On a unusually warm evening in November, the Commodore Ballroom was heated up, not by the weather but by the raw energy of Bas, the Dreamville luminary, in the heart of his ambitiously named tour, "We Only Talk About Real Shit When We’re Fucked Up." This tour, stretching across 23 cities, marks a new chapter in Bas’s career, showcasing his fourth album's profound narrative and diverse collaborations. The Commodore Ballroom, renowned for its storied past and intimate setting, played host to the eleventh night of the tour, setting the stage for an immersive journey into Bas’s artistic vision.
Photos by Tage Stenner / Backspin Canada
Bas’s performance at the Commodore Ballroom was nothing short of perfect. The setlist, meticulously curated from his latest album, "We Only Talk About Real Shit When We’re Fucked Up," showcased his evolution as an artist and a storyteller. From the reflective beats of “Ho Chi Minh” to the pulsating rhythms of “Khartoum,” each track unfolded layers of Bas’s observations on societal indifference and the cathartic truth found in vulnerability. The inclusion of fan favourites such as “Methylone” and “Tribe” served as bridges, connecting his past works to the present.
The album, produced by a constellation of talent including Boi-1da, T-Minus, and J. Cole, stands as a evidence to Bas’s vision and connections through music. His performance was impressive, with mentions of his collaborators from across the globe, turning the concert into a celebration of diversity and unity. The mention of artists like Amaarae, AJ Tracey, and Adekunle Gold not only highlighted the album's international flair but also underscored music's power to bridge cultural divides.
As the "We Only Talk About Real Shit When We’re Fucked Up" tour progresses, anticipation builds for what each city will unveil. With upcoming stops in major cities including Toronto, Atlanta, and the final bow in New York at Irving Plaza, fans across North America are poised for their chance to experience Bas’s story telling through music, live. Each concert is a unique opportunity to delve into the album, exploring themes of societal indifference and the search for truth in moments of vulnerability.
The Commodore Ballroom event felt like an intimate concert; it was a opening into the heart of Bas’s artistry. As attendees spilled onto Granville street after his last song, the resonating beats and lyrics lingered, leaving everyone with a positive energy. In a world often divided, Bas’s music serves as a reminder of our shared humanity and the power of real conversations. The question then arises: in our daily lives, how often do we dare to engage with the real, the raw, and the genuine?
As the tour moves forward, each city becomes a chapter in Bas' life, inviting fans to not just listen, but to engage, reflect, and connect. What will the next chapter hold? Find out by attending in one of his next tour stops.
Bas' Upcoming Tour Dates:
Thu Mar 21 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Depot
Fri Mar 22 – Denver, CO – Summit
Sun Mar 24 – Minneapolis, MN – Varsity Theater
Mon Mar 25 – Chicago, IL – House of Blues
Wed Mar 27 – Toronto, ON – Phoenix Concert Theatre
Thu Mar 28 – Montreal, QB – Beanfield Theatre
Sat Mar 30 – Detroit, MI – St. Andrew’s Hall
Sun Mar 31 – Washington, DC – The Fillmore Silver Spring
Mon Apr 01 – Boston, MA – Paradise Rock Club
Tue Apr 02 – Philadelphia, PA – Theatre of Living Arts
Thu Apr 04 – Atlanta, GA – Buckhead Theatre
Tue Apr 09 – New York, NY – Irving Plaza