by Dylan Carlson Sirvent, ’19
The British Invasion at Nationwide Arena
On Oct. 4, Columbus was world-famous singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran’s 101st stop for his “Divide” tour. Sheeran welcomed back James Blunt as his opening act, known for his 2005 hit, “You’re Beautiful.” Blunt got off to an awkward start, however; when Sheeran came out, the crowd went wild, ready to witness, as OSU’s weekly magazine The Lantern wrote in their review of the concert, “the greatest solo artist of this generation.”
Junior Emma Wunderlich who went to the concert with a group of friends, said that what struck her was how well Sheeran connected with the audience. “He was really genuine. He talked with the crowd. Made us all feel really comfortable. He was funny,” Wunderlich said. “The concert was about his fans.”
A Star Performance from The Weeknd
On Sept. 19, the second leg of The Weeknd’s Starboy: Legend of the Fall 2017 World Tour made its way to Columbus at the Schottenstein Center. The concert had three opening acts: first, DJ Pnda, then, Nav, and finally Gucci Mane before The Weeknd came out to the raucous delight and cheers of the audience.
“Everyone was so excited. The Weeknd concert tickets are expensive, but for this concert, front row tickets were 100 dollars,” said freshman George Callanan who went to the concert along with his sister, Alexia Callanan, a senior at the high school. Callanan was amazed by the concert, and how close the songs sounded to the radio versions.
“The Weeknd is one of the best performers I’ve ever seen,” Callanan said. “When you hear him on the radio you hear his actual voice. Unlike, some other artists who use auto tune, he doesn’t. So when he sang [at the concert] it sounded just like it does on the radio.”
Upcoming Concerts Not to Miss
October and November will have a slew of high-profile concerts from emerging rock bands to legendary artists like Bob Dylan to country singers.
Indie Rock
Oct. 28 – The Districts
The band will be playing on Oct. 28 at the indie rock concert venue, The Basement. Tickets are $24.
Oct. 31 – GRiZ
The well-known DJ from Michigan will be playing at Express Live on Oct. 31. Ticket prices range from $39 to $194 for general admission.
Nov. 3 – The Struts
The English rock band will be playing at Express Live on Nov. 3. Ticket prices range from $45 to $193 for general admission.
Nov. 8 – The Shins
The band hailing from New Mexico will be playing at Express Live on Nov. 8. Ticket prices for general admission range from $58 to $165.
Nov. 17 – The Glorious Sons
The up-and-coming Canadian rock band will be playing at The Basement on Nov. 17. Ticket prices are $21.
Oldies but Goodies
Nov. 5 – Bob Dylan
The legendary folk singer will be playing at the Palace Theatre in Columbus on Nov. 5. Ticket prices range from $71 to $580 for general admission.
Nov. 28 – Janet Jackson
The world-famous pop singer, will be performing at the Schottenstein Center on Nov. 28. Ticket prices range from $15 to $942.
Country
Oct. 26 – Dwight Yoakam
The country singer will be performing at the Ohio Expo Center on Oct. 26. Ticket prices are $67.
Nov. 3 – Chris Stapleton
The country singer from Kentucky will be performing at the Nationwide Arena on Nov. 3. Ticket prices range from $81 to $399 for general admission.