Review and Photos by Randy Jarosz/Sound Scene Express
The National took the What Stage at 6:30 PM at Great Stage Park in Tennesee, in support of their latest album “Trouble Will Find Me.” The Cincinnati formed band drew heavily from the new release including their first two songs, “I Should Live in Salt,” and “Don’t Swallow the Cap.” The National is fronted by Matt Berninger on vocals who was on point all night even in his inebriated state.
During “England,” the boys dedicated their song to their friends the Mumford and Sons who could not make the trip, calling them an “amazing band and amazing people.” While working on a bottle of wine to himself Berninger dabbled in the crowd during “Graceless,” right before delivering an epic version of Mr. November from their 2005 release Alligator. Berninger jumped off stage and walked into the pit singing “I won’t fuck us over, I’m Mr. November I’m Mr. November, I won’t fuck us over.” Berninger headed back to the stage and thanked the crowd for taking his virginity, “It’s been way too long…enjoy it.” The National closed out the evening with “Terrible Love.” Berninger once again came out to an elated crowd, this time giving away his mic stand to a lucky fan and losing the microphone itself before jumping back on stage.