The roar of motorcycles blasted through Rogers Arena on October 12 as Don Toliver's 'PSYCHO Tour' ignited its first of 25 shows in Vancouver, BC. After a last-minute cancellation in Portland, Vancouver became ground zero for the long-anticipated Psycho tour, supporting his blockbuster new album. The energy inside Rogers Arena was crazy. Though it was a lower-bowl-only event, you’d never know it from the crowd screaming and moshing through every corner of the venue, shaking the building as if it were filled to its full capacity.
Photos by Tage Stenner / Backspin Canada
The evening began with opening acts from Molly Santana and Monaleo, who set the tone with their sets. The crowd's excitement escalated as DJ Scheme took the stage, hyping everyone up for Ski Mask The Slump God. Draped in an all-black ensemble accented with a fur-lined hat and his signature black bandana, Ski Mask delivered a powerful set. He honored his late friends Juice WRLD and XXXTentacion, declaring, "I am here on behalf of my brothers," a moment that resonated deeply with the audience. Post-show, he shared on Instagram, "One of the most enjoyable tours. Thank you @dontoliver."
Don Toliver also made it clear from his earlier Instagram post that things were going to get wild by stating "Hardstone Psycho Tour starts tonight, I'm geeked, tonight we back on road gang."
As the curtain dropped, the screams filled the arena. Don Toliver emerged amid a storm of pyrotechnics and smoke, kicking off his set with the adrenaline-pumping "KRYPTONITE." Dressed in a black long-sleeve shirt under his signature Hardstone biker jacket, oversized jeans, and chunky white shoes, his laid-back yet edgy style mirrored the show's high-octane atmosphere.
The stage itself was a visual masterpiece. Central to the setup was the "Globe of Death," a metal sphere used for motorcycle stunts, encircled by industrial scaffolding. Digital screens flashed abstract visuals and distorted symbols, enhancing the psychedelic theme of the tour.
Without missing a beat, Toliver transitioned into "TORE UP," keeping the energy levels sky-high. The crowd moved as one, feeding off his enthusiasm. "BROTHER STONE" followed, its heavy beats shaking the arena. Before diving into "4X4," he shouted out to the fans, "Vancouver, let's ride!" igniting cheers and raising hands.
Slowing it down momentarily, Toliver performed "Cardigan," allowing the audience to catch their breath while singing along to the tune. He then revisited earlier hits like "HAD ENOUGH," seamlessly blending nostalgia with the new.
Surprises kept coming as he brought out tracks from his collaborations with JACKBOYS, performing "GANG GANG" and "WHAT TO DO?" The crowd erupted when the familiar intro of Travis Scott's "CAN'T SAY" filled the arena, with Toliver making the song his own in a thrilling cover.
Midway through the show, Toliver paused to address the crowd. "If you've known me from the jump, you know exactly where I started—Houston, Texas," he said. "Just to be here right now, it's a different type of journey, and if you've been with me since day one, you know exactly what that journey looks like." The heartfelt moment transitioned into "NEW DROP," a track that encapsulates his artistic evolution.
The performance escalated with "ATTITUDE" featuring Charlie Wilson & Cash Cobain, and the arena transformed into a massive dance floor during "ROCKSTAR GIRL." The intensity peaked when motorcycles roared onto the stage, riders entering the Globe of Death as Toliver launched into "GLOCK." The stunt added a visceral thrill, synchronizing perfectly with the pulsating beats of "DONNY DARKO."
As the show progressed, Toliver delved into "LOVE IS A DRUG" and "GEEKED UP," the latter turning the arena into a sea of jumping fans. Smoke and lasers filled the air during "Lemonade," his hit with Internet Money, and the crowd sang every word of "No Idea," one of his breakout singles.
The emotional high continued with "Swangin' On Westheimer," a homage to his Houston roots. He surprised fans with "BANDIT," a track sampling Tame Impala's "One More Hour," showcasing his versatility. The collaboration with Metro Boomin on "Too Many Nights" had everyone swaying to its hypnotic rhythm.
Approaching the finale, Toliver performed "LAST LAUGH" and "HARDSTONE NATIONAL ANTHEM," the latter serving as a powerful culmination of the night's themes. The encore was none other than "After Party," leaving the audience on an exhilarating note.
Throughout the show, fans spotted Toliver's girlfriend, singer Kali Uchis, watching proudly from a private box and sharing moments on her Instagram story. Post-concert, Toliver himself shared clips on Instagram, captioning them, "Vancouver was insane, first show was beautiful."
The PSYCHO Tour is set to make stops in major cities, including Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, and New York, before concluding in Denver on November 21. Each show promises the same level of energy and spectacle that Vancouver experienced.
Don Toliver's HARDSTONE PSYCHO marks a significant milestone in his career. Debuting at #1 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and Top Rap Albums charts, and entering the Billboard 200 at #3 with over 76,600 sales in its first week, it stands as his most successful release to date. The album features high-profile collaborations with artists like Travis Scott, Future & Metro Boomin, and Teezo Touchdown.
Beyond music, Toliver is pushing creative boundaries. He released a 10-minute short film for HARDSTONE PSYCHO, directed by Jack Dalton and featuring Kali Uchis. The film immerses viewers in the album's biker gang universe, offering a deeper narrative experience of "Psycho Valley."
With the PSYCHO Tour, Don Toliver not only showcases his musical prowess but also his ability to create a multifaceted artistic experience. From the explosive opening in Vancouver to the immersive world-building of his album and gaming ventures, Toliver is solidifying his place at the forefront of the new rap generation. Fans and newcomers alike are in for an unforgettable journey as the tour continues across North America.
GALLERY
