Reviews: Justin Timberlake, Lady Gaga, Travis Scott & More

This week, for your reading enjoyment, we have compiled critical reviews of live performances from Justin Timberlake in Charlotte, N.C.; Lady Gaga in Las Vegas; Travis Scott in Phoenix; Bob Seger in Toledo, Ohio; and David Guetta in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Evan Agostini / Invision / AP – Justin Timberlake
Justin Timberlake and his “Man of the Woods Tour” packs Madison Square Garden Arena in NYC March 22.

Justin Timberlake @ Spectrum Center in Charlotte, N.C., Jan. 6 – “There’s not much I can say about his dancing that hasn’t already been said, but yes, absolutely: It’s a heck of a lot of fun to watch. Whether J.T. was showing up his backup dancers during a choreographed bit during opening number ‘Filthy,’ or doing a smoothed-out partner dance with his it-wobbles-but-it-won’t-fall-down microphone stand during ‘Suit & Tie,’ or throwing in two beats of twerking here or a couple beats of the shoot dance there to get some laughs, he was mesmerizing.” – Theoden Janes / The Charlotte Observer

Lady Gaga @ Park Theater at Park MGM in Las Vegas, Nev., Dec. 28 – “It’s not always clear whether the narrative aspects of the show are meant to be taken seriously or as camp. So better to just ignore them (don’t worry, those chats with the computer animation never last for long) and give in to the pageantry. The happy revelation is that dance is the key element of the production; for all the money that’s been spent on sets and production design and things that fly and shoot sparks, ‘Enigma’ isn’t as reliant on those things as some other Vegas shows whose stars need the overpowering distractions.” – Chris Willman / Variety

Travis Scott @ Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Ariz., Dec. 18 – “It all added up to a spellbinding, extravagant display of maximalism. With this show, his tie-dye tour merch, and the woozy, cloudy songs performed, Scott has taken live rap to psychedelic new heights.” – Douglas Markowitz / Phoenix New Times

Scott Legato / RockStarProPhotography.com – Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band
The Palace Of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Mich.

Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band @ Huntington Center in Toledo, Ohio, Jan. 9 – “Despite a minor guitar malfunction (which was resolved in a matter of 15 seconds), Seger’s performance didn’t feel like he was doing a chore. It didn’t feel like he didn’t want to be there. He danced, walked from stage left to stage right multiple times, and pumped his fists. He still had the fire; a flame that never burned out.” – Geoff Burns / Toledo Blade

David Guetta @ The Yard in Brooklyn, N.Y., Dec. 31 – “As it got closer to midnight, the crowd began chanting “David, David, David,” wanting him to come out on stage. The clock struck midnight and attendees began to celebrate. Some were spotted hugging each other, while others kept on dancing. A few moments after the New Year began, David Guetta finally came out and the crowd went crazy.” – Alexandra Echegaray / The Knockturnal