Bon Iver Plays Special Encore At Oakland Tour Opener

Last night Bon Iver opened a tour with the first of three nights at The Fox Theater in Oakland, California. Justin Vernon led the ensemble through a performance focussed mainly on songs from the recently issued LP 22, A Million and the front man also treated fans in attendance to a special unplanned encore.

The show began with a complete performance of 22, A Million, beginning with “22 (OVER S∞∞N)” and continuing through the LP’s other nine songs, ending with “00000 Million” just as they did at Eaux Claires in August. From there it was a mix of songs from 2011’s Bon Iver, Bon Iver – “Minnesota, WI” and “Calgary” – and 2008’s For Emma, Forever Ago “Blindsided” and “Creature Fear.” Next came “Heavenly Father” from the Wish I Were Here soundtrack. The set closed with openers Francis And The Lights coming back out to play their “Friends” which featured Vernon on the studio recording issued earlier this year.

That appeared to be all Bon Iver had planned to perform as production staff began breaking down stage equipment while the audience cheered awaiting an encore. After a few minutes Vernon obliged, returning to the stage in response to the demanding audience. Prior to playing “Skinny Love” he said he was “kinda over encores” because they’ve become expected, but couldn’t deny their rousing cheers. Watch the encore below captured by gwinntanamo: