VENUE: Quicken Loans Arena is the downtown Cleveland, Ohio home of the NBA Cleveland Cavaliers and hosts many other events, including concerts. I have seen four Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band concerts at the venue over the years, plus the Guns 'n' Roses show 10/26/17. I had a fourth row, lower bowl ticket. It turns out Jay-Z had a circular stage in the middle of the venue and I had a great seat.
MERCH: Jay-Z had quite a few tee shirts, hoodies, and hats for sale. Quite nice, although on the expensive side.
OPENER: I was familiar with Vic Mensa but had not seen him live. He was on stage with two multi-instrumentalists. During one song late in the set, fellow Chicagoan Malik Yusef came on to do a spoken word rap before Mensa's song. Enjoyable set.
Vic Mensa
Vic Mensa
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Vic Mensa with his multi-instrumentalists.
Vic Mensa - the flagpole rotated so that the entire arena could read the flag.
Vic Mensa
Malik Yusef with Vic Mensa
HEADLINER: Jay-Z performed on a stage in the center of the arena floor with four large video panels. The musicians and DJ were in recessed areas on the stage, nearly invisible to the crowd. This gave Jay-Z a commanding presence on the stage. It also gave the crowd an easy view of Mr. Shawn Carter.
Jay-Z is touring in support of his 4:44 album. The shows on this tour so far have had a very similar or identical set list. The set list has featured classic from Jay-Z as well as tracks from the latest release. This show followed the same blueprint as previous shows this tour.
Jay-Z has a commanding stage presence. He moved about the stage with the crowd following his every move. His vocals were excellent. And the video screens were used effectively, with recorded content and live feed of video from the stage.
Jay-Z on stage.
The video boards were used to excellent effect.
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"Blind For Love"
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Jay-Z - one of my favorite of the photos.
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Jay-Z - another favorite photo.
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Jay-Z with the crowd bathed in red light.
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At the end of the concert, Jay-Z performed "Smile", written about his mother coming out to him. I am glad he performs this live. Thanks Jay-Z. And thanks for closing with "Encore/Numb", the mash-up collaboration with Linkin Park - this time with an introduction by Jay-Z in tribute to Chester Bennington and a plea for support for those with mental health needs.
Overall, a great show and I am so happy I was there. Four and a half stars out of five.
