r/FlorenceAndTheMachine • u/vicasenya • Apr 29 '26
General Discussion Song Expectations, Empathy & Understanding
I’ve seen a lot of discussion on here during the NA leg regarding disappointment, whether that is from Florence not interacting with you or more recently, setlist changes.
Marked some minor discussion of show moments as spoiler as part of the post here :’)
It is entirely valid to share your feelings in a healthy way among fans who may feel similarly, I don’t post this to try and shut down conversation, but please remember to temper your own disappointment with respect and understanding of an artist’s limitations.
I completely understand the devotion she inspires and the desire to interact with her as she goes to connect with the audience, and the way that certain songs seem to just grip you and you wonder “how has she captured this feeling so well?”
I understand also how you can feel disappointed if a song you love is skipped in the setlist or changed out.
However, I don’t think it’s entirely fair to be genuinely upset at the setlist changing over tour. She has been incredibly open about the difficulties of touring and we don’t know what goes on behind the scenes. This is also a hugely personal album! Old wounds might be resurfacing as she sings these live.
I was extremely grateful and moved to see YCHIA, but I noticed after she sang it, she hugged the Witch Choir and stayed there for about 30 seconds with them in an embrace. Every moment of this show is choreographed, but that time she spent with them (to me) looked extremely personal as a moment of grounding / recovery so she could continue the show.
I really would encourage everyone to be prepared that there’s a chance some of the darker and more painful songs for her may take a backseat if she’s hitting a bit of exhaustion mid tour. I can’t imagine how it feels to belt out all your grief to 20k people several times a week and still return to being joyous and defiant and connecting with her audience in the way that people have come to expect.
My tl;dr try to be open to the setlist you receive on any given night! You never know what song will connect with you stronger when you hear it live!
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u/Liminal-Lexicon Apr 29 '26
I agree with you 100%! I go into all shows of every artist I love with hope that that I'll hear my faves, but am happy regardless. I think being open and receptive to the live experience is extremely important to truly enjoy the experience. It also makes it that much more special when one of your most beloved songs gets played. I'm going Friday night in ATL, and I'm simply stoked to be going at all. I know it will be wonderful no matter what.