Sometimes, you can pinpoint the exact moment you start dreaming of something. For me, it was back in 2015 when a friend got front-row seats to Adele’s concert in Toronto. Having listened to Adele all through my college years, the idea of seeing her live felt like a distant dream. Fast forward nearly a decade, and I finally found myself at Munich Messe for Adele’s eighth show during her 10-show residency in the summer of 2024.
Adele’s Munich Residency
In early 2024, Adele announced a limited residency in Munich, surprising many by choosing Germany over her hometown, London. Initially set for four shows, the residency expanded to ten as demand surged. For an artist who rarely tours, this was a rare opportunity. Two concert promoters convinced Adele to perform in Munich by designing a custom-made arena just for her shows.
The temporary venue at the Messe München Exhibition Centre spanned 400,000 square meters (the size of 60 football pitches) and could hold up to 80,000 people per show. The setup was far more than just a concert venue—it was “Adele World.” Complete with bars, food stalls, a Ferris wheel, and even a museum showcasing Adele’s costumes and memorabilia, it offered fans a fully immersive experience. An additional stage hosted Adele tribute acts, with post-concert karaoke for fans to sing their favorite classics.
The Performance
The summer of 2024 was packed with major concerts across Europe, with Coldplay, Taylor Swift, and Adele all performing. While every artist has their own style, Adele’s live shows are known for their emotional depth and vocal excellence. Her Munich residency was no exception, featuring a 22-song setlist packed with her biggest hits, including Hello, Rumor Has It, Rolling in the Deep, and Someone Like You.
Adele didn’t just walk onto the stage; she emerged from it, opening with Strangers by Nature, instantly setting the emotional tone for the evening. Her powerful voice, combined with stunning visuals on massive screens, made each song feel intimate, even for those seated far from the stage. Songs like Love in the Dark and All I Ask brought the audience—and Adele—to tears, while hits like Send My Love to Your New Lover had the crowd dancing and singing along.
The large screens played a crucial role, showcasing custom visuals for each song. For example, Hometown Glory displayed breathtaking scenes of London, while When We Were Young featured Adele’s childhood photos, accompanied by a confetti shower of polaroids for fans to take home. Set Fire to the Rain featured real flames, adding an extra layer of drama to the performance. The concert ended with a bang—literally—thanks to Rolling in the Deep and a dazzling fireworks display.
Adele’s Connection with the Audience
Adele is known for her emotional connection with fans through her raw, heartfelt music. But what surprised me the most was how candid and humorous she was on stage. Between songs, she shared personal stories about the meaning behind her music and how her life has changed since writing certain songs. She joked about life in her 30s, telling the audience that not everyone who enters your life has a purpose—sometimes, people are just “useless,” a sentiment that had the crowd in stitches before she performed Send My Love to Your New Lover.
Adele’s interaction with fans made the concert even more special. At every show, she invited a fan on stage for a selfie and conversation, and she even hid a letter and 50 euros under a random seat in the audience as a personal touch.
Was It Worth It?
Before attending the concert, I often wondered if it was worth flying to another country just to see Adele live. Now, after experiencing one of the best nights of my life, I can confidently say it was more than worth it.
During her last performance in Munich, Adele announced that she would be taking a long break to enjoy the life she’s worked so hard to build. As she fought back tears, she thanked her fans for their support and shared that these shows would hold a special place in her heart.
Looking back, I know I made the right decision. If I ever get the chance to see Adele live again, I’ll take it without hesitation.
