Renaissance World Tour Review

by Trevor Picanco

The music industry stands in a constant state of transition. Genres come and go, sales increase and decrease, models of consumption change continuously, and an artist who commands the culture one day may fade into the past just as quickly as they came to prominence. When a musician manages to maintain their relevancy past that initial expiration date, you know you have something notable on your hands.

Beyonce, now approaching her 27th year of performing, fits comfortably into that latter description. There are very few moments across her career—if any—where she hasn’t been at the top of cultural conversation. So, naturally, when an artist of her stature announces a world tour, you make it your top priority to see it.

I attended the Renaissance World Tour at Lumen Field in Seattle around two weeks ago. I found myself wearing a, let’s say, unfortunate outfit after neglecting to plan it until the day before (wouldn’t you know it, silver is an extremely difficult color to shop for).

My lack of style grew louder as I drove closer to the stadium. Thousands of excited fans packed the sidewalks in their best silver gear (per Beyonce’s request); some braved the wrath of heels and platform boots; others sported glittering sequined dresses and halter tops; faux fur certainly made a few appearances. Like many concerts this summer, Renaissance was equal parts a music event and a fashion show.

But, as I reached the summit of my nosebleeds view, any sort of fashion anxiety subsided. Instead, I became enveloped in an environment of intense energy and anticipation, as well as positivity and celebration. Strangers exchanged compliments as they traversed the harrowing steps of the stadium, balancing a drink in one hand, and bedazzled fan in the other. Each of us huddled against each other in anticipation, united in our excitement for a single artist.

When Beyonce finally appeared onstage, acting as her own opening act with a series of ballads and deep cuts, a collective feeling of awe set across the audience. The complex camerawork of the show captured her powerful stage presence in closeup, displayed across a massive video screen. Though I was far away in the nosebleeds, the technical wizardry of the event allowed for a deeply personal experience.

The rest of the concert sped past at breakneck speed. Emerging onto stage with a shimmering metallic outfit, Beyonce ran through the first chunk of her most recent album, Renaissance, with “I’m That Girl,” “Cozy,” and “Alien Superstar.” Unlike past tours and performances, her dance prowess was not on full display; instead, focus shifted towards spectacle and personality of Beyonce and her dancers. Of course when you’re a performer of such larger-than-life presence, aided by a fierce stomp and flawless vocals, that is all you really need to carry a show.

Occupying the video screen, a series of gorgeously photographed montages guided the audience through a series of segments. “Motherboard,” boasting club bangers like Cuff It and Break My Soul, continues the tour’s celebration of ballroom dance culture with an exciting interpolation of Madonna’s Vogue. “Opulence” arrives with the iconic, bass heavy intro of Formation, Beyonce sporting a custom red Telfar look. “Anointed” features an audience-assisted rendition of Love on Top and the timeless Crazy in Love, before transitioning to reveal Beyonce laid across a giant clamshell with, of course, another outfit.

Following performances of “America Has a Problem” and “Pure/Honey” (in custom Mugler), Beyoncé’s dancers took the spotlight in an electrifying ball sequence. As the thumping synths of Donna Summer’s “I Feel Love” filled the stadium, she returned floating above the floor seats while straddling her own sparkling silver horse while performing Renaissance’s album closer, Summer Renaissance.

As confetti settled over the audience, I observed the hundreds around me. Each of us had our own distinct lives and array of issues to confront outside of those stadium walls, but here, accompanied by a display of pure stamina and euphoria, none of that really mattered.

Perhaps the secret to Beyonce’s longevity lies in that sentiment: that, if you can provide a space for escape and community, your music will last a lifetime.