I showed up to the Neptune about 15 minuted after the doors open to a room packed with teenagers. Slowly but surely making my way to the front so I can get some good shots, I remember my love-hate relationship with all-ages shows. While teenage boys might be a little stinky and the girls a little sassy, they are always the the biggest fans and Mac Demarco has some of the most passionate ones. Standing among them, squished against the stage, listening to them talking about who’s more obsessed with him than who is just not something that happens with the 21+ crowd. Demarco seems to understand this as well. He walks out on stage, can’t stop smiling and rattling off his goofball antics in funny voices between songs. He’s still just a kid from Canada, loving every minute of his time in the spotlight, having the time of his life doing what he loves, knowing he owes it all to his fans. Every once in a while he has to ask the crowd to tone it down so the band can continue with the silliness.
The highlight of the show was Mac’s crowd surfing. He jumps out and signals for the crowd to carry him all the way to the back of the venue. Just underneath the balcony, he climbs up and continues to surf as far as he can then back while security guards and running around trying to maintain the impossible madness. He stands at the edge of the balcony, waving for more people to gather underneath him and without a second of hesitation, he turns and falls. There is no greater trust than that between Mac Demarco and his fans.
Mac Demarco has three albums out, all of which are worth your money. I encourage you to check them out. And if you missed the show last week, here are some photos that will almost make you feel like you were there. (But not quite. You should go next time).
Words and photos by Tori Dickson
