Culture Cabinet

Ben Barnes is certainly no stranger to the spotlight. 

Having made a name for himself in major film and television franchises such as Shadow and Bone, The Punisher, and the Chronicles of Narnia films, 2025 has presented a Barnes that is poised to pursue his long time dream of making his own music. 

And through the offerings he made to his audience at the February 1 show at Webster Hall in New York City, Barnes demonstrated that even if he is stepping into a new kind of spotlight, one that ventures from the safety of the parameters of a screen and right into the line of sight of thousands of live people, it is nonetheless one wherein he shines. 

While Barnes is not new to performing his music live, having done so since the release of his initial 2021 EP, Songs For You, this particular tour feels bigger and brighter. Barnes himself referred to it as a “festival of joy” multiple times throughout the show, which is certainly an appropriate turn of phrase. 

Not a single moment on stage is wasted, and not a segment lags. From the opening sets, which were split between band members Zoe Sparks, Sophia James, and Charles Jones (who are all three incredibly talented musicians in their own right) to the encore, Barnes and his band take the audience on a perfectly paced ride of pure joy, full of songs that range from emotional ballads to sea shanties. Barnes peppers in a perfect amount of audience interaction. At one point in the show, Barnes even let the audience vote on two of the cover songs that he would perform. 

Barnes does not simply let the audience stand in a passive place; he makes them feel as if they are as integral a part of the show as anyone on stage. But he does so in a way that feels sincere and genuine, and creates the kind of atmosphere that reminds one of exactly what makes a good concert so magical. For roughly two hours, Barnes turned Webster Hall into a beacon of light, where for just a moment, the audience could forget any heaviness to be thought of outside the venue walls, and instead just share in the joy of good music and standing around others that enjoy a common interest. 

Though if there is anything that most notably adds to the joyous atmosphere, it’s Barnes’s clear gratitude for the opportunity to be on this tour at all. From the way he not only allowed every band member more than one opportunity to step into the spotlight throughout the show (which aside from the three openers included Aaron Childs on guitar and Paul Hammy Hamilton on drums), to the way he expressed his gratitude to the audience multiple times, to Barnes calling even the merch team and stage tech to the stage for recognition, it is clear that Barnes feels in his element on stage, and he’s going to make sure everyone knows how much he appreciates the chance to enter that element. 

Those familiar with Barnes’s music are sure to be satisfied with the setlist. While the forefront of the show showcases songs from Where The Light Gets In, Barnes’s debut full length album that released in January, fans of his previous album, Songs For You, will also be thrilled to know that it is also well represented. However, even the most well versed of fans are in for surprises, as Barnes manages to add additional elements and twists to the songs that demonstrate his true talent as a performer, and the harmonious cohesiveness that his band underscores during the live performance. 

While the Webster Hall show was the last stop on the North American leg of the tour, the European leg will pick up again on February 9. And, if at all possible, this tour is not to be missed. 

While those who are even remotely familiar with Barnes’ work, even as an actor, are bound to enjoy seeing him live on stage, anyone who has an appreciation for music will surely enjoy it. There is something incredibly endearing about seeing someone achieve a dream, even if it is someone who has already made themselves pretty well established in their industry. And from every second that Barnes stands on the stage, it is apparent that he is having a dream come true moment. The joy and excitement that radiates in his performance is contagious, and in turn, creates an atmosphere that words can’t quite encapsulate. It is best to be enjoyed in person. 

So, with that in mind, I’d invite you to meet Ben Barnes where the light gets in, and experience one of his shows for yourself. 

You can stream Where The Light Gets In below: