Matt Maltese showcased his musical talents at the Tabernacle in downtown Atlanta on September 17, following the release of his latest album, “Hers.”
The British-Canadian songwriter captivated the audience with a slow, romantic setlist that included fan-favorite tracks like “Nightclub Love,” “Everybody’s Just as Crazy As Me,” and the iconic “As the World Caves In.”
The night kicked off with Cornelia Murr, a fellow British singer-songwriter, setting the stage with her enchanting voice and demeanor, raising the bar for Maltese’s performance.
As Maltese took the stage, the excitement in the venue was palpable, with applause reverberating as he appeared in a simple blue sweater alongside his talented live band.
The band’s ability to switch instruments between songs added a dynamic element to the performance, with the pleasant sound of the clarinet and electric guitar resonating throughout the audience.
He performed a mix of his iconic hits, including “Nightclub Love,” “Everybody’s Just as Crazy as Me,” and “Krystal,” a poignant ballad reflecting on past love.
After showcasing his popular tracks, Maltese took a moment to introduce the members of his band, fostering a sense of community between him and his audience.
Maltese’s powerful voice, combined with his engaging stage presence, choreographed lighting, and the band’s exceptional skill, created an unforgettable concert experience for fans.
During the performance of “Madhouse,” the lighting dramatically shifted to red at the song’s climax, further enthralling the crowd.
With a strong fanbase in Atlanta, Maltese treated the audience to a previously unplayed song from his tour, “Wish You’d Ask Me,” where he expressed his longing for deeper emotional connections.
In a surprise move, he invited Murr back on stage for a stunning rendition of “Arthouse Cinema,” which emphasized the themes of romantic grief showcased in his lyrics.
Maltese created an interactive atmosphere by engaging with the audience, even asking if anyone was celebrating a birthday.
A young fan was brought on stage to celebrate her special day, receiving a heartfelt rendition of “Happy Birthday” while sitting on a regal chair adorned with a crown.
The surprise continued as the guitarist presented her with a slice of birthday cake, complete with a candle for her to blow out.
As the concert approached its conclusion, Maltese announced that he would perform the crowd favorite “As the World Caves In,” a song that resonates with themes of connection and intimacy amid chaos.
The audience’s mood shifted to somber as his band exited the stage, prompting chants of “Encore! Encore!” from eager fans who were not ready for the night to end.
Maltese responded to the crowd’s yearning, reentering to perform two additional hits: “Cure for Emptiness” and “Everyone Adores You.”
This time, the audience listened with heightened emotion, knowing that the concert was drawing to a close.
Maltese, in just the second night of his tour, set a high standard for the performances to come.
His soulful renditions of classic songs not only resonated with his dedicated fanbase but also solidified his reputation as a masterful artist in the music industry.
image source from:nique