Mac DeMarco covers Michael Jackson’s “Human Nature” for End of the Road headline performance
The slacker rock hero gave a stand-out performance on End of the Road’s Friday night to celebrate the festival’s 20th anniversary. He surprised the sold-out crowd with a reimagining of Michael Jackson’s “Human Nature” to conclude his 90-minute set.
His headline show followed on from his curation of the Friday programme on The Folly stage, inviting the likes of Tex Crick, Vicky Farewell and Daryl Johns to perform who are signed to his independent label Mac’s Record Label.
DeMarco commemorated the 10th anniversary of End of the Road in 2015 by singing “Happy Birthday” and throwing a chocolate cake into the crowd. After thanking co-founder Simon Taffe for inviting him back for a third appearance, he said, “20 years old, huh? How do you like them apples?”
His performance was charmingly playful, encompassing signature classics including “My Kind of Woman” and “Chamber of Reflection” as well as tracks from rarely-played 2019 album Here Comes the Cowboy, DeMarco cut a Sinatra-like figure capable of a walking handstand. The crowd was galvanised by his cross-generational performance, which saw the artist at the peak of his powers.
End of the Road festival continues tonight with headline performances from Pulp, MIKE & Earl Sweatshirt, and Working Men’s Club.
Earlybird tickets for End of the Road Festival’s 21st edition in 2027 will be on sale from Tuesday 8 September via endoftheroadfestival.com
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