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By Kara Warner

Say what you will about John Mayer, but underneath all the tabloid noise and nonsense, the man knows how to play a live show. More importantly, he understands his public perception and how to work it to his advantage, which he did with tremendous, self-deprecating aplomb during his concert in Irvine, California on Tuesday night (August 24).

After warming up the pleasantly diverse crowd (especially diverse for Irvine) with tracks from his multi-platinum albums Battle Studies, Room for Squares and Continuum, he threw in a little Jimi Hendrix (complete with crazy guitar solo action) in the form of "Voodoo Child."

Mayer followed those tunes with the standard, "How you feeling, Irvine?" crowd pleasantries, but then took a few minutes to showcase the aforementioned aplomb, with a highly amusing monologue that segued into "Perfectly Lonely."

He began this little interlude by thanking the crowd for his current financial security. "Thanks to you all, I'm a rich motherf---er," and then went into how visiting L.A. means dealing with the paparazzi (which he called his "cottage industry"), Googling himself to see what unflattering photos turn up and fielding questions about his love life.

"I'm completely single," Mayer told the crowd, addressing the ever-present rumors and speculation about his relationship status. He then went into TMI-territory, revealing that the only constant in his life is a morning ritual of watching Internet porn and searching for a specific brunette on RedTube. "That is the dirty truth," he said, daring the press to write that story (well, here it is, John).

Other highlights from his lively show included a brief, jazzy cover of Katy Perry's "California Girls" and some show-stopping, behind-the-back, on-the-floor guitar soloing during "Gravity." (The latter was later topped by Mayer's bandmate Robbie McIntosh, after which Mayer said, "I just got my ass kicked! Robbie, you aren't supposed to play a better guitar solo than me!") The true highlight? Mayer's fantastic cover of "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey, which Mayer played over his "Half of My Heart" and created a smooth blend of the two songs. It's moments like that — equal parts technical virtuosity and musical goofiness — that keep Mayer fans (myself included) looking past the tabloid stories and porn talk into the heart of the songs.

Tags Concerts, John-Mayer

By Jenna Shulman

As soon as John Mayer sauntered onto the stage at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, New Jersey on Tuesday night (August 3), fans like myself knew we were in for a treat. He walked out wearing a blue flannel button-up with pants that didn’t quite make it to the floor. Additionally, he was wearing a headband in his shaggy hair and flaunting white sneakers. His unconventional appearance could only mean one thing: This was going to be an unconventional show.

And indeed it was. Mayer opened up the set with "Bigger Than My Body," the first single from his 2003 album Heavier Things. He followed with two deep cuts from his back catalog: "No Such Thing" and "Clarity." Every last seat and lawn area at the venue was filled, which clearly pleased and empowered Mayer. "All you lawn people and seat people should get to know each other and be one big happy family," he told the crowd, which began an excellent evening of extra-musical commentary from the 32-year-old rocker.

The Connecticut-raised musician who now resides in New York City certainly felt a bit at home performing in the Garden State. He even shouted out "East f---ing coast all the way!" and commented on his love and affection for the Tri-State area. Just as he does on his extremely popular Twitter page, Mayer pulled no punches and conversed easily in between tunes.

The highlights came when Mayer threw in some variations on his songs. He did a lot of jamming and kept the beginning of his songs different than how they sound on the albums. It kept the crowd anxious and full of anticipation throughout the set. The mysterious song beginnings definitely fired up the crowd and constantly left everyone wanting more.

In addition to his incredible guitar skills, Mayer proved adept at a number of other instruments, including ukulele and harmonica. His excellent band provided solid grooves over which Mayer laid down some serious guitar solos. At one point during his Battle Studies hit "Gravity," he even set his guitar on the ground and played it like a keyboard.

Because of the warm weather and perfectly clear night, it was only appropriate he make a claim to the wonderful summer season. Near the end of the show, he asked, "Do you believe its still summer?" and turned that question into a cover of Don Henley's "Boys of Summer" (with a guest spot by Train singer Pat Monahan, who opened for Mayer).

"I love this crowd and I don't say that about every show," he told the still-enthralled audience as the performance wound down. "There must be something different about this crowd." Right before he performed his encore of his new song "Edge of Desire," he told the audience, "I love each and every one of you. It's pretty good to say you're a John Mayer fan." Based on the warm reception he received, he wasn't wrong.

"Did you all have a good time?" he wondered before exiting. As if he needed to ask.

Tags Concerts, John-Mayer