Florence + The Machine: Budweiser Stage Review & Photos

Florence + The Machine, with Blood Orange
Budweiser Stage, Toronto, Canada
May 26, 2019
Photography and Review by Orest Dorosh

The ever-enchanting and mesmerizing Florence Welch and the 8-piece Machine rolled into Budweiser Stage in Toronto Canada and put on one hell of a dance party for the appreciative sold-out audience of 16,000.

She appeared on-stage barefoot and in her usual semi-transparent Victorianesque nightgown and launched into the first two songs from the High as Hope album, “June” and “Hunger”. Her ghostly, extremely delicate stage presence brings back memories of Stevie Nicks’ performances in the ’80s. Throughout her two-hour set, she covered all the fan favorites, including the recent Game of Thrones hit “Jenny of OldStones” and selections from all four of her studio albums.

After their main set and a brief break, they were back for a three-song encore starting with the wistful and tragic sounding “No Choir”. It appears that Florence and the Machine came with a purpose and message for her adoring fans. In the message of love and hope they delivered all night long and then some. The devotion and appreciation expressed by the bedazzled audience ensure future concerts in this city.

FLORENCE + THE MACHINE PHOTO GALLERY

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Florence + The Machine Set List: June • Hunger • Between Two Lungs • Queen of Peace • Patricia • Dog Days Are Over • Ship to Wreck • Moderation • 100 Years • Jenny of Oldstones • The End of Love • Cosmic Love • Delilah • What Kind of Man • Encore: No Choir • Big God • Shake It Out

The opening artist for Florence + the Machine this night was Devonté Hynes, better known as Blood Orange.  Known formerly as Lightspeed Champion, he is an English singer, songwriter, and record producer. From 2004 to 2006, Hynes was a member of the band Test Icicles, playing guitar, synth, and occasionally performing vocals. They released one full-length album in 2005. Hynes went on to release two solo studio albums as Lightspeed Champion and subsequently four more as Blood Orange, between 2008 and 2018.

I must admit that I’d never heard of this performer but this reviewer was pleasantly surprised and will check out his music soon.

BLOOD ORANGE PHOTO GALLERY

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Orest Dorosh

I shoot live music performances, concerts, and portraits. I love the excitement of entering a venue, knowing that I’ll be photographing a concert and enjoying the energy of the crowd. There’s nothing like being in a venue and looking at the expressions on the faces of people who are all transfixed by the talent on stage. I shoot about 120 shows each year, averaging 2 bands per show, as well as several all-day and weekend festivals in and around Southern Ontario. From the large venues to very small ones, bright lights or barely lit stages, I hope that my photos capture the enjoyment the artists have in doing what they love to do.