“Growing up around here you learn that you’re not one thing, but that you’re part of a bigger thing.” – Justin Vernon on his Wisconsin upbringing
There’s nothing people in Wisconsin love more than things that come from Wisconsin – the Packers, cheese, beer, and Bon Iver. Here are some videos from their home-state show in Madison, Wisconsin, on December 10, 2011, at the Orpheum Theater.
When I saw Bon Iver on tour this summer, “Wash.” unexpectedly brought me to tears. I liked it on the album, but live it hit me like a ton of bricks. Insanely beautiful, especially with the extended lead-in of preceding song “Hinnom, TX”.
Bon Iver – Hinnom, TX / Wash.
To close the show, the band enlisted the room in singing the “what might have been lost” line of “The Wolves (Acts I and II)” over and over as the band continued to build their sound, culminating in an explosive release by everyone in the room. It’s rare to see near-literally everyone in a venue participating with enthusiasm, blurring the line between performer and audience. Hear the 2000-plus-person sing-along below.
Bon Iver – The Wolves (Acts I and II)
Lastly, I give you “Perth”. We posted a recording of “Perth” this summer, too, but since it is one of the best things I’ve ever heard live (all-over chills both times I’ve seen them play it) it seemed worth recording again. Excited for them to come around again – seeing Bon Iver is an experience, far more than just going to a show.
Bon Iver – Perth
Mixtapes|Heartbreaks 