On Friday, August 9, 2024, the forever young Seal, 61, returned to the Hollywood Bowl with perhaps one of the most memorable and intimate performances we’ve reviewed here at LAexcites. While in the midst of his 2024 World Tour, celebrating three decades of music covering his indelible Seal I and Seal II albums, the inimitable Seal satiated hankerings for nostalgia and introduced the audience to a handful of new songs about his perception of society today (e.g., texting being a very inferior form of social communication) and challenges related to his self-diagnosed ADHD. The rawness with which he bared his thoughts to approximately 10,000 friends was matched only by his willingness to affectionately meet them halfway as he ambled up and down the Hollywood Bowl through outstretched arms, smiling faces, and illuminated smart phones.
Since the world became attuned to his soothingly pristine yet powerful vocals as a feature artist on British music producer and DJ Adamski’s 1990 track, “Killer,” Seal has become a household name and underrated pop icon. In a fairly recent interview with YouTube music enthusiast, producer, and educator Rick Beato, it became clear why songs such as “Kiss from a Rose” (notably used on the Batman Forever soundtrack) have stood the test of time. As Beato gushingly noted, “The melody is so complex with odd interval jumps,” which was met with Seal’s suitable reply that he “didn’t know that you really couldn’t do those things or that those things are really unusual; it just felt like the right thing to do.” Indeed, sometimes the most exciting contributions to art are born out of an unfettered perspective of not knowing what is or isn’t possible.
Certainly, music is a professional domain that Seal has conquered. Wth regard to his personal life, though the Paddington, London-born star may no longer be romantically involved in a high-profile marriage with German-American supermodel, Heidi Klum (divorced in 2014), he appeared happy, energetic, and effusive talking about his current station in life, inclusive of his significant other, Laura Strayer. It would be Strayer who would acutely identify his “stockpile” of belongings, which anecdotally suggested to him he may have ADHD (and in true Seal fashion, inspiring a new single).
Seal began his 95-minute set at the Hollywood Bowl wearing a gray jacket, white pants, a silver shirt vest with a fashionable sheen and a large, statement-making safety pin necklace. He reminded the audience of the hard 10:30 p.m. Hollywood Bowl curfew but how he will nevertheless chatter between songs as he performed in what would be considered a “hometown show.” Seal’s band consisted of himself as lead vocalist and guitarist (although played very sparingly during this concert), Drew McKeon as drummer, Jamie Muhoberac as keyboardist, and Zach Wish as electric guitarist.
Seal’s set list included the following songs (in order at the Hollywood Bowl on Friday, August 9th, 2024):
1. “AIKIN (All I Know is Now)” — A fresh, new song by Seal with a palpable intensity that kickstarted the show. It’s still fairly unknown what this song is about beyond likely an appreciation for the present moment, but it was effective in highlighting a sprightly contrast with the more laid-back and quirky Emily King who opened the festivities.
2. “The Beginning” — It’s an energetic anthem that captures the essence of rebirth and clean slates. Featured on Seal’s debut album Seal (1991), it’s a track filled with pulsating rhythms and uplifting lyrics. Originally marking the arrival of a bold new voice in music, the Hollywood Bowl version was highlighted by pink and orange lightning as well as Seal’s infectiously inspiring charisma.
As the track concluded, Seal enthusiastically asked, “Los Angeles, how you feeling?” Seal would remind the audience of his desire to have deep conversations with them, but stated, “We’ll do it musically and do less talking” in order to not exceed the curfew.
3. “Deep Water” — A deeply introspective song, “Deep Water” is a poignant exploration of emotional depth and human fragility. Also from Seal’s debut album, this track stands out for its atmospheric production and Seal’s heartfelt delivery. The lyrics delve into themes of love, pain, and the complexities of the human experience, making it a fan favorite for its emotional resonance. Seal performed this piece with a pine electric guitar as McKeon’s drumming became more pronounced and he (Seal) emoted into the microphone with galvanizing lines like “we will find a way.”
4. “Future Love Paradise” — Released in 1991, this track was a bold statement on the power of love and the potential for a utopian future. With its infectious rhythms and Seal’s soaring vocals, the song became a beacon of positivity during a time of social change. It remains one of his most enduringly buoyant tracks, exemplified by its powerful bass line at the Hollywood Bowl. With his abundant verve — fueled by an auspicious reception — Seal held every high note with immaculate clarity as the audience passionately sang with him.
It was at this moment Seal would take off his vest and introduce his fifth song of the evening — a new number about texting. He stated, “I went through a dark period when I realized texting was the Antichrist. You respond because you think you’re having a free-flowing conversation, and [then] you’re waiting and they go onto the next thing…”
5. “I’ve Been Thinking” — A brand-new song about the drawbacks of modern texting and with lyrics such as “just one call is all it takes.” Seal would notably conduct his band during the song, asking them to “stop” so that keyboardist Muhoberac could just play the chords. Once he and the band were in harmony, Seal requested they start “from the top” as he enmeshed himself in the groove and continued his dancing along the curved, green lighting-blanketed walkway.
