Fairfax, VA – What kind of crowd would go to see two classically trained cellists with a penchant for AC/DC? If the near sold out EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, VA on April 5th 2022 was any indication, you would get one of the most polite group of head bangers ever assembled in one place!
The kickoff to the performance blew the audience away. 2Cellos, Luka Šulić and Stjepan HAUSER, took the stage in darkness. The lights, as if to shine down from the heavens, first illuminated HAUSER, as he eased into a beautiful “Benedictus”. When Luka started to play, the lights beamed down on him and dimmed over HAUSER. When HAUSER once again joined, the lights illuminated both and the show was in full swing. Pure beauty in sight and sound.
Going into “Where the Streets Have No Name”, I noticed how intense both HAUSER and Luka were and how focused they were in the performance. It was interesting to see HAUSER attack the song and then almost pause to ‘flirt’ with the audience with his eyes while playing. That said, rumors of his flirtatious stage presence preceded this appearance. Luka, on the other hand, was somewhat more intense in the playing but a little less (ok a lot less) intense on the flirting side.
To use a phrase, repeated several times throughout the night by HAUSER, the next piece, “Viva la Vida” was ‘beautiful’. As they played (and HAUSER flirted), the entire audience moved, and even some sang the Coldplay lyrics, building a truly special atmosphere at EagleBank.
As the night continued, they worked the crowd to a climax, performing several well known 2Cellos pieces. Of course they played, ‘a beautiful song, so romantic’ (as HAUSER blew kisses to the audience), “With or Without You”. They then performed a very deep and emotional piece, “Demons”.
The audience participation with “Human Nature” was so much fun. It was obvious, everyone had just one (or maybe two) questions… “Why? Why?” In a way, this was the turning point of the show… and we all knew, why why.
Up until this point, things had been peacefully beautiful with a little humor and fun thrown in. The headbanging was about to begin! After “Smooth Criminal” they spared no horsehair with their cover of “Thunderstruck”. It was at that moment the crowd stood at their seats (but not in the aisles) and started the AC/DC, almost ritualistic, head bobbing! It was so fun to watch, as someone clicked the remote and we went from “Little House on the Prairie” to “Fast and Furious” in under 10 seconds!! We were also introduced to drummer, Dusan Kranjc, who played along and had quite a fun solo as well, whipping up the arena energy levels to even higher levels.
The remainder of the night included some really beautiful music and some beautifully cello-rock (with maybe a little cello-metal thrown in) covers. Sticking with the AC/DC theme, they performed back to back covers of “You Shook Me All Night Long” followed by “Highway to Hell”. During the latter, HAUSER donned the iconic horns and wandered through the audience to find their rightful owner… as it turned out, she was right in front of me and she (I got to know her as “Not Laura’s Friend”) gracefully posed after their return. Their showmanship had the audience eating out of their hands and their music had us all dancing along!
The night concluded with not just one, but two encores!! Kicking off the first with a little Bon Jovi, “Living on a Prayer” and they finished the second with a truly ‘beautiful’ “Hallelujah”. For the final piece, HAUSER asked all to turn on their cell phone lights and sway to the music… indeed, beautiful to the eyes as well as the ears!
As fate would have it, my first encounter with 2Cellos, as a duo, may very well be my last. Rumors are this is their last tour together (hopefully only the last for now). It was a wonderful night with two wonderful musicians. Good luck to you both on your solo careers and we can always go on “Living on a Prayer” that you will be back with us again!
2Cellos Photo Gallery
2Cellos Setlist
Benedictus
Where the Streets Have No Name
Viva la Vida
Resistance
With or Without You
Demons
Human Nature
Smooth Criminal
Thunderstruck
Drum Solo
Seven Nation Army
Voodoo People
Smells Like Teen Spirit
You Shook Me All Night Long
Highway to Hell
(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction
Back in Black
Sweet Child o’ Mine
Encore:
Livin’ on a Prayer
William Tell Overture
The Trooper
Wake Me Up
Hurt
Hallelujah
Show Date: April 5th 2022
Want to see more? Check out the recent video, “Demons“:
