I will try to put into words just exactly how magical a show Luke Hemmings and Cafuné put on, but I fear it might exceed any kind of vocabulary. I have been a fan of Luke’s band, 5 Seconds of Summer, since I was just a mere tween with no idea of what the future would have in store for her. If you told her Luke would release two solo albums that are simultaneously on her favorite albums of all time list, I think she would have fallen to her knees in shock. Oh, and then proceeding to tell her that she would be seeing him on his solo tour! Yeah, that would have actually knocked her out.

To start, I have to rave about the Brooklyn Paramount venue for just a moment. It’s a newer venue, I believe it actually just opened as of 2024, and I cannot say enough good words about it. The architecture is one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen in a venue, and the way the ceiling lighting is a complimentary mix of blue and orange; I couldn’t get over it. Not to mention, the floor slants upwards! All general admission venues should start implementing this! My friends and I were at the back and, for once, I could actually still see everything. I hope I’m able to return to this venue again as soon as possible.

Now, for the show! Cafuné! I was actually so excited when Luke announced them as the opener as I already knew some of their music, specifically ‘Tek It’. I’d actually had that song on repeat for a while even before Luke’s tour was announced, so I was over the moon to get to hear that song live. And, least to say, I had a blast during their set. They brought the perfect energy to the crowd before Luke came on.

Luke Hemmings. If anyone knows how to captivate an audience, it’s him. The opening song, ‘A Beautiful Dream’, already had tears brimming in my eyes. I bought waterproof mascara specifically for this show, actually, as I knew the kind of effect his music has on me. His setlist was a rollercoaster of emotions, one moment having me hardly able to sing along due to choking back tears and then the next jumping and screaming along with my friends. For instance, going from ‘Slip Away’ to ‘Baby Blue’? Luke Hemmings I have a bone to pick with you! 

In all seriousness, Luke crafted a perfect show. It captured the essence of his music so beautifully and, as always, he somehow figured out how to make already perfect songs even better live. I was so lucky to have been able to experience this tour with my best friends and scream together, cry together, and jump around till our knees hurt to songs I never actually expected to be able to hear live. I cannot express my thanks to Luke Hemmings enough and I can’t wait to see what else the future has in store for his solo career.