Last night, Rogers Arena in Vancouver, BC, became the latest stop in NF's monumental HOPE Tour. Coming fresh off a thrilling performance at Denver's Ball Arena and just ahead of an eagerly awaited show in Calgary's Scotiabank Saddledome, the Vancouver performance was a pivotal moment in the 47-show spectacle that has been wowing audiences across North America.
Kicking off on July 12th at the Schottenstein Center in Columbus, OH, NF's HOPE Tour has been sweeping through the continent with remarkable success. The tour's U.S. and Canadian leg includes 34 electrifying dates, ranging from the vibrant beats of Orlando, FL, to the soul-stirring acoustics of San Francisco's Bill Graham Civic Auditorium.
Last night, the Grand Rapids-born rapper and songwriter delivered an unforgettable performance, starting with the powerful opening number "HOPE." The anticipation had been building ever since the tour's announcement, with fans rushing to pre-order tickets, and last night, NF delivered on that promise.
As the tour prepares to head to Calgary, AB, and Edmonton, AB, in the coming days, fans in Western Canada can still catch this unmissable experience. The U.S. and Canada leg will culminate in a grand finale at Laval, QC's Place Bell on September 3rd.
The setlist was a well-orchestrated journey through NF's career. From the defiant tone of "MOTTO" to the introspective "Leave Me Alone" and "My Stress," the rapper and producer demonstrated his evolution as an artist.
A highlight of the night was the interlude, a moment of reflection and connection with the audience. The quiet contemplation gave way to "Hate Myself" and "MAMA," a blend of raw honesty and intense love that resonated with every fan in the arena.
The drum solo was an unexpected treat, adding a fresh layer to the show, while songs like "GONE" and "RUNNING" kept the energy high.
The HOPE Tour's brilliance doesn't end in North America. Beginning on September 23rd in Milan, Italy, NF will embark on a thrilling European leg, stopping in cities like Vienna, Amsterdam, and Paris before concluding with a series of UK dates, including a much-anticipated performance at London's Eventim Apollo.
NF's performance was not just a concert; it was a shared experience with the fans who have supported his journey from the beginning. Through his music, he paints vivid pictures of struggle, triumph, joy, and pain, all while maintaining a connection that transcends the stage.
As the lights went down and the fans filed out of Rogers Arena, many were left reflecting on the connection they felt, not just with NF but with each other. How does music, through the mastery of artists like NF, become more than sound? How does it become a part of who we are?
Photos by Tage Stenner / Backspin Canada