Niall Horan - The Show Live On Tour
Date: June 15, 2024
Location: Mansfield, MA
This past month, I went to my first Niall Horan concert and my 2nd solo Directioner show. The first one being Louis Tomlinson’s Faith the Future tour last year.
I became a bigger fan of Niall after watching him as a coach on The Voice. I was ecstatic when he announced The Show Live On Tour 2024 and the North American leg with Mansfield as one of the stops. I knew I had to check it out!
I did end up going to the concert alone because I had no one to go with. None of my friends are Niall fans or One Direction fans. Which was fine with me. I don’t mind going to concerts alone because I still have fun anyways! It’s better than missing out.
Originally, I thought of seeing Niall in New York at Madison Square Garden. But, tickets were way more expensive. In contrast, I found a reasonably priced VIP ticket for Xfinity Center in Mansfield and seats closer to the stage. So I decided to see him there instead!
Arriving Early and Leaving Late
Mansfield’s Xfinity Center is about one hour outside Boston.
The show was scheduled for 7:30 pm. But I knew from social media, Niall doesn’t officially come on till 8:45 pm. I initially planned to get there around 6:30 pm. However, the venue strongly advised concert goers to come early to avoid traffic. So I changed my plans and decided to take the commuter rail to Mansfield that arrived at 4:30 instead. From Mansfield station, I took a Lyft to Xfinity Center. My Lyft driver told me I was the third person he dropped off at Xfinity Center.
The drop off location was a long walk through the parking lot to the main entrance. Definitely got my steps in. Fortunately the weather was clear skies and sunny so the walk wasn’t so bad. The weather did stay warm during the day but got chilly as night came. Luckily, I wore layered clothes with a t-shirt and jeans with a denim jacket and comfortable shoes.
When I finally got to the entrance, there was some confusion on where I was supposed to line up. One staffer told me to stand up in one line but found out it was for the general audience. So I changed to another line when I told another staffer, I had a VIP ticket. Eventually, I got through the line and checked in.
When the concert ended though, I ended up waiting almost 1.5 hours for my uber/lyft ride. Traffic was backed up significantly. Entrances were closed. The venue was only letting a few cars into the parking lot. I had one uber cancel on me. As a result, I had to walk to the nearby gas station for my uber to pick me up. I did not get home till one in the morning! I was grateful I was not alone. There were other fans waiting for their rideshares.
Inside the Venue
Despite the crowds and long lines outside, Xfinity provided a relaxing atmosphere for fans to enjoy. And not make you feel you waited too long for the show to start.
Xfinity Center had different booths outside the main stage area including photo booths, food and drinks booths. They also had picnic tables and chairs to sit amongst the trees. There were also tons of merch tables selling Niall memorabilia. After the show, I got sucked into purchasing a t-shirt and friendship bracelet. They even had a wall dedicated for fans to send thank you notes to Niall.
Also, wanted to mention that VIP tickets got special gifts, which is a metal case with a “concert ticket” tab inside. I thought it was pretty special. And all future concert tickets should be presented this way.
The Show
The venue is an outdoor amphitheater. Niall purposely chooses outdoor venues when he can because he likes to see the crowd and the open sky with the sun setting from the stage. And the show was sold out!
The stage is designed with a circular curtain in the middle. The show started at 7:30 promptly with the opening act, Del Water Gap playing a 45 minute set.
At 8:45 pm, a pair of eyes appears at the top of the curtains signaling Niall is coming. The crowd started screaming. Niall appropriately opened the show with “Nice To Meet Ya”. He continued the show with “Small Talk”.
His setlist included songs like “On The Loose”, “Seeing Blind”, “If You Leave Me”, “This Town” “Mirrors”, “Still”, and “Heartbreak Weather”. A mixture of upbeat, acoustic and slow songs.
I really liked his live performances of “Meltown” and “Save My Life”.Both songs are extremely upbeat and energetic. Niall runs up and down the stage and riles up the crowd to sing with him.You could tell Niall feeds off the energy from the audience. I was definitely up on my feet and dancing and clapping my hands.
However, if readers know me, I usually enjoy the ballads and acoustic sections of the concert. And Niall did not disappoint!
One of my favorite performances is “On A Night Like Tonight”. The stage lights up like the blue night sky even with an appearance of the moon and stars. Niall moves around the stage and waves to the crowd.
I also loved his solo rendition of One Direction’s “Night Changes”. This was the second time I heard the song performed live. Niall makes it extra special by playing the song on the guitar. I could definitely hear his voice better than Louis’s performance last year. The Directioners still sung along. But the performance was still intimate with the lights dimmed.
Niall’s performance of “The Show” was another highlight. With the crowd lighting up their cell phone lights, Niall sits on the piano and just plays the song and sings like a crooner. Reminds me a bit like Elton John or Ed Sheeran. I also liked how the show incorporated the curtains as an extra projector video so the back could see Niall clearly onstage. And the violinist that accompanied him was just amazing. Truly amplified the song.
Moreover, I truly enjoyed his acoustic version of “Dear Patience”. I could feel Niall’s vulnerability and emotions through the song. He clearly showed his vocal range and ability. Made me appreciate the song even more.
“You Could Start A Cult” further exhibited Niall’s talents as an artist. Not only can he sing, play guitar and the piano, but he can play the guitar and the harmonica at the same time! I honestly squealed in awe when he played the harmonica. Similar to “Dear Patience”, Niall wore his heart on his sleeve and showed his vulnerability. He continued to put his emotions on display with “San Francisco”.
He closed the show with his major hit, “Slow Hands” appropriately. The song was just the perfect anthem to end the concert. Smooth but upbeat. And the fans sing along with the lyrics.
Niall and the Lovers
The concert truly showed Niall’s strong relationship and appreciation amongst his fans. During the show, he expressed his gratitude for the large turnout. Niall actually took a moment to read the signs that fans brought to the show. It’s also amazing that the fans knew all the lyrics to his songs.
Niall and his Band
In addition, Niall’s appreciation and relationship with his band is obviously clear. Niall took the time to introduce the band. They are definitely well-incorporated in the show especially during the acoustic set and “Meltdown” and “Save My Life”. Niall truly lets their talent stand out.
Their talents are further acknowledged towards the end of the show with their credits on screen.
Final Verdict
Overall, despite the crazy line up entering and exiting the venue, I enjoyed The Show. The night was filled with great music. The acoustics and sound was excellent despite the outdoor setting and screaming fans. Niall proved he truly stood out as a talented solo artist with his vocal ability and playing various instruments. Moreover, he connected and engaged with the audience and the band effortlessly.
If you ever see a Niall Horan concert come to a city near you, I highly recommend you check him out.
