Arts and Culture Collide: The National, Patti Smith, and U.S. Girls Unite for a Memorable Night of Music

The National Brought Stadium Grandeur to Toronto, While Patti Smith and U.S. Girls Stole the Show

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Published on August 21, 2023

When it comes to live performances, few bands can match the energy and power of The National. Last night in Toronto, they proved once again why they are considered one of the most impressive live bands of our time. However, it was the opening acts, Patti Smith and U.S. Girls, who stole the show, bringing a depth of emotion and intensity that left the audience in awe.

Patti Smith’s Timeless Performance

Patti Smith, the legendary singer-songwriter and poet, took the stage to a standing ovation. Her presence was commanding, her grey hair swinging as she sauntered to the microphone. Watching Smith perform in 2023 is a bittersweet experience, filled with a nostalgia for something not fully understood. She exudes incandescence and fury, captivating the audience with her every word.

Backed by enormous black-and-white portraits of iconic figures such as Allen Ginsberg, Tom Verlaine, and Neil Young, Smith’s performance felt like a tribute to her personal history. She opened the show with “People Have the Power” and proceeded to captivate the crowd with her mesmerizing readings and soul-stirring renditions of covers and originals. Smith’s voice, bruising and rich, dipped into each word with an emotional depth that left the audience speechless.

Smith’s revolutionary spirit hasn’t waned over the years. Her cries for freedom from corporations and governments resonated deeply, especially in times when the world feels like it’s unraveling. Her closing performance of “Pissing in a River” and “Gloria” left the audience breathless, as she effortlessly moved from heartbreak to defiance, and then to an explosive energy that had the entire crowd on their feet.

U.S. Girls’ Blade-Like Intensity

The opening act, U.S. Girls, set the stage with their sweeping, billowy rendition of “Navy & Cream.” Frontwoman Meg Remy’s presence was both mesmerizing and intense, her performance a perfect combination of funk, soul, and winking sensuality.

Despite their electrifying performance, U.S. Girls faced a still-settling crowd who seemed half-present, their focus shifting to the anticipation of The National’s upcoming performance. However, those who were fully engaged in U.S. Girls’ set were treated to an unforgettable experience of blade-like intensity and raw talent.

Remy’s voice, paired with the band’s captivating instrumentals, created an atmosphere that was both haunting and powerful. Their setlist, a mix of newer tracks and fan favorites, showcased the band’s versatility and ability to connect with their audience on a deep emotional level.

The National’s Stadium-Filling Majesty

When The National finally took the stage, it was clear that this was the moment many in the crowd had been waiting for. The band’s stoic ease and stadium-filling majesty instantly commanded the attention of everyone in the venue.

Matt Berninger, the band’s enigmatic frontman, drew the audience in with his magnetizing stage presence. His deep voice filled the air as he poured his energy into each song, before disappearing into the shadows. The band’s multi-instrumentalist, Aaron Dessner, led the crowd in a clap-along to “Don’t Swallow the Cap,” showcasing their ability to engage the audience on a larger scale.

The National’s setlist was a perfect mix of old and new, with tracks like “Bloodbuzz Ohio,” “I Need My Girl,” and “Apartment Story” generating a contagious energy that had the crowd on their feet. The precision and coolness of their performance solidified their reputation as one of the most impressive live bands of our time.

A Calibrated Bombast and Unforgettable Encore

Following the more modest sets of U.S. Girls and Patti Smith, The National brought a calibrated bombast that burned off the smallness of what came before. The stage was filled with light and smoke, creating a visual spectacle that matched the band’s immense sound.

The audience’s energy matched the band’s, as they swung their bodies and leapt from their seats in excitement. Each familiar song sparked toothy grins and enthusiastic reactions, as the crowd reveled in the sonic landscape created by The National.

The band’s encore, culminating in the solemn sweep of “Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks,” reminded everyone of their incredible talent and ability to touch hearts. While The National didn’t quite pierce the heart with the same clarifying precision as the opening acts, they showcased their taste by putting themselves in great company.

Conclusion

The National, Patti Smith, and U.S. Girls each brought something unique and extraordinary to the stage in Toronto. From Patti Smith’s timeless performance to the blade-like intensity of U.S. Girls, and finally the stadium-filling majesty of The National, the night was a true showcase of exceptional live music.

While The National may have been the headliners with their immense energy and captivating performance, it was the opening acts that left a lasting impression. They proved that true artistry knows no boundaries and that live music has the power to stir the deepest emotions within us.

For those who had the privilege of being in the audience last night, it would be an experience they will treasure for years to come.