LIVE REVIEW + PHOTOS: Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals in Boston, MA (06.01.25)
On a Sunday night in early June, I had the opportunity to finally photograph one of my all-time favorite acts, the inimitable Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals. A 3 time Grammy award winner and seven-time nominee with at least 12 studio albums to speak of, Harper has been a staple on the music scene since the early 90s. Harper is usually known for his eclectic mix of blues, folk, soul, reggae, and alternative rock. His incredible vocal skills, guitar work, and activism, as well as his rallying cries against racism, have kept Harper in the limelight for many years. Everybody who’s a true fan of rock music keeps a shortlist of the best singers of their time, and Ben Harper has always been on mine, along with the likes of Chris Cornell, Glen Hansard, Brandon Boyd, and JJ Grey (at least in my opinion). I usually factor in songwriting, vocal range, raw talent, and emotional depth. I feel you’d be hard pressed to find many singers out there who wear their heart on their sleeve when they sing quite like Ben Harper. When he sings, you hear his soul and everything he’s feeling or going through that day…He leaves it all on the stage. I’ve had the good fortune to photograph all on my list outside of Chris Cornell (unfortunately), and I was very elated to get the chance to represent one of Harper’s performances in the only way I really know how. And this show certainly did not disappoint!
Opening for his set was his son Ellery Harper. I caught the last half of that set, and I was glad I did. He is another fine example of a performer with a famous singer for a parent, who inherited a lot of talent as well as a somewhat similar voice. I enjoyed hearing a few of his songs and learning about his strong roots as an up-and-coming singer/songwriter.
When the lights dimmed for the main event, I realized I was the only media professional there covering this show – wild! Ben Harper and his band moved seamlessly through a setlist that blended protest, poetry, funk, and quiet introspection. Opening with the punchy “Need to Know Basis,” Harper set a tone of urgency and truth. It was followed by “Say You Will,” as a simmering groove pulled the crowd deeper into Harper’s signature fusion of blues, rock, and soul. “Gold to Me” brought a gentle warmth, and it was clear from early on that Harper wasn’t just playing songs — he was telling a story.
The highlight of the first half came with “Faded,” which morphed masterfully into a cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Fool in the Rain” before crashing back into “Faded.” The mashup was both unexpected and flawless, showcasing the band’s ability to stretch and bend genres without ever losing emotional clarity. Fans roared in approval, clearly energized by the spontaneity.
Classics like “Diamonds on the Inside” and “Mama’s Trippin'” followed, with Harper’s guitar work — understated but sharp — acting as a second voice. He was equally powerful vocally on the haunting “Don’t Take That Attitude to Your Grave” and the timely “People Lead,” which felt like a gentle protest wrapped in melody.
One of the evening’s most moving moments was Harper’s rendition of “Change,” a Mavis Staples cover delivered with gospel weight and social urgency. It was followed by “I Shall Not Walk Alone,” which nearly brought the room to tears — a reminder that Harper doesn’t just sing to an audience, he sings with them.
Acoustic gems like “Another Lonely Day” and “Forever” were tender and stripped-down, with the crowd singing along in hushed reverence. “In the Colors” brought brightness back, and “It Ain’t No Use” served as a soulful, extended jam that let the band breathe and stretch.
The set closed with a somewhat fiery sequence: the anthemic “Better Way” which got a few fists in the air. I had anticipated hearing this song as I had seen it had been getting played on this tour, but for some reason left me a little underwhelmed. The last time I saw him play this track was at Virgin Music Festival in Baltimore back in 2007 (which I know was a while back). I distinctly remember this song absolutely blowing me away, not only for its raw power, but how invested in the song he got. During the lyrics “Reality is sharp, it cuts at me like knife. Everyone I know is in the fight of their life – And I believe in a better way!” Ben Harper was screaming and crying those lyrics straight from the pit of his soul. I know every performer has their days to get really into a song or not, I just felt with today’s political landscape, this track would possibly resonate truer now than ever before…But who knows, maybe he was just a good mood.
“Fly One Time” then pushed the energy higher followed by the moody “Below Sea Level”, pulling it all back down to a contemplative place.
The encore, a medley of “Amen Omen” and “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door,” was spellbinding — an intersting pairing that made time feel suspended. Harper stood center stage, silhouetted against a gentle wash of lights, singing as if to the heavens. It was the kind of moment that lingers long after the house lights go up. A true original and a poet for the ages, if you have not seen Ben Harper yet, make time to catch him on this tour or add him to your bucket list. Without a doubt, an enigmatic singer for the ages.
Photos – Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals at Roadrunner in Boston, MA on June 1st:
