Shawn Mendes Makes A Long-Awaited Emotional Return to London with An Intimate Show
On August 13th, after announcing a round of six intimate shows, Shawn Mendes took to the stage in London to make a triumphant return. It was a show that would leave a lasting impression on all who were lucky enough to be in attendance. With his upcoming album ‘Shawn’ set to be released on October 18th, the first album since the Canadian artist went on a four-year hiatus.
Mendes performed in the historic Theatre Royal Drury Lane, after selling out the 2.2k venue and crashing their website two weeks prior. Featuring some of his most personal work fans have seen, the album was created during intense recording sessions and delves into past trauma, which Shawn opened up about during the show.
All twelve tracks were performed back-to-back, with explanations of the experiences that inspired them and the process of writing and recording them in between. Personal insights were shared, one instance being when Shawn openly spoke about the loss of a close friend to addiction. The emotions were evident in his voice as well as the lyrics. Additionally, it was evident that the singer found joy in some moments as he reconnected with the audience.
Excitement was high, almost creating a buzz throughout the theatre. Fans who had been anticipating the singer’s return had come together from all over Europe to experience the intimate event, with his hit single “Isn’t That Enough”, kicking off the show gaining an enthusiastic response with the audience singing along to every lyric. It created an electric atmosphere which would persist throughout the entire performance.
Creating more intimate moments, Shawn assembled his band in a circle to sing together around one microphone. Shawn revealed that this was common during the recording process and he wanted to mirror that setting within his performance. He even went as far as pouring wine for the band and himself, paying homage with a “Salute”. The audience could sense the heart and soul poured into each note and lyric, creating a deeply personal and immersive experience.
As the unforgettable night came to a close, fans in the front row encouraged the rest of the 2,200-capacity venue to jump to their feet, during the penultimate song, “Why Why Why,” the second single released after the album announcement, giving Shawn another memorable moment for his return to the stage after the four-year break. It was clear in that moment that the connection between the twenty-six year old singer/songwriter and his fans was far from breakable. It was clear that everyone present felt a part of something special and the unity and energy in the room were a testament to the bond Shawn has with his audience.
Mendes, as part of the final part of his performance, elected to use a harmonium in a moving and authentic performance of Leonard Cohen’s ‘Hallelujah’. Prior, he went on to highlight the significance in the album’s development. He left the stage accompanied by a standing ovation and fans left with an unforgettable memory.
‘Shawn’ will be released October 18th.
Written by: Grace Lamb Photographed by: Grace Lamb
13-08-24. Shawn Mendes. Theatre Royal Drury Lane. London, UK.