Earlier this year, Beck announce a short tour which would feature our favorite “Loser” and a local symphony. The Bay Area was ecstatic that one of those stops would be Berkeley’s own Greek Theatre and would feature The Berkeley Symphony. 

Beck’s collaboration with the Berkeley Symphony was nothing short of mesmerizing, transforming the Greek Theatre into a destination of haunting elegance and wistful potency but still retaining that unique and fun Beck sound. Highlights include: “Everybody’s Gotta Learn Sometime,” setting a tone of eerie beauty that lingered throughout the performance; “Lost Cause,” resonating with the audience on a deeper, more poignant level and showcasing Beck’s ability to intertwine his distinctive style with the symphony’s lush arrangements. 

The classical intro to “New Pollution” added an unexpected yet delightful twist, striking up the band with a blend of sophistication and contemporary flair; and “Tarantula,” with its cinematic undertones, further highlighted the seamless fusion of orchestral and modern elements, creating a truly unique auditory experience.

The concert’s atmosphere was electrifying yet intimate. Moments of playful nostalgia emerged with “Where It’s At,” paying homage to his roots while engaging the crowd. As the Berkeley Symphony departed the stage after the song, Beck’s heartfelt gratitude to the musicians and the audience fostered a warm and connected vibe.  Beck continued to command the audiences attention even while perusing (and playing with) the symphony’s onstage instruments. After the symphony departed, he was joined onstage with his band for a more rocking end to the show. The evening concluded with spirited renditions of some of his classics. Beck’s harmonica performance on “Devil’s Haircut” added a raw, bluesy edge to the setlist while “Mixed Bizness” brought the fun and silliness that’s associated with his Midnight Vultures album. And, of course, Berkeley went wild for the artist’s best know hit, “Loser,” which was infused with a twangy guitar twist that left the crowd exhilarated. Beck’s final bow with his band was a fitting end to an evening that felt both like a grand symphonic event and a cozy gathering of friends.

A handful of shows are left with just a few tickets left. Definitely recommend snagging a ticket if you can!

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