It’s been over a year since Justin Timberlake dropped Man of the Woods and he finally brought the show to Oakland, California after having to reschedule from last fall due to bruised vocal chords. The delay certainly did not seem to impact the enthusiasm of the crowd which was clearly in the mood to party.
Upon entering the venue it became immediately clear why there were twenty or so semis parked out front. Timberlake’s stage took the concept of the “in the round” concert to a new level with a main stage on one end with a catwalk snaking through the crowd to a smaller stage on the other end. In the middle, the “Stage Bar” in the VIP “Party Pit” kept the drinks flowing.
Not surprisingly, the crowd was mostly women (many of whom seem to be dating Justin look-alikes) and when Timberlake finally emerged onto the stage back-lit by blazing white light, they collectively lost their shit. Well-choreographed and perfectly executed, Timberlake sprinted and danced across the arena floor along with his dance troupe, “The Tennessee Kids.”
During the second set of the night, the crowd got a brief reprieve from the dancing with JT and a six-string sitting around a camp fire for a few tunes, but soon spectacle returned leaving the crowd with roughly half of the new album mingled with the expected hits. Timberlake knows how to put on a hell of a show!
SETLIST
Filthy
Midnight Summer Jam
LoveStoned
SexyBack
Man of the Woods
Higher Higher
Señorita
Suit & Tie
My Love
Cry Me a River
Mirrors
Drink You Away
Until the End of Time
Morning Light
What Goes Around… Comes Around
Say Something
Montana
Summer Love
Rock Your Body
Supplies
Like I Love You
Can’t Stop the Feeling!
