LOUIS TOMLINSON AT THE GREEK THEATRE: CONCERT REVIEW
British pop sensation Louis Tomlinson brought his highly anticipated Faith in the Future tour to a packed Greek Theater in Berkeley, California last week. The tour follows the release of his second studio album of the same name, released in November 2022 to high praise from fans and critics alike.
The outdoor venue was the picture-perfect setting for Tomlinson’s summer tour. Dedicated fans, many of whom began lining up hours before doors opened (and some even the night before), packed the amphitheater from the floor seats to the back of lawn. A steady hum of anticipation was palpable throughout the venue as the sun set, building to a fever pitch as Tomlinson’s band filed in, and finally erupting as the shaggy-haired performer took the stage.
Tomlinson launched into opener “The Greatest” after an expertly crafted tour reel. The song, written specifically to be a show opener, served its purpose flawlessly. With punchy guitars steadily building into a punctuated chorus, the song asserts “we’re the greatest/it’s you and me until the end,” firmly setting the stage of Tomlinson’s sincere gratitude for his fanbase. Despite his decade-plus of undisputed stardom from One Direction to his solo career, Tomlinson has remained refreshingly humble. As he moved from soaring “Kill My Mind” to heartfelt “Bigger Than Me,” Tomlinson spoke his thanks directly to the audience. Throughout the set, he maintained his sincere connection to the crowd and regularly interacted with fans. From making faces at young children at the barricade to pointing out signs on the floor, Tomlinson took the time to make his ever-loyal audience feel like a part of the show.
The dedication of Tomlinson’s fans is a testament to the bond he’s cultivated within the fandom. In the front row, one young woman held a sign reading “Came from Mexico to get high in California,” while a younger girl stood crying with delight alongside her mother. Regardless of age or distance traveled, there is no questioning the deep emotional connection Tomlinson has fostered among his fanbase.
Tomlinson’s setlist was a lively mix of songs from the tour’s titular album, his debut album Walls, and even covers from One Direction and The Arctic Monkeys. Tomlinson honored his boy band roots with a reworked rendition of “Night Changes,” even saving “Where Do Broken Hearts Go” for the encore and a feverishly excited crowd. Another highlight of the night was “High in California,” which Tomlinson had winked at earlier in the set saying, “it already smells beautiful in here.” From start to finish, Tomlinson commanded the stage with expert ease, maintaining the rapt attention of the 8,000-plus venue.
CONNECT WITH LOUIS TOMLINSON
INSTAGRAM | SPOTIFY| FACEBOOK | TWITTER| WEBSITE
PHOTOS + WORDS | DANA JACOBS
