Fans flooded in from all over the New York and New Jersey area for Audacy’s 12th annual We Can Survive concert last Friday night at Newark’s Prudential Center. Home of the Jersey Devils, the arena served a different purpose, as the sold-out event brought attention to Audacy’s I’m Listening mental health initiative. Hosted by New York’s Upbeat Variety Music Station, NEW 102.7 FM, and presented by VEG, this year’s show featured performances by Shaboozey, Alex Warren, the Goo Goo Dolls, and Ed Sheeran.
Rolling out the Audacy orange carpet, the first to arrive was LAUNCH and MTV VMA recipient Alex Warren. Joining him later was five-time Grammy nominee Shaboozey — the two shared a hug upon meeting.
Shaboozey and his cowboy boots kicked things off with “Drink Don’t Need No Mix,” a surefire way to get the already buzzing crowd even more excited. Adorned with a cowboy hat and a silver buckle, Shaboozey and his band were dressed for a honky-tonk. The night wouldn’t have been complete had “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” not been played, with Jack Daniels visuals lighting up the screen behind him. With just a handful of tour dates left before heading overseas, Shaboozey brought the party with him.
Alex Warren was introduced by a lucky fan who had won a whole row of seats for her and her family on her birthday — what a way to celebrate! A grateful Warren shared that this was his first arena show and expressed his excitement to be performing. He sweetly recorded a video for his future self and future family, involving the entire audience in the special moment. Following the success of his lead single “Ordinary,” Warren performed the hit along with others from his album You’ll Be Alright, Kid, smiling between each track.
Following Warren was an epic performance by the Goo Goo Dolls. When the Prudential Center asked, “What song are you most excited to play tonight?” guitarist and singer John Rzeznik paused and replied, “Oh, all of them!” This proved true, as their eleven-song setlist resonated from the front row to the nosebleeds. Most of the songs came from 1998’s Dizzy Up the Girl, including “Slide,” “Black Balloon,” and, of course, “Iris.”
With just himself, a few loop pedals, and a Little Martin, Ed Sheeran took the stage. Acting as percussionist, guitarist, bassist, and vocalist, Sheeran opened with “Castle on the Hill,” with fans screaming along as if they were part of the band. Before playing “The A Team,” Sheeran recounted how the song made its way to the U.S., its popularity giving him his big break. “Sapphire” followed not long after, one of the singles from Sheeran’s new album Play. “Bad Habits” closed out the night, leaving the crowd in high spirits, dancing, singing, and supporting life-changing work.
A portion of We Can Survive’s event proceeds was donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), a free resource “dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide, including those who have experienced a loss,” as stated on the AFSP website. In addition to supporting survivors, the AFSP also promotes education, scientific research, advocacy, and broader mental health support.
Talk Saves Lives is Audacy’s mental health initiative, aimed at increasing awareness and offering access to critical resources. In this year’s broadcast special, listeners heard from medical professionals as well as artists and musicians, including Cynthia Erivo, Alex Warren, Kane Brown, LISA, Lewis Capaldi, and more.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis, please call 911 or the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, available 24/7.
Click here to find Audacy’s I’m Listening resource page. Most importantly, take care of yourself.
Stay connected with Audacy and the incredible artists featured in this event:
W New 102.7: Instagram // Twitter
Prudential Center: Instagram // Twitter
Shaboozey: Instagram // TikTok // YouTube // Spotify // Apple Music
Alex Warren: Instagram // TikTok // X // Spotify // YouTube // Website