Once the song wrapped, Seal told the audience of his time living in Los Angeles which included seeing someone shot and killed in front of him, experiencing pneumonia in both lungs, and getting into a harrowing car accident, which he responded to by smoking out of the sunroof. The audience would laugh hysterically with him as he sardonically exclaimed, “God bless America!”
6. “Prayer for the Dying” — Seal began walking throughout the Hollywood Bowl amphitheatre, including the Garden seating and Terrace areas, as he sang with teary-eyed fans hugging and high-fiving him. “Prayer for the Dying” is known as a reminder of Seal’s run-ins with death. Released as the lead single from his second album, Seal II (1994), it remains one of his most beloved songs, encapsulating the universal struggle with mortality.
By the song’s end, Seal would remark about his belief that he has ADHD, stating, “It’s a superpower that makes you hypersensitive and, at times, too receptive to everything going on. It allows you to be creative, but it’s a pain in the ass as it can lead to anxiety and depression.”
7. “A Little Lie” — A new song about panic and anxiety. It’s fast-paced with rocking percussion, and emphasized by Seal’s crooning voice, which shifted into falsetto for the finish.
8. “Killer” — The song is originally by Adamski which catapulted Seal into the limelight. Beginning with familiar vocalizations, Seal’s presence would be complemented by beautiful turquoise and pink lighting. With Muhoberac’s synthesizers and Wish’s electric guitar zinging in the background, audience participation would reach new highs as Seal would belt, “Sing it brother, sister, brother….” The thought-provoking song — teeming with a darkly pulsating energy — with lyrics about societal pressures continued to resonate with listeners as a hallmark of the early 90s dance scene.
9. “The Love We Give” — A new song featuring Seal’s view on the current social climate. Performed with Wish on electric guitar (who is a “bad ass,” according to Seal), Wish accompanied Seal in a duet with no other instrumentation and minimal guitar distortion effects. Seal’s vocals were incredibly memorable for their smoky, gritty, and sweet cadence.
10. “Bring it On” — From Seal’s 1994 album Seal II, “Bring it On” is an anthemic call to action. The song’s driving beat and Seal’s focused vocals create a sense of urgency and determination. It’s a track about facing challenges head-on and embracing the struggles that life throws our way, epitomizing Seal’s optimistic outlook on life. Seal energetically traipsed through the crowd, generously giving his time to adoring observers, and sang every note without skipping a beat as phone lights hovered and the resident Hollywood Bowl camera operator diligently followed him.
Seal would remain among The Hollywood Bowl audience, finding his spot atop a barrier separating the upper and lower sections. Seal commented before singing one of his most famous songs: “Let’s do the one that most people know, how about that?”
11. “Kiss from a Rose” — As he stood among the throng of appreciative attendees, Seal sung to the heavens, recreating the fervor of arguably his biggest hit. While seamlessly alternating between disparate pitches, and holding hands with the crowd as they sang along, it stood out as a performance that will not soon be forgotten.
Before the remaining two songs, Seal updated the audience and let them know, “They’ve been [the Hollywood Bowl staff] very kind and have given us an extra five minutes, let’s go maestro — the one that starts with a C!”
12. “Crazy” — With everyone standing, dancing, and even jumping during the smash hit’s bridge, Seal had thousands in the palm of his hand. It’s not difficult to see why the track’s infectious energy and memorable chorus quickly made it a global hit, solidifying Seal’s place in the music industry. Undoubtedly, this rendition reminded why the song’s legacy will be everlastingly resilient.
With a few minutes left, Seal noted, “It would be ridiculous to end with a sad ballad or bad salad,” before ending with his final song of the night.
13. “Get It Together” — With the audience continuing to enjoy themselves from the last dance number, Seal sang this soulful and funky track from Seal IV (2003) which encourages unity and positivity. The song’s upbeat tempo and infectious vibe are matched by lyrics that call for coming together in times of social divisivneess. It’s a feel-good number that showcases Seal’s ability to offer deep messages that not only make you think, but musically compel the body to almost involuntarily move.
The concert ended at 10:38 p.m.
Overall, an hour and a half felt more like a third of that due to Seal’s consummate musicianship, showmanship, and magnetic presence in what was a convivial Hollywood Bowl outing that far exceeded expectations.
For upcoming concerts and events at the Hollywood Bowl, visit hollywoodbowl.com. For upcoming Seal concert dates, visit sealofficial.com.
Thank you for that thorough review and recap!!! Well done!