The Lumineers at Bridgestone Arena
Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN | October 3rd, 2025
Written and Photographed by Jess Pruett
There’s something nostalgic about The Lumineers — a band that can make an arena of thousands feel like a campfire sing-along. Known for their soul-stirring blend of folk and Americana, they’ve always had a way of turning simplicity into something deeply moving. I first discovered them through Cleopatra, and since then, their music has reemerged through countless chapters of my life. Last week in Nashville, their Automatic Tour felt like both a celebration of their long-lasting relationships and a promise growth to come.
The evening opened with Chance Peña. He set a mellow but engaging tone for the night, offering heartfelt vocals and acoustic-driven songs that melted with The Lumineers rather than trying to compete. His performance was earnest, and as an opening act, he provided the perfect contrast — slightly quieter, more intimate — before the main event ramped up.
The atmosphere inside Bridgestone Arena was electric, not loud or chaotic, but deeply alive. As someone seeing The Lumineers for the first time, I was struck by how seamlessly they blended intimacy with grandeur. Wesley Schultz’s voice carried the same worn-in honesty as their records, but with a warmth that only exists live. From the soaring energy of Brightside to the stripped-back vulnerability of Sleep on the Floor, every song felt intentional. When they played a few tracks from Automatic, the new material fit perfectly alongside their classics, proof that their sound continues to evolve without losing its soul.
The atmosphere inside the arena was electric, not just from the crowd, but from the band itself. Experiencing The Lumineers live for the first time, I was struck by how much fun they were clearly having – from headstands on the piano, to tossing tambourines across stage to each other, to introducing each bandmember with their own solo verse. Between songs, Wesley Schultz took a moment to acknowledge their 20th year as a band, and you could feel the weight and gratitude in the room. They played with the ease of old friends, laughing, exchanging knowing smiles, and moving around the stage with genuine joy. It didn’t feel rehearsed; it felt alive. That chemistry elevated every song, from the emotional pulse of Angela to the anthemic energy of Brightside. Seeing that camaraderie in real time made the performance feel like more than a concert, it was a celebration of two decades of shared music and friendship.
The setlist was a well-balanced mix of new and old. I appreciated that they didn’t just lean on hits but gave room for deeper cuts so that fans like me could discover (or rediscover) gems. Hearing a new song live made me want to revisit Automatic with fresh ears. The flow of the show, from energetic openers to an encore that left the crowd cheering long after the last chord, was nearly perfect.
The night was unforgettable. The Lumineers delivered heart, soul, and spectacle, all while making each audience member feel seen. I’ll absolutely go see them again. For fans of indie folk, Americana, or heartfelt songwriting, you’ll love this band. They still have more tour dates ahead, so check out their Official Website or Ticketmaster for upcoming shows.
Chance Peña.
The Lumineers.
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