In January, Bon Iver created an uproar, similar to Arcade Fire’s Album of the Year win, after the band won the Grammy Award for Best New Artist. Twitter and numerous social media sites became overflowed with disappointed fans of Nicki Minaj and Skrillex spitefully questioning, “Who is Bon Iver?” An Internet meme called “Who is Bonnie Bear?” was even created to highlight that the band is little known except to the sheltered world of true fans in indie music community.
In its the self-titled sophomore album of 2011, Bon Iver wrote a song called Calgary despite having never visited Calgary before. There was much speculation of whether or not the song is truly about Calgary, AB or the one in Scotland or Texas. Justin Vernon, the band’s front man finally confirmed in an interview with Jian Gomeshi on Q that the song was indeed written about Calgary, AB. He added that part of the song’s hazy sound is attributed to what Vernon imagines Calgary to be like that there is a certain mystery and aura around the city.
It was no surprise that when the band announced Calgary would be part an unprecedented stop on the band’s 2012 tour, the first show sold out quickly. The enthusiasm of Calgary fans for Bon Iver was reciprocated with the addition of a second show the following day. Undoubtedly, both shows are now sold out. Bon Iver’s visit in May is a clear indication of Calgary’s growing arts and culture scene and ability to attract some of the biggest names in music right now. Since the band’s major win at the Grammy Awards, it seems that the world now knows Bon Iver. In May, no city will feel quite the same “skinny love” as Calgary.
I will be attending the concert on the 22nd so stay tuned for a review of it afterwards!
