Foster The People, The Beatles, and Cirque du Soleil seem like a tacky combination, yet it works effortlessly. The boys performed at Life Is Beautiful Festival on September 22nd, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada, but this show was unlike any other. The band were joined on stage by the cast of The Beatles LOVE show, and, as a bonus, even performed “Hey Jude” as a nod to the legendary Brit rockers as acrobats twirled around them. Today we're discussing this gig and much more.
Foster The People, along with performing hits “Call It What You Want”, “Pay The Man”, “Coming Of Age”, and “Sit Next To Me”, delved into the beloved track “Hey Jude”, in which Mark Foster shared some words about the opportunity to share music to unite the world just as their time drew to a close. As dancers dressed in trippy costumes graced the stage, it's here where Foster Kids, together with Cirque du Soleil and Beatles fans, would come into union in a spectacular extravaganza they wouldn't soon forget. Three communities melding into one through the medium of music is a magical thing, and in this moment, the festival lives up to its name: Life Is Beautiful!
“...truly a gift to be up here to play music for you, for you to be together, celebrating each other,” Foster says, upon closing their set.
The aesthetics and art direction of the band's stage set, everything clashes together in an otherwise dramatic whimsical fashion when rock n roll music meets Broadway style theatrics. I admit I don't know much about Cirque du Soleil, or Foster The People's live shows, however, I appreciate the band's effort in trying something new and incorporating imaginative techniques to liven up a setting for a big crowd. I don't doubt FTP is full of unique ideas or creative talent to fill stadiums around the world for generations to come.
Everything about this show checks out, however, my one gripe, even though there's a multitude of dancers and a lot going on, is how the band isn't moving, as well as the chosen track is too damn slow. As opposed to other times I've watched FTP live clips on YouTube, and their usual sets are high vibing, this is a significant difference in energy and ambiance. I know there's a lot of Foster Kids who are also Beatles fans, I'm not, so personally, there's a huge drop in engagement for me.
Now that Foster The People are on the brink of releasing a new album in August, I can't begin to imagine what tricks they have up their sleeves in terms of live shows, and an overall atmosphere lined up with the “Paradise State Of Mind” era coming into fruition. I already appreciate the color schemes as well as more mature soundscapes. Sonically, the latest single, “Lost In Space”, is not only nostalgic 70s disco roller-rink trip through the retro parts of “Sacred Hearts Club”, but also an introduction to the new and improved Foster The People who outgrown their indie roots for a more electrifying sound. I'm looking forward to it!
Check out the video below!