On the night of July 5th, 2024, Vancouver’s PNE Forum transformed into a sanctuary for R&B enthusiasts as PARTYNEXTDOOR, along with openers Swavy and Roy Woods, delivered an unforgettable performance on his "Sorry I'm Outside" tour. This concert marked the seventh stop of a 24-city tour, produced by Live Nation, that promises to be a summer highlight for fans across North America.
Photos by Tage Stenner / Backspin Canada
The evening kicked off with Swavy, an emerging talent whose energetic performance set the tone for the night. Swavy, known for his catchy hooks and vibrant stage presence, engaged the crowd with tracks from his latest EP. His youthful exuberance and raw talent shone through, captivating the audience right from the start. Before leaving the stage Swavy noticed someone who had fainted in the crowd due to the extreme heat and asked security "can we please get that person to safety?".
Following Swavy, Roy Woods took the stage, bringing his unique blend of soulful R&B melodies and introspective lyrics. Roy, who hails from Brampton, Ontario, has been making waves in the music industry for many years with hits like "Drama" and "Jealousy." His set was a masterclass in emotion, as he effortlessly connected with the audience, sharing personal anecdotes between songs and love for Vancouver as a city, that added depth to his performance.
As the anticipation built, the overheated crowd erupted in cheers when PARTYNEXTDOOR emerged on stage, just two days after celebrating his 31st birthday on July 3rd. The Mississauga-born artist, known for his smooth vocals and impactful songwriting, wasted no time in delivering a powerful performance. Opening with "Lose My Mind," he immediately had the audience under his spell.
Partynextdoor's stage presence was further amplified by the dynamic choreography of his four dancers, who added a visual spectacle to the already engaging performance. Their synchronized moves and infectious energy perfectly complemented his music, creating a visually stunning experience that kept the audience enthralled throughout the night.
His setlist was a carefully curated mix of new hits and classic favourites, including "Cheers," "For Certain," and "Sorry, But I'm Outside." Each song was a journey, with Party seamlessly transitioning from one hit to another, keeping the energy levels high throughout the night. The crowd's reaction was electric, especially during fan favorites like "Break From Toronto" and "Wus Good."
One of the standout moments was his performance of "Come and See Me," a triple-platinum hit that had the entire venue singing along. The emotional depth of the song, combined with his heartfelt delivery, created a moment of pure connection between the artist and his fans.
This tour marks Party's first since 2018, following the release of his highly anticipated album PARTYNEXTDOOR 4 (P4). The album, which includes the sultry music video for "For Certain," has been a hit among fans, solidifying his place as one of the most important voices in contemporary R&B. The tour announcement followed his return to the festival circuit, with notable performances at SXSW, Rolling Loud California, and Australia’s Souled Out festival.
His rise to fame is closely intertwined with his relationship with Drake and the OVO Sound label. Discovered by Drake and subsequently signed to OVO Sound, he has enjoyed significant mentorship and collaboration with one of the industry's biggest names. Their professional relationship has resulted in numerous collaborations, including the Grammy-nominated hit "Come and See Me" and the critically acclaimed "Wednesday Night Interlude." Drake's influence and support have been instrumental in shaping his career, providing him with a platform to reach a global audience.
As PARTYNEXTDOOR continues his tour, fans can look forward to more spectacular performances, including a special show in Toronto. With his latest album, a string of festival appearances, and a tour that spans 24 cities, he is set to redefine the boundaries of contemporary music.
As the final song "Come and See Me" played through the venue, the crowd's applause was a resounding endorsement of an unforgettable night. With every performance, PND continues to prove why he is a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
As the tour progresses, one can't help but wonder: What surprises does PND have in store for the remaining stops? Fans are eagerly anticipating each new performance, and if Vancouver's show is any indication, they're in for an extraordinary musical journey.
Upcoming Tour Dates:
July 7 - Calgary, AB - Cowboys Music Festival
July 9 - Edmonton, AB - Midway Music Hall
July 12 - Denver, CO - Fillmore Auditorium
July 14 - Dallas, TX - South Side Ballroom
July 15 - Houston, TX - Bayou Music Center
July 18 - Atlanta, GA - Coca-Cola Roxy
July 20 - Miami, FL - Fillmore Miami Beach
July 23 - Orlando, FL - House of Blues
July 25 - Charlotte, NC - The Fillmore
July 27 - Washington, D.C. - Broccoli City Festival
July 30 - Boston, MA - House of Blues
August 6 - Montreal, QC - MTELUS
August 8 - Brooklyn, NY - Brooklyn Paramount
August 11 - Wallingford, CT - The Dome at Toyota Oakdale Theatre
August 13 - Philadelphia, PA - The Fillmore
August 15 - Chicago, IL - The Salt Shed
August 18 - Detroit, MI - Afro Nation Detroit
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