The energy in the UBC Thunderbird Arena was undeniable as Omar Apollo took the stage in Vancouver for the 22nd stop of his God Said No Tour. This night marked a stunning chapter in the ongoing journey of the Grammy-nominated artist, as he performed tracks from his latest album, God Said No, which released earlier this year to critical acclaim.
Photos by Tage Stenner / Backspin Canada
Former Brockhampton member Kevin Abstract kicked off the night with playful banter. When a fan shouted, “I love Omar Apollo!” Kevin quickly responded, “We all love him... but I love him more than you do.” He then teased the crowd, saying, “I’m coming out, and my mom’s here tonight,” before laughing it off with, “Just kidding, I been out!” Later, after noting, “It’s quiet in here,” the crowd cheered, but Kevin shot back, “I didn’t say that so you guys could get loud.”
He kept the energy unpredictable, even sharing, “I had a rough day,” to which the crowd responded with an “Awwww,” and Kevin quipped, “Don’t feel bad for me, I’m 30 years old!” Towards the end of his set, Kevin upped the excitement by pulling a fan named Adam from the stands onto the stage to help hype up the crowd, creating a memorable and electric moment.
The stage was set with a white curtain veiling the performance space. When it finally lifted, Omar stood center stage in an oversized fur coat and sparkling boots, flanked by dancers in minimalist outfits. The soft spotlight and haze of fog created an ethereal atmosphere. From the moment the first note rang out, the night felt more like a cinematic experience than just a concert.
As Omar eased into the opening song, the choreography of his dancers mirrored the dreamy visual projections behind them, adding layers to the performance. Halfway through the first track, Omar shed his fur coat, revealing a flowing white ensemble that matched the ethereal mood of the show. The backdrop alternated between vivid colours and somber visuals, creating an emotional canvas for each song.
The setlist carried fans through both familiar hits and standout tracks from God Said No. The crowd swayed to favorites like "Be Careful With Me" and "Less of You," while Omar’s more recent songs, including the emotional "Evergreen," had the audience completely enthralled. "Less of You," one of the album's lead singles, showcases the evolved sound Omar explored during his time in London, where much of the album was created. The song’s driving rhythm and introspective lyrics resonated deeply with the crowd.
Backed by a full band, Omar’s live performance was a multi-sensory experience. The lighting and projections shifted with the mood of each track, highlighting the emotional range of his music. Omar’s vocals soared throughout the night, effortlessly moving between falsettos and powerful, emotive tones. A particularly captivating moment came during “En el olvido,” where the whole arena seemed to pause.
The encore, featuring the fan-favourite "Go Away," was a perfect way to cap off the night. The audience’s collective voice echoed through the arena, chanting the lyrics back at Omar, who stood visibly moved by the connection he had built with the crowd. It was in this moment that you could feel the shared intimacy between artist and fans—a raw, unfiltered energy that made the performance unforgettable.
For those who missed out, the God Said No Tour continues for a few more dates. Each night on this tour feels like a glimpse into the next phase of Omar’s evolving artistry, and you don’t want to miss it.
Remaining Tour Dates:
October 1 – Seattle, WA @ WAMU Theater
October 2 – Troutdale, OR @ McMenamins Edgefield
October 4 – Berkeley, CA @ The Greek Theatre
October 5 – Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl
October 8 – Santa Barbara, CA @ Santa Barbara Bowl
October 10 – Mesa, AZ @ Mesa Amphitheatre
October 11 – San Diego, CA @ The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park
How will Omar Apollo’s new sound shape the future of pop and R&B? One thing’s for sure—his journey is far from over, and we’re all eager to see where it leads next.
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