Last year, they conquered Austin City Limits, Bonnaroo, Coachella, and the Governor’s Ball, and headlined the Glastonbury main stage as a replacement for the Foo Fighters after Dave Grohl broke his leg (although it was really only a matter of time). Florence Welch, vocalist and spiritual backbone of the band, can count Beyoncé, Ellie Goulding, Taylor Swift, and Usher as fans. So even though they’ve yet to top U.S. radio play,
As bombastic and soaring as Welch’s vocals are, the same can be said for her concerts. An absolute maniac onstage, Welch is a restless, nonstop whirlwind who always seems ready to take flight under the power of her own voice. It’s an energy she’s truly let loose on camera with the release of the band’s third LP, How Big How Blue How Beautiful. The record was accompanied by a 47-minute film comprised of several music videos including “Ship to Wreck” and “What Kind of Man,” two of the album’s lead singles. A fiery, androgynous combination of Mick Jagger and Stevie Nicks, Welch, in her flowing sorceress outfits, reaches out to audiences with her voice and soul. It is, not to be too overly dramatic, a bucket-list type of show.
Note: Florence and the Machine were originally scheduled to perform on Friday, May 13, but due to a potential schedule conflict with the Heat and the NBA Playoffs, the concert is now on Thursday, May 12.
Florence and the Machine. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 12, at the American Airlines Arena, 601 Biscayne Blvd., Miami; 786-777-1000; aaarena.com. Tickets cost $25 to $260 via ticketmaster.com.
