Oct 7

Oct 7 Show Review: Andrew McMahon Brings Storytelling and "Three Pianos" To San Francisco

Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness
“Three Pianos” Tour
w/ Annika Bennett, Zac Clark
The Palace of Fine Arts
San Francisco, CA
October 4th, 2021

Photos and review by Jared Stossel

Every once in a while, an artist comes along that manages to put out nothing but consistently great music. I’ve seen Andrew McMahon grow as an artist since the days of Jack’s Mannequin (I was never fortunate enough to see Something Corporate live when they were touring). Since the disbanding of both of those grounds, McMahon began a solo endeavor titled Andrew McMahon In The Wilderness, an exploration of what the musician is truly capable of, as well as a celebration of the songs that got him the following he’s acquired over the years.

On Monday, McMahon brought one of the most unique tours he’s ever done to the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, CA. The tour was dubbed the “Three Pianos” tour, a nod to the book that McMahon worked on throughout the pandemic (set to be released on October 26th). McMahon’s piano was surrounded by three mirrors, with each one representing a different era of his musical journey. The show combined storytelling, something that McMahon is exceptionally good at, with music from throughout his decades’-long career.

The show was opened by Zac Clark, a longtime collaborator and friend of McMahon’s, who brought a half-hour of soulful piano-based pop rock to the intimate crowd (his album, Holy Shit, came out in September). Clark was followed by Annika Bennett, a singer-songwriter on her first ever tour, performing songs that she claimed were about one of two things: love and sadness. These are staples for any emo singer-songwriter, and Bennett did a great job introducing herself and her stories to the San Francisco audience.

McMahon’s set lasted for twenty-one songs, each taking a look at a different era of his work. A lot of tracks from Something Corporate were present, something that I did not expect but was pleasantly surprised to discover. Songs like “I Woke Up In A Car”, “Cavanaugh Park”, “Watch the Sky”, and “She Paints Me Blue” inspired singalongs from those in attendance. Even though The Palace of Fine Arts is a seated venue, you could see the seats moving from people nodding with the music or tapping their feet. Certain songs, like “Fire Escape”, “Dark Blue”, and “Cecilia and the Satellite”, caused fans to jump out of their seats and scream the words, making for a special moment throughout the evening.

After a night filled with stories, laughter, and tears, McMahon closed with a two-song encore of Jack’s Mannequin songs: “Amelia Jean” and the sing-along inducing “La La Lie”, which saw the entire crowd on its feet and yelling the words like it was last call. I felt like my soul was nourished after leaving the venue and departing home over the foggy Golden Gate Bridge. McMahon is an act to behold, and one that must be seen live, at least once in your lifetime. Upon further reflection, not only was this one of the best shows I’ve ever seen McMahon perform, but this may have been one of the best shows of the year. If the “Three Pianos” tour is coming to your town in the near future, don’t miss it. At the very least, pick up the book when it comes out at the end of the month. If the book is anything like the show I witnessed on Monday night, you’ll feel just a little more whole.

Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness Set List
Synesthesia
Ohio
She Pains Me Blue (Something Corporate)
The Astronaut (Something Corporate)
I Woke Up In A Car (Something Corporate)
Walking By (Something Corporate)
The Mixed Tape (Jack’s Mannequin)
High Dive
Cavanaugh Park (Something Corporate)
21 and Invincible (Something Corporate)
There, There Katie (Jack’s Mannequin)
Swim (Jack’s Mannequin)
Watch The Sky (Something Corporate)
Fire Escape
Maps For The Getaway
The Resolution (Jack’s Mannequin)
Dark Blue (Jack’s Mannequin)
Cecilia and the Satellite

Encore:
Amelia Jean (Jack’s Mannequin)
La La Lie (Jack’s Mannequin)