Concert Review: Beyoncé Proves Once Again She Is a Legend at "Formation World Tour" in Boston
/Beyonce performs during the Formation World Tour at Gillette Stadium on Friday, June 3, 2016, in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Andrew White/Parkwood Entertainment)
Beyoncé brought her much-anticipated “Formation World Tour” to Foxborough’s Gillette Stadium Friday night. In the two years since her return with her and husband-Jay Z’s “On The Run Tour,” Bey has been hard at work, preparing the release of her surprise visual album, “Lemonade.” Friday night’s show was a showcase of all that hard work.
Beyonce performs during the Formation World Tour at Gillette Stadium on Friday, June 3, 2016, in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Andrew White/Parkwood Entertainment)
With an eager crowd waiting, the “Single Ladies” songstress came to the stage to the audience’s delight with her hit “Formation.” Seeing as she debuted this song at one of the highest profile events in the world, the Super Bowl, the show was definitely off to a memorable start before heading into her current hit radio single, “Sorry.” Sorry, Beyoncé is not. The former Destiny’s Child artist transitioned flawlessly between songs, complimented by video scenes displayed on the massive onstage screen.
As one might expect, no expense was spared when it came to production. What appeared simple at first was a large, white screen at center stage, which rotated to reveal a rectangular cube. Off the main stage sat a catwalk with a smaller “stage B” which filled with water, creating a splashing (both physically and symbolically) effect for “Freedom” and “Survivor.” Accompanying the “Partition” singer was an all-female group of dancers, backup singers, and band, something rarely (if ever) seen with tours of this magnitude.
There was no shortage of staples for Bey’s fans, with classics such as “Naughty Girl,” “Crazy in Love,” and the summer 2014 hit, “Drunk in Love.” Regardless of what she sang, though, one thing was evident above all else: she has one of the most devoted fan bases out there. From the moment she entered the stadium at 9 PM to her departure 32 songs later, she soaked up the love that over 60,000 people gave her.
The performance also put a spotlight on Beyoncé’s dynamic vocal capabilities. She took many opportunities to showcase that Gillette Stadium for her was a strictly no-lip-syncing zone, notably doing “Love On Top” totally a cappella and belting out “Halo” to close.
“I’m a small town Texas girl. If I can be on this stage, so can any of you.”
There is something about attending a Beyoncé concert that words cannot describe. From the second she appeared on stage for her opening number, you literally could feel the energy of her presence. While the night was all about Bey showcasing her new songs with a nod to her deep musical past, on numerous occasions she shifted her focus to the audience, offering words of inspiration and empowerment. In fact, before launching into her first song at the concert’s opening, she asked the audience to chant “I Slay.” Bey continued to show love to her audience, telling them “you inspire me every day.” She added, “I’m a small town Texas girl. If I can be on this stage, so can any of you.”
Without a doubt, the “Formation World Tour” continues to solidify Beyoncé’s status as a true legend, an artist who will continue to inspire her legions of fans for generations to come.
The "Formation World Tour" continues through the end of the year worldwide. You can purchase tickets over at Beyoncé's website.