Benson Boone Proves He’s More Than a One Hit Wonder on His First Arena Tour

Review by Laura Cameron

Benson Boone played Heritage Bank Center on July 18th. It’s the eighth stop of the tour. 

Opening for Benson was Olivia O’Brien. Olivia just released her second album (‘Pixie’) a few days before. It was the first time she was performing songs from ‘Pixie’ since the album had been released. The highlight from her set was ‘I Always Say I’m Leaving.’ With a driving synth line about an on again and off again relationship. Before starting ‘Blip,’ she said she was half from Ohio and had some family in the audience. She always wanted to do the OH-IO chant which the audience happily obliged. 

As we waited for Benson Boone, the pre-show playlist consisted of many crowd-pleasing songs for the crowd to sing along. Such as ‘Driver’s License by Olivia Rodrigo, ‘What’s Going On’ by 4 Non-Blondes, and ‘Sweet Caroline’ by Neil Diamond.

At 9:05pm, Benson Boone came on the stage. Dressed like the tour poster – a jean jacket, and a six pack. Styled by his longtime stylist Monty Jackson. It was Benson Boone’s second time in Cincinnati. He played March of 2024 at the nearby Andrew J Brady ICON Outdoor Stage. Benson Boone was always moving – from giving hi-fives to people in the crowd to jumping off stage. Over the course of the show he did five backflips, had heart shaped confetti, fireworks, and fire. Benson said we were the most active crowd of the tour thus far. The audience knew every word and even sung the into to ‘Mystical Magical.’ 

My favorite part of the show was ‘In The Stars’ Benson was on a star shaped crane as he moved around the arena, waving to the crowd. Landing in the center of the thrust stage etched with BB in the center (Benson Boone.) It was the smaller moments that stuck with me – playing the end of ‘Mr. Electric Blue’ with just him and the piano, the unreleased song ‘Love You Again’ with his band at the end of the stage. Special mention to his guitarist, Sus Vasquez who had a few solos during the show.

My one complaint was that it felt that like there were a lot of ballads all in a row toward the end of the show (Love You Again, Before You, Momma Song.) It was nice there was no encore!

Before starting Momma Song he mentioned he sees a lot of families and dads In the audience. The dads start the show with arms crossed, and by the end of the show they give Benson a thumbs up. That summed up the show for me, to be won over by the musicianship and showmanship, and connection with the audience. It may have been someone’s first time at an arena show, and this show would be a great introduction. 

The Wanted Man Tour continues through the United States ending the run at the Yours Always Music Festival in Salt Lake City, Utah. The tour continues through South Korea, Japan, Singapore, and Australia from October – November 2026.