Seeing Adele live is an event, not just a concert. This August, fans have the opportunity to experience her spectacular 10-show residency in Munich, held in the custom-built Adele Arena, which accommodates 74,000 fans each night. Adele paused her Las Vegas residency to bring a Vegas-style spectacle to Germany, complete with smoke, fire, confetti, fireworks, and what is touted as the largest video screen in existence. Yet, despite the grand scale, some of the best moments came from Adele’s genuine connection with her audience.
The show’s scale initially seemed daunting, with less-than-ideal sightlines and seats far from the stage. Many attendees found themselves watching the performance on the massive 220-meter (240.5-yard) wide curved screen, the length of two American football fields. This impressive screen was a feature, not a bug, creating an immersive experience for those in attendance.
In an era of over-the-top concert production, Adele kept her performance grounded. She playfully addressed the audience about the giant screen, saying, “What do you think of my screen?” Her humor and self-awareness made the spectacle feel more intimate and personal. Adele candidly admitted to feeling nervous, saying, “I underestimated how f—ing scared I am,” a statement that only endeared her more to the crowd.
The concert experience extended beyond the performance itself with “Adele World,” a mini-theme park of food stands, carnival rides, a second stage, and a sizable merchandise store. This setup provided a festive atmosphere and helped manage the crowd flow to prevent overwhelming Munich’s public transportation system. Fans enjoyed Adele-themed Aperol Spritzes, a biergarten, and traditional spätzle, creating a sense of occasion unique to the residency.
Adele opened the show with her classic “Hello“, followed by “Rumor Has It“, which showcased the video screen’s capabilities. As Adele sang, the screen lit up with graphics reminiscent of tabloids, amplifying the song’s bold and brash energy. Unlike her Las Vegas shows, which build gradually, the Munich performance dove straight into the grandeur. The visuals and sound created an experience where fans could feel the bass and the energy in their bodies.
Despite the scale, Adele maintained an intimate connection with her audience. After “Rumor Has It,” she eased into a more relaxed vibe, sharing laughs with the crowd and even assisting with a marriage proposal. “How long have you guys been together?” she asked. “17 years, f— me!” Her charisma shone as she shifted from a larger-than-life performer to a personable host, bringing a young fan on stage and sharing light-hearted banter.
In a surprising twist, Adele scaled back the production midway through the show. She performed with her pianist, Eric Wortham II, on a small platform between the standing-room area and the seated sections. This stripped-down performance, featuring songs like “Make You Feel My Love” and “Skyfall,” highlighted Adele’s vocal prowess and emotional depth. The audience was captivated as she sang with only the accompaniment of a string section, proving that even in a massive venue, Adele’s voice and presence were the true stars of the night.
Adele concluded the night with a powerful rendition of “Set Fire to the Rain“. Though the rain was simulated through video rather than real water, the bursts of fire and the intensity of her performance left a lasting impression. Her Munich residency is a testament to her ability to balance spectacle with sincerity, creating a memorable experience that resonates with fans long after the final note.
