The Piano Guys

Before I give a review of The Piano Guys, let me list off a group of concerts I have previously attended. Muse, The Killers, Kansas, Blue Oyster Cult, Boston, Styx, Iron Maiden, Ghost, Reo Speedwagon, Loverboy, and Sabaton. That might be more than you cared for, but the point is I like my hard rock and metal, so when my wife requested we get tickets for The Piano Guys Christmas concert (this was back in April) I was a little hesitant to submit. Despite always avoiding the craze of David Archuleta in high school and rolling my eyes at the mention of John Boyega (You feeling the Utah Mormon vibes yet?) I agreed to get tickets and attend the concert.

I had seen John Schmidt before at a high school assembly. Sure the piano was pretty, but I was just never amused that someone was taking two or three songs and fusing them together. I honestly just didn’t see the talent in it nor did I understand the hype. My girlfriend at the time was just so mind blown that someone could fuse Coldplay with T-Swift or whatever nonsense Schmidt was up to.

I wasn’t bitter or uncomfortable when we sat down in the arena for the December concert. But as I awaited I contemplated “How can you enjoy a cello and a piano?”. Well, the concert started, and they played the Marvel Avengers theme as they were revealed on stage. I still wasn’t too impressed, but got the comical relief from John and Steve’s faces covered over Ironman and Captain America. Little did I know I’d be in for several out loud laughs. I think it was Jingle Bells when John slid under the piano and played it upside down. I was impressed, it was fun and cool. Their pace of music and jokes increased, which ultimately sucked me in and for the first time I was actually a little mind blown about multiple Christmas songs and other hits being fused together. My favorite of course being Guns n’ Rose’s “Sweet Child of Mine”. Steve and John’s bantering would pick up between sets and that’s when I realized, I wasn’t at a concert per say… I was at a night of entertainment. The humor, the stories, the fusion of music that all walks of like can appreciate.

My enjoyment began to grow and the idea of looping a cello did actually blow my mind as I had played with sound pedals a lot in high school a lot. Steve had awesome mixes going and could make that cello do just as much rocking out as Matt Bellamy can do with his guitar. John and Steve are all star musicians, and this concert was making me realize that.

As the concert slowed down and started it’s final quarter both John and Steve shared personal insight to the blessings and mishaps of their lives. From disorders to the loss of family and friends their concert became very emotional. I went from having a banging head and concerts to a throbbing heart which caused me to reflect on my own life. There were people I needed to love more and trials I needed to continue to push through.

After the tear jerking moments they were back to small comedy and 2-3 more songs. There was a very powerful thrust of energy when a full group of violinists and bagpipe players marched onstage leaving the crowd with a powerful hope. The concert wasn’t just about music, it was about a warm messaged about life. John had pointed that out. About how the music industry big wigs don’t understand the story of us as the human race. Sure there weren’t any pyro technics or wild strobe lights. But the music was good and the message was one in need of hearing and being shared. My only downside to the show, however, was the lack of music. It could have gone a hair longer, maybe just 4 or so more added into the set list.

. Overall. I recommend seeing them and listening for that message.
I give a 8/10.