What is the truth about love? I decided to find out what P!nk had to say about it on a brisk St. Patrick’s day evening. As I headed out to Wells Fargo center in Philly, fans were clad in a mix of pink and green and seemed ready for a night of fun. With ages ranging from little girls to multiple generations of women, the diverse audience all had one purpose: to see a show they would never forget.
As doors opened, fans were greeted by the opportunity to get a free manicure – thanks to CoverGirl – among a few other fun things. While the sold out crowd began to fill the venue, the crew worked diligently to make sure everything was set. At around 8:15, Canadian band City & Colour took to the stage ready to give an opening set that would play a nice contrast to P!nk. From bluesy songs to folky ones, the band kept things a bit slower and spoke to the crowd through their songs. As they rounded out their set, fans were ready for the show from P!nk that was up next.
Before P!nk took to the stage, the show began with the “Truth About Love Game Show” in which they scoured the audience for a contestant who ended up being P!nk herself sitting amidst the crowd. Once she was “picked,” the lights blacked out and a video clip played leading into “Raise Your Glass.” From then on, the energy was at full power and the next hour and a half was full of emotion. From the aerial stunts she has become known for to incredible dancing, P!nk never let the crowd feel like they were missing something.
There is a constant complaint these days with people singing to backtracks and shows being similar to listening to music at home. When it comes to this show, you could never get the same effect; even by watching the award show performances that feature some of the aerial work. Were there backtracks? Yes, on occasion; but for someone who was doing as much as P!nk was, it’s understandable and the most impressive part was she still sang most of the show live! With interludes to bridge songs and add in costume changes and stage transitions, the show never felt like it had to stop to set something up. Visually, it was as impressive as it sounded; and being a sold out hometown crowd, the fans loved every single minute they got to see.
Midway through, P!nk slowed things down with a touching rendition of “Family Portrait” and then went into “Who Knew.” Between the two songs, P!nk gave her mom a shout-out since she was in the crowd and had made her s’mores and rice krispies. Although the s’mores were all for her, P!nk handed out half the tray of rice krispies to some of the fans around the stage. After another costume change, it was time for the home stretch. Starting out with a medley of some of her older songs, she finished the night strong with “Blow Me (One Last Kiss).” After taking time to introduce each musician and dancer on stage with her, she left the stage.
Now the encore was a sight to see, but I don’t want to spoil the whole show!! What I will say is it included more flying and awesome vocals on “So What” and “Glitter In The Air.” Some people you don’t need to meet to know they’re genuinely cool and real. P!nk is one of those people. From moments where she interacted with fans to how she carried herself on stage, she just had that power to make you feel that you were hanging out with her even though you were in a crowd of thousands. If there was any concert to catch, this would be it.