10.24.26 - Orlando, FL
Photograph by Paulina Rochelle
Twenty years after its release, Peter, Bjorn and John are finishing up anniversary tour to celebrate their breakthrough album, Writer’s Block. With Peter Morén and Björn Yttling taking the stage to bring these songs back to life, the show was full of energy, emotion and excitement.
The iconic Swedish indie band played the entirety of the album at Orlando’s oldest independent music venue, The Beacham. Lit up with lights and disco balls throughout, the venue became the perfect space to sing and dance along to their legendary songs we all know and love.
Opening with “I Know You Don’t Love Me”, the band immediately set the mood for the night as fun and energetic. They played a few songs from different albums like “Far Away, By My Side” and “Breaking Point” before moving into playing all of Writer’s Block.
The crowd was an eclectic group, ranging from teens to older fans, and everyone played their part to make the show magical. A sense of community was present, as everyone sang along and danced with the trio on stage.
Nino Keller on the drums stood in for John Eriksson, and did not disappoint. When considering how famous and revered these songs are, Keller absolutely brought them to life appropriately.
Photographs by Paulina Rochelle
Morén spent nearly the entire show jumping up and down, creating these big movements and infecting the crowd with his energy. During “Up Against The Wall”, he even jumped down and walked through the crowd, making his rounds to every corner of the dance floor. He interacted with fans along the way, even stopping to take a selfie with one member of the audience.
The band took some breaks during their set, allowing both themselves and the audience little bits of respite before continuing their buzzing show. With each moment they were off the stage, anticipation grew for what would come next.
Photograph by Paulina Rochelle
Unsurprisingly, "Young Folks” was incredible to hear live. After having grown up with the song, it was almost unreal seeing it unfold in real time. I stood in awe of hearing the legendary whistle happen before me, and I can’t imagine that I was the only person in the crowd that felt that way.
The quintessential 2000’s indie song made it impossible to not move with those around you–I mean you could literally feel the floor shaking and it wasn’t just because of the vibrations coming from the bass. I think it’s moments like this that make shows what they are; there’s a tangible feeling of connection within the room at times like these. Friends and strangers come together during songs like this one, as I saw with the group of people dancing behind me. It was like something out of a movie, except it wasn’t a movie, it was real and it was happening.
Concerts are spaces that allow for this kind of connection, and it's why I love them so much. Everyone is here for one purpose: for their love of music. It’s becomes something that is celebrated and encouraged. Concerts are a place to showcase this love and do so proudly, because when you have a song like this playing in the background, the people around you will inevitably join in on the display.
Photographs by Paulina Rochelle
Yttling was on fire the whole night, feeding off of Morén’s energy to produce a great show. When it came time for him to announce “Objects of My Affection”, he did so with a determination that the song rightfully deserves. Immediately, we dove in head first to the crashing drums and guitars, everyone bonding with each other and the men on the stage who were making the moment possible.
This one was the most personal song for me, and the moment I was waiting for the whole show. Over the last few years, I’ve found myself increasingly relating to the song as I’ve grown and changed, and become so many different versions of myself. Hearing Morén ask the million-dollar question, “was I more alive, then than I am now?”, and the crowd joining in to respond “I happily have to disagree; I laugh more often now, I cry more often now, I am more me” evoked a feeling that simply cannot be replicated. It was an experience I didn’t know I needed, but am eternally grateful to have been a part of.
The band went offstage for a second after this one before coming back for an encore of three songs, bringing the number of tracks played for the night to a whopping 18. Closing with “Second Chance”, the band finished their show out with an electrifying track, leaving a feeling of exhilaration in the air long after they said goodbye.
Photograph by Paulina Rochelle
After the show, Morén and Yttling spent time with fans signing merchandise and taking photos with everyone. Something I admired was how they took their time with every person in line, not rushing the connection and instead allowing everyone to have their moment with them. This little detail made the show even better and more special than it already was.