Seven months after the release of For Emma, Forever Ago, Bon Iver performed two sold-out shows at the Troubadour. Bon Iver is the creation of one man who uses his music to work through personal issues.

For four months, Justin Vernon isolated himself in a remote cabin in Wisconsin following the break up with his girlfriend and of his then-band, DeYarmond Edison. What started as a cathartic experience for Vernon has turned into critical acclaim and a dedicated cult following.

Even with the electric equipment and the layering of music, Bon Iver’s live show felt stripped down and personal. With Vernon’s haunting falsetto accompanying his steel guitar and multiple drummers, “Skinny Love” was more bittersweet and wistful than the recorded version. The entire performance was equally as intimate and ended with an exquisite and poignant cover of Sarah Siskind’s “Lovin’s for Fools.”

What was just as captivating as the music was Vernon’s humility. It was truly a pleasure to see him perform and to be appreciated by him for being in attendance.