Hillsong United 

Live reviews

• Hillsong United

  As the hall fills with people and their expectations, we are left with a cold drink in one hand and a burning question in the other: “Who will save us?” The leaflet pictures the cover of 'Zion,' the band’s latest album, and an empty stage awaiting to be filled by the 11 musicians strong ensemble. The striking resemblance to the real thing before our eyes is certainly not accidental, as almost exactly the same image appears when looking at the stage area. The increasingly vociferous crowd of teenagers and their excited mums drives our attention towards the main area. There is the kind of trepidation that is proper of a hormones-driven congregation, and we find our little niche at a safe distance. Just in time; because when Joel Houston and Jonathan "JD" Douglass take the stage, they do so almost pulled by the energy originated by the warmer and denser centre of the standing area. It is a matter of seconds and the rest of the band fills their positions: 3, 2, 1 and “Relentless” transforms the nervousness into pure excitement. “Salvation sounds a new beginning,” a radiant Houston mutters, almost overwhelmed by his audience’s response. The venue appears as small as ever, and the imposing amps on both sides of the stage can hardly keep up with the roaring reception. “You guys are fantastic! It almost feels like home. Just with more rain,” guitarist Dylan Thomas shouts at some point.

  This is rock and pop and choruses. Whenever the music drifts too far from radio-friendliness, a refrain leads the song back to its pop roots. And the cycle repeats itself on the next song. “From the Inside Out,” “Scandal of Grace,” “Aftermath” and “Mighty To Save” flow without interruption, in a race towards the beautiful anthemic power ballad that is “The Stand” or the catchy sing-a-long that is “Nothing Like Your Love.” It’s no surprise that most of the songs performed are from 'Zion' – the band’s most successful album to date – but the crowd can’t get enough of the old material as well, therefore it is when “All I Need Is You” and “Freedom Is Here” emerge from the speakers, that the tension eases and we find ourselves in the midst of an eruption of tears and joy from parts of the audience. If the intent behind 'Hillsong United' is of a religious nature, the effect the band has on its crowd is such that one has to wonder whether the youngest exponents of their fanbase successfully receive the message. Their approach is simple, their taste in clothing is no different from the one of their average buff, and even the videos projected behind the band are uncomplicated and easily appreciated by the bystanders.

  The show started with some delay due to an issue with the lighting system, so we approach the curfew with the type of relief the little army of fathers at the back expresses with smiles while quickly finishing their drinks. But there is still time for “Your Name High,” “Wake” and “Alive”. A series of thank yous and God bless yous is produced on the stage, but then the lights are turned on and we're back to reality.

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  by Malex76

• A Hillsong concert is an incredible experience, whether you are religious or not. Hillsong United are possibly the world’s leading Christian worship band. Originally set up to lead worship in the dynamic Hillsong Church in Australia, the group now play huge arena and festival gigs across the world. The Church has also become a global phenomenon.

  A Hillsong concert is a spiritual and musical event. Honestly, the only way to appreciate this band is to see them live. No group generate greater audience participation. Though perhaps ‘audience participation’ isn’t quite the right phrase. Many of the crowd will be worshipping. Since the band’s songs are used in churches, much of the audience is well-versed. Indeed, as a teenager I attended England’s Soul Survivor festival. The whole four days seemed to echo with that great ‘who-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh’ of ‘Living to Make Your Name High.’ And when Hillsong perform this track, thousands of voices yelling the name ‘Jesus’ is truly thrilling.

  One of Hillsong United’s largest concerts to date was their Miami 2012 gig. The outdoor venue was huge and the atmosphere was breathtaking. Simon Koblet’s drum intro to ‘You’ immediately jolted the audience into a frenzy. And Joel Houston’s vocals rang with feeling, leading the rest of the band and the crowd through the powerful song.

  A Hillsong concert is not to be missed. Whether you’re a Christian, are intrigued by spiritual experiences, want to witness Christianity’s dynamic youth scene, or simply want to attend one of the most energetic and emotive gigs of all time, buy tickets. It’s an awesome experience.

