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While the Foo Fighters, Cody Jinks, Joan Jett and more performed for tens of thousands of bikers and music fans for Harley Davidson’s massive anniversary celebration at Veterans Park, one man rivaled that huge crowd on his own less than an hour outside the city in a town of less than 5,000. That man of course is Austin Richard Post, better known as Post Malone. Marking his second ever performance in the Milwaukee area – the first less than a year ago at Fiserv Forum – Post took things up a notch at Alpine Valley, with a bigger and better show for even more fans.
Going into the performance, I had every reason to not enjoy myself. I had an entire beer spilled on me and my camera equipment by a fan fleeing from security guards. I was stuck in traffic for an hour during the last two miles of my drive, and if all the above wasn’t enough, earlier that day I was struck by a car while driving a Bird scooter Downtown. Fortunately I was okay and still in one piece – and able to attend Post’s electrifying performance that turned my forgettable day into an unforgettable night.
But enough about me and more about Posty …
This tour – aptly named the “If Ya’ll Weren’t Here, I’d Be Crying” tour – marks Post Malone's first tour with a live band, taking his live shows to an entirely new level. The "Rockstar" rapper's talented cast of live musicians perfectly complemented his magnetic stage presence, amplifying the energy and creating an immersive musical journey for the audience. It was fitting that Post Malone, known for his genre-blending sound, now had a team of skilled instrumentalists backing him.
Post Malone kicked off the night with a bang, opening with crowd-favorites like "Better Now," "Wow" and "Psycho." The energy in the amphitheater was electric, with the audience of approximately 30,000 singing along and dancing to every beat. One of the true highlights of the night came during his pyro-filled performance of "Rockstar," his collaboration with 21 Savage. The explosive visuals and intense energy on stage left the crowd in awe and lit the East Troy sky.
A truly heartwarming moment occurred when Post Malone read a fan's sign and invited a young man named Ryan on stage to play guitar for the performance of "Stay." Despite his nerves, Ryan powered through the performance while Post Malone patiently guided and supported him throughout the song. Post Malone's genuine admiration for his fan was evident as he became the young guitarist's biggest supporter, offering a heartfelt hug and signing his shirt before resuming the rest of the set.
Post Malone's performance lasted nearly two hours, treating the crowd to a mix of his chart-topping hits. The end of the set alone included massive hits like "Congratulations," "Sunflower" and "White Iverson." Additionally, the audience got a taste of his upcoming self-titled album, "Austin," which is set to release later this month. Tracks like "Overdrive," "Chemical" and "Mourning" showcased Post Malone's artistic growth and evolution, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the album's full release on July 28.
Throughout the night, Post Malone's personality shone brightly. Despite his intimidating appearance, adorned with tattoos from head to toe, he exuded warm and endearing golden retriever energy. Always with a smile on his face and a drink in hand, it is impossible not to love and root for Post Malone. Even in a time where artists implore fans not to throw items on stage – and rightfully so – Post Malone effortlessly caught items from the crowd all night, including a shirt from a devoted fan early in the show, prompting an impromptu outfit change and offering fans a glimpse of his impressive weight loss.
In the midst of the set, Post Malone took a moment to reflect on the emotional weight of some of his melancholic songs. He expressed gratitude to the crowd for their unwavering support and shared that he was the happiest he had ever been – a song that has definitely been sung to crowds before but this time it felt especially sincere. This genuine happiness radiated throughout his performance, and the audience felt a deep connection with the rapper.
Music fans had their plates full last night, and while I’m sure Foo Fighters put on a great set, Post Malone's first visit to Alpine Valley was a night to remember. The fusion of his infectious music, captivating stage presence, genuine connection with the audience and now a full live band created an atmosphere of pure euphoria. It took Post Malone seven years from the release of his debut single to perform for his Milwaukee fans, and now he’s making up for lost time by spoiling fans with one of the biggest shows of the entire summer.
