On a night that will be in the memory books, Rogers Arena filled with anticipation, its air charged with the kind of electricity that precedes musical revolutions. March 26, 2024, marked not just a calendar date but the dawn of Noah Kahan's "We'll All Be Here Forever" North American Tour in Vancouver, BC. For fans and the uninitiated alike, the evening promised a voyage into the depths of Kahan's lyrical prowess, underscored by an aesthetic experience that promised to be as visually arresting as it was sonically immersive.
Photos by Tage Stenner / Backspin Canada
The day's energy was in the air from the get-go, with Kahan's infectious excitement spilling over from an Instagram story that rallied fans: "Tour day in Vancouver lets f*ckin rideeeee so excited for you all to see this new set and this insane light show ok love you see you tonight." The camaraderie of his tour team was showcased in a pre-show Suits vs Bands basketball game, setting the stage for the evening's collaborative spirit.
As the guitar stings got struck, the sold out arena of fans screamed before being plunged into darkness, the opening notes of "Dial Drunk" resonated through the space, a bold choice to start in pitch black, a move that might of been a technical glitch but in reality, was a masterstroke of suspense-building. The moment the lights erupted, Kahan's declaration, "We are in arenas now!" and jokingly "I might piss my brown pants" was met with thunderous applause, his candid humour a reminder of the journey that had led him here.
This tour, following the footsteps of his sold-out runs in 2022 and 2023, was not just another notch in Kahan's belt but a showcase to his growing legacy. With stops at iconic venues like the Hollywood Bowl and Madison Square Garden on the horizon, this opener was a declaration of what was yet to come.
Mid-concert, Noah introduced what he dubbed "The living room section," a cozy arrangement backdropped by five framed pictures that seemed to offer a window into his soul, making Rogers Arena feel as intimate as a fireside gathering. This setup underscored the evening's narrative: a story of growth, introspection, and connection.
The setlist was a carefully curated journey through Kahan's discography, from the vulnerability of "False Confidence" to the unreleased "Pain Is Like Cold Water," each song weaving a richer story, punctuated by moments of raw emotion and unguarded conversation. The inclusion of tracks like "Growing Sideways" and "Glue Myself Shut" performed on the B stage near the sound board, brought a refreshing dynamic to the show, inviting the audience into a more personal space.
As the final song "Stick Season" began, the crowd's response was not just applause but a collective embrace of the shared experience, a true showcase of Kahan's ability to bridge worlds through his music.
The night didn't end with the last note. True to form, Kahan stepped outside to meet fans, immortalizing the moment with an Instagram post that echoed the sentiments of all present: "Vancouver I f*ckin love ya!!"
As we reflect on the kickoff of the "We'll All Be Here Forever" Tour, one can't help but ponder the journey of an artist who has transformed arenas into intimate gatherings, and concerts into shared experiences. In an industry often criticized for its detachment, how has Noah Kahan mastered the art of connection, making each attendee feel like a part of a larger, unfolding story?
The answer lies not just in the music, but in the moments between — a look, a laugh, a shared silence. As we await the rest of the tour, one question remains: How will Noah Kahan continue to redefine the concert experience, not just as a musical journey, but as a communal voyage into the heart of storytelling?
Catch Noah Kahan at one of his upcoming shows:
March 28 - Calgary, AB Scotiabank Saddledome
March 29 - Edmonton, AB Rogers Place
March 30 - Saskatoon, SK SaskTel Centre
April 2 - Winnipeg, MB Canada Life Centre
April 6 - Toronto, ON Scotiabank Arena
April 7 - London, ON Budweiser Gardens
April 9 - Ottawa, ON Canadian Tire Centre
April 10 - Quebec City, QC Videotron Centre
April 13 - Montreal, QC Bell Centre
May 22 - Asheville, NC ExploreAsheville.com Arena
May 25 - Nashville, TN Bridgestone Arena
May 28 - Cuyahoga Falls, OH Blossom Music Center
May 29 - Burgettstown, PA The Pavilion at Star Lake
June 4 - St. Louis, MO Hollywood Casino Amphitheater
June 5 - Kansas City, MO Azura Amphitheatre *
June 7 - St. Paul, MN Xcel Energy Center
June 11 - Dallas, TX Dos Equis Pavilion
June 13 - Houston, TX The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
June 14 - Austin, TX Moody Center
June 18 - Chula Vista, CA North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
June 21 - Los Angeles, CA Hollywood Bowl
June 25 - Denver, CO Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre *
June 29 - George, WA The Gorge
July 1 - Ridgefield, WA RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater
July 3 - Wheatland, CA Toyota Amphitheatre
July 5 - Berkeley, CA The Greek Theatre *
July 6 - Berkeley, CA The Greek Theatre *
July 9 - Salt Lake City, UT USANA Amphitheatre
July 13 - East Troy, WI Alpine Valley Music Theatre
July 16 - New York, NY Madison Square Garden
July 19 - Boston, MA Fenway Park ^
More photos of the night below:
