A Day In The Life

April 18-24, 2016

Mumford and Sons come to Rock City
By Becca Bona

I was detailing for MC all of the acts I’ve seen at Verizon Arena (formerly known as Alltel Arena). I’ve seen The Rolling Stones, The Who, Van Halen, Jason Mraz, Bruno Mars, Pink, and James Taylor.

And maybe some other shows, that weren’t quite good enough for my feeble brain to recall. Nevertheless, we were walking through the vending area as I detailed my list, getting ready to see Mumford and Sons play.

I didn’t realize it was MC’s first time in the arena, while mine dated back to 2005. With a seating capacity of 18,000, the arena isn’t anything for a native Little Rocker like me to sneeze at, but MC is from Minneapolis, and his own Twin City venues are typically a little larger, if they’re arena style.

It should also be noted that this excursion was the first time we’ve gone to see a band that I picked. That also means that MC wasn’t already a fan of Mumford and Sons before we had nestled in our seats to hear them play.

My introduction to the British band dates back to 2010. I was studying abroad in London, and I didn’t really listen to anything but The Rolling Stones and The Beatles at that point in my life.

My flatmates were constantly listening to this band called Mumford and Sons that I hadn’t ever heard of, and honestly, had no interest in. My good friend, however, bought me their first album from 2007, Sigh No More, which I started listening to regularly.

I don’t know if it’s coincidence or not, but that album reminds me of London’s chill. You get kind of bogged down in the always slightly chilly, slightly damp nights when you’re over there, and sometimes that can make you feel caged.

But then, something beautiful happens, and the sun comes out. Same with the music. What I like most about Mumford and Sons is their ability to take even a slow, sad dirge-like tune and ramp it up until you literally have to move a little, it’s just so contagious.

Their newest album, Wilder Mind, is a little more main-stream, but I like it. They played a lot of the old stuff, which was fun for me, because I sang along. I’m sure the tall guy next to me wasn’t too thrilled about that, but hey. I was ‘fangirling.’

I almost forgot to mention their harmonies. I suppose I’m just a sucker for harmonies, but this group has it figured out and at one point moved over to a single microphone to sing a basically unplugged few songs.

It was beautiful, and honestly, I think MC would agree. Halfway through the show I noticed he was clapping and singing along, but his secret is safe with me.  

For yesterday’s tune of “A Day in the Life”, visit www.dailyrecord.us.

Becca Bona is the managing editor of the Daily Record and an award winning columnist and photographer. Contact her at Becca@dailydata.com.