Sion Under teh Stars: Mumford & sons Reignite Connection with Swiss Fans
Sion, Switzerland – Mumford & Sons delivered a dynamic and emotionally resonant performance at the Hallenstadion in Sion on Tuesday, marking their return to the stage after a nearly seven-year hiatus as the release of their fourth album, ‘Delta‘ in 2018.The band,now a trio consisting of Marcus Mumford (vocals,guitar),Ben Lovett (keyboards),and ted Dwane (bass),following the departure of winston Marshall in 2021,were joined by six touring musicians.
The concert opened with “Run Together,” a preview of their forthcoming album, “Prizefighter,” showcasing the band’s signature folk ballad style and vocal harmonies reminiscent of their earlier work.”We are overjoyed to be back in Switzerland,” exclaimed frontman Marcus mumford, before introducing “Rubber Band Man,” a recently released single from “Prizefighter” featuring a collaboration with Irish singer Hozier.
The energy in the Hallenstadion surged when the opening chords of their breakthrough hit, “Little lion Man” from their 2009 debut album, “Sigh No More,” filled the arena. The audience, including those in the stands, rose to their feet, dancing along to the infectious rhythm. The band continued the momentum with another beloved anthem, “Hopeless Wanderer” from their 2012 album, “Babel.” The group repeatedly expressed gratitude for the enthusiastic turnout, noting the sold-out standing room and minimal empty seats. The stage was enhanced by a captivating spiral of light decorations – stars and hearts - that synchronized with the music, complemented by video projections behind the band.
The performance seamlessly blended high-energy moments with intimate acoustic sets. During “Lover of The Light,” Marcus Mumford took to the drums, playing with palpable energy. The band then transitioned to a smaller stage at the back of the venue for a more personal experience, performing “Ghosts That We Knew.” This segment was particularly moving, as the audience illuminated the room with the light of their cell phone torches while Mumford sang, supported by backing vocals from Dwane and Lovett.
A lighthearted moment occurred when Mumford invited a fan to translate a few phrases into Swiss German,eliciting cheers that quickly turned to playful boos when the fan revealed he was from Basel,a rival city to Zurich.
Mumford continued his tradition of connecting directly with the audience,venturing into the stands while singing. Fan favorites “The Cave” and “White Blank Page” ignited the crowd, while “The Wolf” saw Mumford switch to electric guitar, accompanied by sparks flying from the stage.
Before the final songs, Mumford described the night as “really special” and led the band in a stripped-down, intimate performance around a single microphone for “Timshel” and a surprise rendition of “Reminder.” the concert culminated in a powerful singalong to “I Will Wait” and concluded with the live debut of a new song, the poignant “Conversation with my son,” after nearly two hours of music. “As soon as you invite us, we will come back,” Mumford promised, receiving a resounding cheer from the audience.
The band will continue their tour with a performance in Milan, Italy, at the Forum di Assago on Wednesday evening.
(Source: ats)
