Macklemore Mackin’ It at Pier 17 Rooftop
Macklemore, the musical virtuoso born Benjamin Hammond Haggerty, has been an indomitable force in the music industry for well over a decade. Renowned for his socially charged lyrics and infectious pop-infused hip-hop tracks like Thrift Shop, he possesses an uncanny knack for forging profound connections with his audience.
I had the privilege of photographing Macklemore’s sold-out BEN Tour at The Rooftop at Pier 17, in Southstreet Seaport of Lower Manhattan. It was a night filled with catchy beats and a view that could quite literally take your breath away.
The Rooftop at Pier 17
The venue is an open-air oasis with expansive outdoor space, where the shimmering waters of the waterfront stretch out with both the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge in view. Pier 17’s Rooftop offers an ideal backdrop for an unforgettable concert experience.
As I arrived at The Rooftop, the atmosphere was humming. The anticipation of 4,000 fans, hailing from all walks of life, gathered under the canopy of a moody New York City sky. Macklemore’s North American leg of THE BEN TOUR had just started a week earlier, and despite a gloomy weather forecast in the Northeast, the rain held off.
The BEN Tour
Macklemore, flanked by his fellow bandmates and electrifying dancers, unleashed an energetic, high-octane performance. His past hits blended seamlessly with tracks from his latest album, weaving a sonic tapestry that had the entire audience singing along, feeling every emotion through his music. Between songs, he shared intimate anecdotes and spoke fervently about his love for live performances, underscoring his role as not just a performer, but a masterful entertainer.
From a photographer’s perspective, the concert was a visual feast. The lighting was bright and created a dynamic backdrop that perfectly complemented the music. Capturing Macklemore’s raw emotions and the audience’s enthusiastic reactions was a thrilling challenge that I wholeheartedly embraced.
In the end, Macklemore’s music, fused with the breathtaking beauty of The Rooftop at Pier 17, combined for a fun night. Until the next time, let’s keep the music alive and our memories flowing. “No bad days,” indeed.
To learn how to break into concert photography I wrote tips on how to get started and you can read what camera gear I use for concerts.
To keep up to date with everything I share, follow along on my social media!
