The Kid Laroi’s “First Time Ever” tour made a thunderous debut in North America on May 18, 2024, at Vancouver's UBC Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre. The atmosphere was electric as fans eagerly awaited the performances of the night, a lineup that included rising stars Chase Shakur and Glaive, setting the stage for the headliner in spectacular fashion.
Photos by Tage Stenner / Backspin Canada
Opening the night was Chase Shakur, an emerging R&B artist whose smooth, soulful vocals immediately captivated the audience. Hailing from Atlanta, Shakur's music is deeply rooted in personal experiences, often reflecting themes of love and introspection. His performance included tracks from his latest EP, "Dreamscape," showcasing his impressive vocal range and emotive delivery. Shakur's ability to connect with the crowd on such a personal level set a high bar for the evening, warming up the stage with a blend of vulnerability and charisma.
Next up was Glaive, the teenage prodigy known for his genre-blending style that fuses hyperpop with emo and punk influences. His energy was contagious as he performed hits like "Cloak n Dagger" and "Astrid," drawing the crowd into his world of frenetic beats and raw lyrics. Despite his young age, Glaive's stage presence was commanding, and he effortlessly moved the crowd with his high-energy performance. His set was a rollercoaster of emotions, capturing the intensity and excitement of youth, leaving the audience eagerly awaiting for Laroi.
As fans patiently waited, the smoke machines came on, the flights turned off, and the first notes of "SORRY" filled the arena, The Kid Laroi made his grand entrance, donning a custom-made Canucks jersey with "The Kid Laroi" and the number 1 emblazoned on the back. This gesture was met with a roar of approval from the Vancouver crowd, marking his first performance in the city with a personal touch.
Laroi, born Charlton Howard, delivered an unforgettable set, diving deep into his discography with a perfect blend of high-energy tracks and heartfelt ballads. His performance was a testament to his growth as an artist and his ability to connect with fans on a profound level. Highlights included the live debut of "GIRLS," a track that had the audience singing along passionately, and the soulful "BLEED," which showcased his vocal prowess and emotional depth.
The Kid Laroi's rise to fame has been meteoric. The 20-year-old Australian rapper and singer first garnered international attention with his mixtape "F*CK LOVE," which topped charts worldwide. Laroi's music is a raw reflection of his experiences, from his tumultuous upbringing in Sydney to his rapid ascent in the music industry. His recent album, "The First Time," has solidified his status as a global superstar, resonating deeply with fans across the world.
Laroi’s performance in Vancouver was not just a showcase of his musical talents but also a personal level. He took moments between songs to share insights into his life, but did not boast about his new relationship with up-and-coming superstar Tate McRae. Their romance has been the subject of much media attention, adding a layer of intrigue to Laroi’s already compelling public persona.
The North American leg of “The First Time Ever” tour is set to cover 31 dates, including major cities like Seattle, Los Angeles, Denver, Miami, New York, Toronto, and Detroit, before concluding in St. Louis on July 9. This tour follows Laroi’s successful European leg, which kicked off on April 4 in Stockholm and included 12 shows across cities like Amsterdam, Dublin, London, Berlin, and Milan. Additionally, Laroi’s journey has been captured in the feature-length documentary "Kids Are Growing Up," directed by Michael Ratner and released on Prime Video earlier this year.
The Vancouver crowd was treated to a meticulously curated setlist divided into four acts. Songs like "SORRY," "WHAT'S THE MOVE?," and "Diva" ignited the opening act, while the live debut of "GIRLS" in Act 2 left fans in awe. The emotional intensity peaked with "BLEED" and "HEAVEN" in Act 3, and the concert reached its peak with the powerful encore of "WHAT WENT WRONG???" and the global hit "STAY."
One of the most poignant moments came during "WHERE DOES YOUR SPIRIT GO?," which left the audience was visibly moved, with many holding up their phones in a sea of lights, creating a shared moment of connection and reflection.
The kickoff of The Kid Laroi's North American tour in Vancouver was nothing short of spectacular. With stellar performances from Chase Shakur and Glaive, the evening set a high standard for the rest of the tour. Laroi’s heartfelt engagement with the audience, combined with his dynamic stage presence, made for an unforgettable night that left fans both satisfied and eagerly anticipating his next visit.
As the crowd dispersed, one question lingered in the air: How will The Kid Laroi continue to evolve and surprise his fans on this already extraordinary tour?
Upcoming Tour Dates:
May 22 - Seattle, WA - Showbox SoDo
May 25 - Napa, CA - Bottlerock
May 26 - San Diego, CA - SOMA
May 28 - Los Angeles, CA - The Torch at LA Coliseum
May 29 - Phoenix, AZ - Arizona Financial Theatre
May 31 - Denver, CO - Fillmore Auditorium
Jun 02 - Irving, TX - The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
Jun 03 - Oklahoma City, OK - Criterion
Jun 04 - Houston, TX - 713 Music Hall
Jun 07 - Atlanta, GA - Coca-Cola Roxy
Jun 09 - Tampa, FL - Yuengling Center
Jun 11 - Miami, FL - The Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theater
Jun 13 - Charlotte, NC - Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre
Jun 15 - Washington, DC - The Anthem
Jun 16 - Boston, MA - MGM Music Hall at Fenway
Jun 17 - New York, NY - Radio City Music Hall
Jun 20 - Philadelphia, PA - The Met Presented by Highmark
Jun 22 - Laval, QC - Place Bell
Jun 23 - Toronto, ON - HISTORY
Jun 25 - Chicago, IL - Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom
Jun 26 - Nashville, TN - Nashville Municipal Auditorium
Jun 28 - Cincinnati, OH - The Andrew J Brady Music Center
Jul 01 - Pittsburgh, PA - Stage AE
Jul 02 - Indianapolis, IN - Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park
Jul 03 - Detroit, MI - The Fillmore Detroit
Jul 05 - Minneapolis, MN - Armory
Jul 06 - Milwaukee, WI - Eagles Ballroom
Jul 07 - Waukee, IA - Vibrant Music Hall
Jul 09 - St. Louis, MO - The Factory
Jul 10 - Omaha, NE - Steelhouse Omaha
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