Ben Barnes Brings Heart and Soul to Denver’s Summit Music Hall
Written by: Keyali Mikaela
Ben Barnes has been winning over audiences for years with his memorable acting roles in The Chronicles of Narnia and Shadow and Bone, but now, he’s making his mark as a musician. On January 19, 2025, Barnes brought his Where The Light Gets In tour to Denver, and the night was nothing short of magical—despite a few hiccups along the way that only added to the charm.
The evening opened with performances from Zoe Sparks, Sophia James, and Charlie Jones, who delivered their sets back-to-back in an unconventional but seamless way. Rather than spacing out the performances, they flowed straight into one another, creating a steady build of energy and excitement. The decision to skip the usual breaks gave the evening a more intimate, collaborative feel, setting the perfect tone for what was to come.
When Barnes took the stage, the crowd was ready to go—but technical difficulties briefly delayed the start of his set. Instead of letting the moment feel tense, Ben handled it with humor and ease, turning what could’ve been an awkward pause into an impromptu stand-up routine. His wit and charisma shone through as he joked with the audience, making everyone feel like they were part of an inside moment. By the time the music finally kicked off, the crowd was already in love with him.
Barnes opened with Beloved and the album’s title track, Where The Light Gets In, immediately showing off his rich, soulful vocals. He poured his heart into every song, blending indie, folk, and pop influences in a way that felt completely authentic. Tracks like The Inbetween and Rise Up showcased his ability to balance raw emotion with uplifting energy, keeping the crowd fully engaged from start to finish.
One of the standout moments of the night came when Barnes paused the show to celebrate his keyboardist Charlie Jones’ birthday. With the audience singing “Happy Birthday” at his lead, it was a joyful and genuine moment that showed just how much Barnes values the people he shares the stage with. He even let Charlie pick the second surprise cover of the night, which turned out to be a Beatles classic that the band performed beautifully.
The other surprise cover, You’ve Got a Friend in Me, was just as endearing. It’s not every day you hear a song like that performed live, but Barnes made it his own, weaving his signature warmth and charm into every note.
The connection between Barnes and his band was palpable throughout the show. Whether they were sharing smiles or trading stories between songs, it was clear this group isn’t just playing together—they’re truly friends, and that chemistry made the performance feel even more special.
As the setlist unfolded, Barnes took moments to talk about the inspiration behind his songs, giving the audience a glimpse into his creative process.
Of course, the crowd wasn’t letting him go without an encore. Barnes returned to perform 11:11, his debut single that’s become a fan favorite. With the audience singing every word back to him, he stepped away from the mic at one point, letting the voices of everyone in the room fill the space. It was a goosebumps-inducing moment that perfectly encapsulated the connection he had built with his fans over the course of the night.
Ben Barnes’ Denver show wasn’t just a concert—it was a reminder of the power of music to bring people together. From the honest, emotional delivery of his songs to the playful camaraderie with his band, Barnes proved that he’s just as captivating on stage as he is on screen. If you get the chance to catch him on this tour, don’t hesitate—it’s an experience that’ll stay with you long after the final note fades.
