UNCASVILLE, Conn. – Justin Timberlake performed at Mohegan Sun on Friday, July 18, as he continued his tour across North America in support of his double platinum two-album release, The 20/20 Experience and his return to music after a five year focus on acting.
Justin last headlined a tour in 2007 in support of his FutureSex/LoveShow album. This tour brings him overseas in mid-August before returning to the states in late November with a show in Oregon. If you missed Timberlake’s amazing performance at Mohegan Sun he will be back there on December 13 and tickets are still available through the Mohegan Sun Box Office and Ticketmaster, although you will have to pony up the cash because the majority of the tickets out of the box office are $215 after taxes. Timberlake, however, did not disappoint his fans willing to pay the price.
The singer, touring with his band The Tennessee Kids, grooved and danced their way through a 28-song set list starting the night off with Pusher Love Girl. Timberlake’s stage presence was exceptional, appearing on stage in a black tuxedo to thousands of screaming fans.
He quickly ran through the first three songs before his band rose up through the stage floor. The “band” was no ordinary one, but a 16-piece band that consisted of multiple drummers, keyboardists, bass, guitars and more. Timberlake himself played guitar on a lot of the songs throughout the night and even a little piano. Back up dancers supported Timberlake the entire night with well-choreographed moves.
With the arrival of the band, Justin continued playing his hits, including Rock Your Body, FutureSex/Love/Sound Summer Love, and Cry Me a River. The first half of the show also included a cover of Holy Grail a song released in 2013 by JAY Z, which also featured Timberlake.
The singer took a 10-minute intermission before coming back out in a slightly dressed down version of his tux to finish off the night. Timberlake surprised his fans when he and his dancers rode a portion of the elevated stage over the crowd and to the back of the arena to perform another 10 songs.
In this 10-song set Justin played plenty of hits, including Senorita, Tunnel Vision, What Goes Around… Comes Around and Take Back the Night. The highlight of the night for me was when Timberlake perched high above the crowd performed a rendition of Elvis Presley’s Heartbreak Hotel complete with some signature Elvis moves. Very cool to see and hear one of today’s top artists cover the King.
Justin also covered Michael Jackson’s Human Nature and a quick snippet of Kool and the Gang’s Jungle Boogie. Based on crowd reaction I think the fan favorite cover was a cover Poison by Bell Biv DeVoe.
Timberlake had the crowd singing along with every song he played and at various points even let them take the lead. He ended the night with Suit & Tie, which featured Jay-Z on the release in January 2013, before taking a quick “encore” break. His last two songs of the night were, of course, SexyBack and Mirrors, two fan favorites.
The show was as much about the music as it was the performance. Timberlake delivered all of what was promised to fans and more, definitely worth the price when his tour returns to Connecticut in December.
Mike Augusti’s Rawk Report provides live reviews of local concerts in Connecticut and Massachusetts. The Rawk Report also includes new music releases and upcoming concerts to the area. [email protected] for any questions or comments.
