OCTOBER 31: Halloween. A day many remember for the scares, frights, and copious amount of sweets that it brings. But Southampton will now forever cherish it as the day Mac DeMarco came to town.
The Canadian singer-songwriter produced a truly unique show at the city’s O2 Guildhall, mixing his blend of catchy instrumentals with on-stage antics for a special ‘spooktacular’ show.
Renowned as much for his showmanship as he is for his ballads, the 28-year-old had the sold-out crowd singing to classics, including ‘Cooking Up Something Good’ and ‘Ode to Viceroy’.
Revellers were also on hand to add even more to the special show, and his last tour date in the UK, with many dressing up – as Mac and his band did themselves, to add to the Halloween festivities.
Making their entrance as the clock struck 9pm, DeMarco and his ensemble staggered like zombies onto the stage, with the Ghostbusters theme song blaring, prompting loud cheers from the Southampton faithful.
Smashing out hit after hit, the sell-out crowd were treated to hits including ‘Salad Days’, ‘My Old Man’, ‘This Old Dog’, and ‘Another One’.
With five albums of songs to choose from – his first ‘Rock and Roll Night Club’ released in 2012, the Canadian was not short of choice for the set.
But, in keeping with his renowned showman-like nature, the instantly likeable DeMarco - who feels like a pal you’ve known for years, took some time to talk to the crowd. Doused in white facepaint, he and the band asked for the best Halloween hats and masks to be thrown on stage, with the audience generously obliging.
Now wearing a sparkling fish-shaped hat, Mac got the crowd jumping to ‘Freaking Out the Neighbourhood’, ‘Ode to Viceroy’, and ‘Chamber of Reflection’ – three of his best known hits.
And typical of the frontman, and being the last stop on the UK tour, he allowed other band members to take centre stage for the second half of the show.
In what could be referred to as “high-profile karaoke”, guitarist Andrew White took centre stage along with drummer Joe McMurray to perform ‘Under the Bridge’ by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, ‘In Da Club’ by 50 Cent, and other non-DeMarco classics. The crowd, who were split over the gig’s new direction, mostly joined in to help the pair.
But Mac came back for one final song, performing the emotion-tugging ‘Watching Him Fade Away’.
It was a truly unique show from a truly unique performer.
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