I can’t find the words to describe how magical Passenger’s performance at the Ryman on Aug. 30 was. As a concert journalist, my job is to capture the essence of a show in words, allowing those who couldn’t attend to immerse themselves in the experience. Usually, I don’t struggle to find those words. However, I left the venue with chills across my body. While I may never fully capture my feelings, I will do my best to paint a picture.
To open the show, Brian Fennell, professionally known as SYML, stepped out on stage and began playing his song “You and I.” His solo set reminded me of all the beautiful memories from the Matt Maeson and Medium Build concert I had seen at the Ryman almost a year prior.
SYML continued with two more songs and then stopped mid-set for a Q&A with the audience. While I’ve watched some artists ask the audience questions before, they’re generally rhetorical and a one-way conversation. However, SYML truly took the time to answer the audience’s questions.
SYML enthralled the crowd with his powerful lyrics and raw voice, including a new song about the beauty of life after heartbreak. Though I’ve had the honor of watching SYML perform in intimate settings before, including a living room, this set somehow felt even closer. It felt like every note and lyric was meant just for that moment.
SYML ended his set with a cover of “Champagne Supernova” by Oasis and a stunning performance of his popular song “Where’s My Love” before leaving the stage to loud applause.
Shortly after SYML left the stage, Passenger, self-introduced as Mike, gracefully walked on stage, causing an eruption of cheers. Similar to SYML, it was just him and his guitar. The set began with Passenger welcoming the audience and describing how much it meant for him to play the iconic Ryman Auditorium. He began his set with “All the Little Lights,” which felt fitting as the tour celebrated the 10th anniversary of that album. After performing the song, he shared its meaning, explaining that we are all born with many lights, which gradually dim as we face disappointment and hardships. He then lightened the mood by joking that this might not be the most uplifting concert we would ever attend.
Passenger continued with more songs and jokes, sharing with the audience that he has disappointed many young children by singing his song “Let Her Go” instead of Idina Menzel’s “Let It Go.” With each performance, he strummed his guitar and stomped his foot against the floor, creating a bass that reverberated throughout the venue.
One of the songs that touched me most was “Riding to New York.” I hadn’t heard it before the show, but I know I will go back and listen again and again from now on. He introduced the song by sharing the story behind it: he was trying to quit smoking but caved. On his way to buy a new pack of cigarettes, he met a man who had been diagnosed with lung cancer and given only a limited time to live. The song is about spending your final moments with the people you love, and its lyrics are heartbreakingly beautiful and moving.
The show continued with more songs from Passenger’s discography, an unreleased song for his girlfriend and a cover of “The Sound of Silence” by Simon & Garfunkel. Each song hit harder than the recorded music since he provided many of the songs’ backstories to introduce them.
Close to the end of his set, Passenger sang his hit song “Let Her Go.” From the song’s opening chords, the audience recognized what was coming and erupted in cheers, joining in to sing along and create a beautiful atmosphere. He ended his set with “Scare Away The Dark,” inviting everyone to stand and sing along with the “oh, oh, oh” sections throughout the song. After the song ended, Passenger left the stage, but the audience didn’t stop singing the “oh, oh, oh,” hoping for an encore.
Sure enough, Passenger returned for four more songs, beginning with “Things That Stop You Dreaming,” a particularly hopeful performance. He continued with a cover of John Prine’s “Speed of the Sound of Loneliness” after describing Prine’s influence on his career. The set ended with the fan-requested “Whispers” and “Holes.”
Though the encore was long, I wish it could’ve gone on forever. Leaving the Ryman, I felt fulfilled, having witnessed a truly special show. Passenger and SYML created a magical night, their soulful vocals and heartfelt lyrics reminding me of the power of live music.
