Macklemore, aka Benjamin Hammond Haggerty, has been a powerhouse in the music industry for over a decade. I had the privilege of photographing him on his BEN Tour at The Rooftop at Pier 17 in the Seaport District of Manhattan. It was a night filled with catchy beats, dancing, and a view that could steal your breath away.
As I arrived at The Rooftop, the energy was buzzing as the audience excitedly waited for Macklemore and his band to get on stage. The crowd had people of all ages, from four-year-old children to elder Millennials. Macklemore’s North American leg of THE BEN TOUR just kicked off on September 17, with almost every show sold out. The forecast predicted a rainy weekend in the Northeast, but thankfully the weather held up as 4,000 fans from all walks of life gathered under the cloudy New York City sky.
With plenty of outdoor space and a panoramic waterfront view that makes you feel like you can touch the Brooklyn Bridge, The Rooftop at Pier 17 is the perfect setting for a memorable concert experience. The shimmering lights of lower Manhattan serve as a stunning backdrop to the stage, adding a touch of magic to an already enchanting night.
Macklemore and his fellow bandmates and dancers delivered a lively high-energy performance with his signature hits, like Thrift Shop, and with tracks from his new album. The crowd sang along to every word, feeling every emotion that his music conveyed. What struck me the most was Macklemore’s ability to connect with his audience on a personal level. Between songs, he shared anecdotes and spoke passionately about how much he lives for real-time performances like concerts. It was clear that he was more than just a performer; he was a storyteller, a voice for change, and a source of inspiration.
