John Legend delivers Munich an unforgettable evening
Saturday evening, the Olympiahalle in Munich was the scene of something very special. John Legend came to Germany for his only concert in the country as part of his Get Lifted – 20th Anniversary Tour, and what an evening it became. The imposing hall, which normally hosts sporting achievements, was transformed into an intimate concert venue where thousands of fans gathered to see and hear the master of modern soul music.
It was immediately clear that this would be no ordinary concert. Legend was celebrating the twentieth anniversary of his debut album “Get Lifted” from 2004, the album that transformed him from a promising songwriter and producer into one of the most respected artists of his generation. The setlist was a perfect balance between nostalgia and his newer work, with the entire “Get Lifted” album as a common thread through the evening, including hits like “Ordinary People,” “Used to Love U”, and “So High.”
The opening was classic Legend: alone behind his piano, with the spotlight focused on him as he struck the first chords of “Prelude.” His voice, that rich, warm sound that made him famous, filled the Olympiahalle as if he were playing in your living room. That’s where his strength lies – Legend can make a room of 15,000 people feel like it’s an intimate performance.
What made this concert special were the stories. Between songs, Legend took time to look back at the creation of “Get Lifted.” He told of his collaboration with Kanye West, who played a crucial role as executive producer, and about the tension he felt when switching from songwriter to artist. This vulnerability could be heard again in his performance of “Used to Love U.” The song, one of the highlights of the album, gained new meaning through the years of experience Legend has gathered since then. His falsetto during the chorus was still crystal clear, but there was now more depth in it, more story.
Of course, a John Legend concert couldn’t go without “All of Me.” When the first piano sounds of his biggest hit rang out, a wave of recognition went through the hall. Thousands of people sang along with every word of this love song he wrote for his wife, Chrissy Teigen. It was one of those moments when you understood why Legend is one of the few artists who have achieved EGOT status – Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award.
The band behind him was tight and soulful. Especially the horn section deserved all praise, with arrangements that honoured the studio recordings but still gave exactly that bit extra that’s only possible live. During “Ordinary People”, the full power of these musicians came to light, with subtle accents that lifted the song to a higher level.
Not all songs were contemplative. “Green Light,” his collaboration with André 3000, made the entire hall move. Legend proved that he not only masters the quiet ballads, but also knows how to get an audience dancing. His movements behind the piano might not have been those of a born performer like Prince, but his authenticity more than made up for it.
“Love Me Now” from his later work also received a wonderful performance. The song, which is about cherishing the moment, gained additional meaning in the context of this anniversary tour. Legend, now 46 years old, radiated a calm that you only get when you know who you are and where you stand
One of the most moving moments came with “Glory,” the song Legend wrote together with Common for the film “Selma.” Although Common wasn’t there, Legend performed the song solo with an intensity that silenced the entire hall. It was a reminder of Legend’s engagement with social issues and his ability to use music as a means for change. The silence that followed was telling – this was more than entertainment, this was music that matters.
The encore was perfectly chosen. “Stay With You,” one of the most underrated songs from “Get Lifted,” followed by a jazzy version of “Tonight (Best You Ever Had).” Legend played with the arrangements, improvised vocally and showed why he’s considered one of the best musicians of his generation.
He closed with “So High,” with the entire hall singing along. It was a festive end to an evening that was both a celebration of the past and a look into the future. Legend has proven over twenty years that he is more than a trendy artist – he is a timeless songwriter and performer.
After the end, it was clear that this Get Lifted Anniversary Tour was more than a nostalgic look back. It was a confirmation of John Legend’s place in music history. In a time when much soul and R&B has become superficial, Legend holds onto craftsmanship, authenticity and songs that matter.
The Olympiahalle had something of a great church that evening, with Legend as preacher proclaiming the gospel of good music. And the audience – from teenagers who had discovered him via TikTok to forty-somethings who had been there for twenty years – went home converted.
Photo’s (c) Marjolein van Veldhuizen
