Bryson Tiller made sure to let Los Angeles know that he’s back and he’s better as he performed at The Wiltern for his “Back and I’m Better” tour. This is his first U.S. tour in 6 years since Tiller’s last tour in 2017 for his second album, True to Self. The anticipation had been building up for his fans upon his tour announcement this year and it shows because they eagerly sold out his show at The Wiltern.
The whole venue was packed with excited fans jamming to his opener DJ Nitrate’s set who played R&B hits that never get old. The crowd grew hyped and energized for Tiller’s performance. While waiting, the fans behold a stage decorated in a ‘90s arcade fashion with two arcade machines on either side of the stage and LED video screens all stacked in the middle. Retro images of old video games can be seen flickering across the screens forming a colorful and nostalgic stage.
Tiller hit the stage proving to be back and better with his smooth R&B and rap. Along with his own sleek stage presence, the stage made a presence of its own. Vibrant colors illuminated brightly behind Tiller and shined on to the audience setting the ambience per song. The vibrance of the colors set the atmosphere for everyone there all while Tiller’s smooth vocals spread throughout the place.
Tiller’s performance ranged from his older and newer songs from pop to his rap/R&B songs. He kept it fresh performing his newer songs such as “Inhale” all while also bringing it back with his long list of adored, fan-favorite songs. The crowd was up and dancing the entire show but even more so when Tiller performed his iconic hit song with Rihanna and DJ Khaled “Wild Thoughts”. Tiller continued to perform his other hit songs such as “Exchange” and “Don’t”. The stage illuminated red and the strobe lights pulsed to every beat as Tiller slowed it down for his song “Don’t”. There wasn’t a single fan in the crowd that didn’t know the words to “Don’t”. His fans erupted into singing, not missing a single lyric to that song with their voices echoing. Tiller hinted to his fans that music is on its way to be released soon, leaving his fans eager for more.
As the show came to an end, Bryson Tiller thanked his fans for the constant support all these years. Staying true to the theme, the show officially came to an end in the same fashion of a video game ending with the video screens turning off with a jingle signaling game over. Bryson Tiller puts on an amazing show that you must see!
BRYSON TILLER
Photos + Review by Natasha Agharabi | Exclusively for Music, Why Not!