The Lumineers

The Lumineers and The Head and The Heart live at RAC Arena, Perth | 21 January 2026

The crowds around RAC Arena on Wednesday night were full of guys and gals eager to see the Lumineers final stop on the Australian leg of the band’s The Automatic tour. With many young girls and women adorning long skirts, and wildflowers in their hair and the odd cowboy hat. It was hard to specifically place the aesthetically wide-brimmed pastiche that held elements of a tradwife MAGA convention, a Stevie Nicks concert and rustic Americana that came to be the fashion of the night.

Hope was dashed early on, when it was found the only hats on sale were caps with ‘The Lumineers’ emblazoned on the front. And not the iconic (Akubra, apparently) hat worn by lead vocalist Wesley Schultz. However, the whiff of popcorn and deliciously cool, ginger beer eased the disappointment of not finding the merch you wanted.

The Head and The Heart were on first as supports and provided a warm and invite aurore to the night. Proudly declaring themselves as being from Washington state. This was visually reinforced by a large (potentially AI) generated image of a warm, inviting campground and wooden chairs enclosed around a forest clearing somewhere in North America. Inviting the punter to subconsciously book tickets to an Oregon ranchers off-the-grid commune. This only helped establish the groups Washingtonian, rustic, forested roots.

Their acoustic instrumentation carried a lot of soul. Which helped carry the rich tones,

melodies and chords that was carried across the arena far and wide. There was an atomic vocal belting from Charity Rose Theilen who let it rip towards the end of their set. The group harmonized well together, and carried the night into acoustic brilliance.

It had been a few years since The Lumineers had clast played in Perth. And the band still very much felt like watching an ensemble group, that was skilled both lyrically, and instrumentally (and for one band member, gymnastically). Only the group had grown much older, and wiser, but for reasons that were sad to announce.

There set was a journey of emotion. Which began with self-reflection, celebration and notably, grief. Despite playing in a large stadium amongst thousands of people. And probably being tied to a strict tour schedule with some element of rehearsing. It felt like watching a group of high school band mates goofing off, and enjoying themselves.

Which in no way suggested a lack of quality, but instead a warmth that can be hard to instil and replicate once touring hits the arena level. Yet somehow, The Lumineers managed to preserve that all important camaraderie that is all important for bands who make it past the 10+ (or 5+ album mark). This was shown towards the end of their set when each band member sang a verse of one song, and it being quite impressive that each member had a strong pair of vocal chops. Demonstrating the versatility of the group.

At times it did feel like watching the film set of harry potter. With instruments and stage equipment being moved and levitated around more than the bandmembers themselves. It was surprising that no one fell into the weird hole in the stage that moved drums, pianos and other large objects onto the stage.

Heavy moments came when there was a song that touched on alcohol and other addictions. As well as the recent announcement of Wesley Schultz’ younger brother passing away from an unexpected heart attack. Memorialized by the band playing an acoustic cover of Justin Beiber’s Ghost turning the original feel of the song on its head, and weaponizing it into an emotional gut punch to the heart.

The end of the set was met with the playing of classic song Cleopatra, with punters across the arena standing up to belt out the chorus with the band. Special mention must go to Stelth Ulvang who played the entire show barefooted, did a handstand on the piano, and committed and successfully completed a tightrope-like walk across the entire arena during the final song. Waving punters as he played his guitar, walking past. It is a wonder on how he didn’t fall and break a bone; the man is probably part cat.

There was a soulful thread running under this final show. As the night came to an end with the band members playing together. And some members of The Head to the Heart being invited to play alongside and finish the night. Between the circus antics, the drums and pantomime excitement. It was the quiet, emotional moments that sung out the loudest. Acknowledging the pain of the past, yet making a party, and celebrating the present. That was the underlying, rhythmic soul of The Lumineers live show at the RAC Arena in Perth.