Matt Berninger Mesmerizes Berlin with Intimate and Electric Performance On His “Get Sunk” Tour at Huxley’s Neue Welt
Written and Captured By | Chantal Burau
Matt Berninger, best known as the lead singer and lyricist of the acclaimed American indie-rock band The National, brought his solo tour “Get Sunk” to Berlin with a powerful and emotionally charged performance at Huxley’s Neue Welt. The show, which was completely sold out, marked a significant stop on his tour promoting the new solo album of the same name. Fans gathered in anticipation for what turned out to be an unforgettable evening filled with musical depth, personal storytelling, and moments of joyful surprise.
The night began with a set by Ronboy, the moniker of singer-songwriter Julia Laws. Not only is she a solo artist in her own right, but she also contributes to Berninger’s live band, making her a seamless and fitting choice to open the show. For about 30 minutes, she held the crowd’s attention with her dreamy, cinematic soundscapes. Her music, moody and immersive, created a contemplative atmosphere in the venue. The audience listened with quiet focus, appreciating the emotional subtlety in her performance. A standout moment during her set came when Berninger himself joined her on stage for a duet of their song “Disaster,” offering an early glimpse of the chemistry and emotion that would permeate the evening.
Following a short intermission, the lights dimmed and Iggy Pop’s “Nightclubbing” blared through the speakers, signaling the arrival of Berninger and his band. Dressed in a sleek black suit and stylish black sunglasses, he took the stage with a commanding yet approachable presence. The show opened with “No Love,” a track from his new solo album, setting a somber yet alluring tone. His iconic baritone voice, rich and resonant, filled the room and immediately drew the crowd into his world.
Throughout the performance, Berninger connected deeply with the audience, not just through his music but also with anecdotes and commentary between songs. His storytelling offered insights into the origins and emotions behind his lyrics, giving each song an added layer of intimacy. One of the most poignant moments came during “Nowhere Special,” when his vocal delivery shifted from quiet introspection to an anguished near-scream, reflecting themes of pain, loss, and desperation. These emotional high points were balanced by more upbeat and dynamic moments throughout the show.
A particularly memorable part of the evening was when Berninger surprised fans by performing two songs by The National—his “favorite band,” as he jokingly referred to them. “Gospel” and “Terrible Love” injected a new energy into the room. What had started as a quiet, emotionally reflective concert transformed into something euphoric. The predominantly middle-aged audience, who had up until then been listening quietly, began moving, dancing, and waving their arms, completely immersed in the music.
For the encore, Berninger introduced another cover, this time from his self-declared “second favorite band”—New Order. Their classic hit “Blue Monday” closed the show on a high note. Although a few attendees had already begun to make their way out, the venue remained buzzing with energy, and those who stayed were treated to a dynamic and powerful rendition that capped off the night perfectly.
In summary, Matt Berninger’s Berlin performance delivered everything fans could hope for and more. From intimate ballads to rousing covers, from personal stories to unexpected collaborations, the concert was a compelling showcase of his artistry as a solo performer. His deep baritone voice, evocative lyrics, and carefully crafted soundscapes created a rich and emotionally resonant live experience that left the audience deeply moved and thoroughly satisfied.