All the way from England, Ben Howard appeared at Paradise Rock Club on Saturday night for a smashing performance in front of a fantastic crowd.
Ben Howard started out as a prominent surfer at the age of 11. As he grew up, his mom’s folk music influenced his interest in music and he began playing and writing music when he wasn’t catching waves on the beach or hanging out in the sand. When he decided to go to school for journalism, he also began playing music for his friends and eventually for the greater surfing community of England. Due to the interest shown in his music by these fans, he dropped out of journalism school and began playing full time. It wasn’t until he toured with Xavier Rudd in 2008 that his audience became more widespread.
In 2011, Ben Howard produced his first full-length album, Every Kingdom. Most of the songs he played Saturday night came from this album. The set list included multiple songs from his 2011 album as well as a few new (and older) songs.
Howard was a fantastic host for the night’s show. He was interactive with the crowd, responding to calls shouted at the stage as well as commenting on his last time in Boston saying, “Last time we were here, we got smashed in an Irish bar, and it was fantastic.” As if that wasn’t enough, Howard was comical and amazing to watch. His voice mirrored that of his performance on his record, which is one of the most impressive things that an artist can do these days.
I would recommend attending a show of his next time Ben Howard comes back. His show is relaxing, calming yet upbeat and undoubtedly a great time. Howard is incredibly talented and a pleasure to see live!
By: Hannah Lowry
Set List
– Everything
-Oats in the Water
-Only Love
-Diamonds
-Old Pine
-Burgh Island
-Black Flies
-The Wolves
-Keep Your Head Up
-Depth Over Distance
-The Fear