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  by Han93

• Mack Brock, Amanda Lindsey Cook, and Hillsong were absolutely amazing. Everywhere I looked through everyone in attendance, I felt and saw the Lord in all his wonder. I've been to a handful of Christian concerts where the Lord was not the main act, however this one was anything but that. A truly blessed event. God willing, I am looking forward to seeing Mack Brock on his next tour where he is able to play more of his songs. I missed most of his set when he toured with Rend Collective because I was in a very long line at the concession and also this tour because I was in line looking at t-shirts when he started 10 minutes earlier than expected. I feel a great connection to God through his songs and grateful for the songs I was able to witness. Amanda was a wonderful surprise. I was only familiar with a couple of her songs but she had this quietness about her and a genuine and clear enthusiasm for Jesus Christ. A blessed performer and blessed to witness. Hillsong was just amazing and to share it with my daughter, sister-in-law and especially my wife was a blessing. There was so much love for the Lord in that coliseum I couldn't contain myself. Would go to see them a hundred billion times. God bless.

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  by jbryant621

• Hillsong Worship - No Other Name Tour, August 14th, 2014, Agganis Arena, Boston Ma. Wow! Tremendous show, musically and spiritually connecting the entire audience in peace and love with Jesus. Musicianship was excellent, but it was not about the music. It was about Jesus and his mercy and Grace abounds. Standing on the floor about 15 feet back from the stage with arms held wide open and the Band just responding to every hearts outpouring of love made this show the best musical event I have ever been to in 54 years of life in this world. Breathtaking Experience.

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  by markgravitygood

• We attended the Oklahoma City concert on Friday, July 21. We had attended another of Hillsong United's concerts so were excited to see/hear this one. Lauren Daigle opened and she was great! Hillsong United was even better than the first time we attended! They played songs from the new album as well as old favorites. The video and lights were amazing! Their message is delivered well and support their Christian mission. Hope to see them again!

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  by Elafantbrain

• Euuu ameiii o show, ouço a Hillsong desde 2008, meu primeiro contato com a banda foi ouvindo Sing to the lord, pela televisão, conheço a trajetória da igreja, e mesmo não sabendo falar inglês eu sinto a presença de Deus nos louvores, eles são muitoo simpáticos e incríveis, que Deus possa abençoa-los cada vez mais para que eles tenham forças para levar o evangelho a todos que precisam, recomendo mil vezes.

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  by leticia-frajuca

• The title would be Went to a concert but had Church instead!! It was awesome!! Three hours of praising our Lord and Savior...it does not get any better than that. I think it was a glimpse of what heaven will be like. I do not think their was a person there that was not touched by the concert. I will definitely go see them again when they come near my area. If you get the chance go you will be changed.

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  by barbara-gross-meurer

• The show was great! As always, Hillsong delivered. Taylor's voice and energy cannot be matched. Rend Collective only played about 5 songs, but they were all hits and high-energy. Hillsong played a collection of new and old hits. The concert started promptly at 7:00pm with Rend Collective and ended around 10:45pm. There was a slight "break" between the artists performances. Great show! Worth it!!

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  by wright.whitney

• WOW! Just....Wow. Hillsong United was incredible. From visuals to vocals to alter calls and communion. Nothing was left on the table at this show. These guys (and gyals shoutout to Taya) came out and led worship for 3.5 hours, non stop. I have a new appreciation for this band and the way God is using them to show the world what it means to look and sound like a Christian. Keep shining, Hillsong Team.

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  by kamilah-benjamin

• What a glorious night of worship!I cannot imagine how it must be to juggle all the concerts they do and their families and church but most of all, to stay focused on God day in and day out no matter what's happening around them. But praise God and his Holy Spirit they seem to be doing it. Thank you Hillsong and Amanda and Brock for you're faithfulness! It was awesome!

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  by Negrita876