Benson Boone @ Rocket Arena Review (8/26/25)
You’d be hard pressed to spend any time online this past summer without seeing someone mention Benson Boone, whether through a meme about cosmic deserts or a TikTok dance to one of his songs. Mr. Moonbeam Ice Cream has had a meteoric rise that’s really divided people. Some naysayers have called him an industry plant, a criticism Benson himself cleverly worked into his performances. His fans, on the other hand, absolutely worship him.
I spent a little time on a subreddit dedicated to the artist to learn more about him and his fans before going to the show, and they are devoted. Many posts discussed Easter eggs in his songs and the logistics of attending the tour. While browsing the fan page, I realized that a lot of people planning to attend were first-time concertgoers. That was confirmed when I got to my seat Tuesday night and saw how young the audience was.
I was surrounded by teenage and preteen girls, along with their moms, many of whom were slightly older than me. Two women in their early twenties sat behind me and talked excitedly about the tour. They had the entire performance and setlist memorized before it even started. They knew exactly when the confetti would fall and when Boone would perform the iconic “Mystical Magical.”
It was a unique experience being a solo concertgoer at an in-between age, surrounded by people who knew every lyric, while I only recognized the TikTok references. But my ignorance didn’t derail my experience. I ended up having one of the best times I’ve had at any concert this year. Benson Boone truly puts on a show. Between the constant backflips (I lost count after six), the gorgeous stage lighting and design, and the overall energy of the night, I left feeling mesmerized.
A few of my friends lightly ribbed me for going, but it was truly one of those “you had to be there” experiences. I went in not knowing any of the music and left feeling like I’d been a fan all along.
Benson Boone, Aug. 26 Cleveland Set List:
“I Wanna Be the One You Call”
“Wanted Man”
“Sorry I'm Here for Someone Else”
“Man in Me”
“Drunk in My Mind”
“Slow It Down”
“Be Someone”
“Mystical Magical”
“Pretty Slowly”
“In the Stars”
“Let Me Go”
“There She Goes”
“Sugar Sweet”
“Take Me Home”
“Young American Heart”
“Mr Electric Blue”
“Sparks” (Coldplay cover)
“Momma Song”
“Love of Mine”
“Reminds Me of You”
“Beautiful Things”
Encore:
“Cry”
Review by Shelly Duncan