com)
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