The Kid Laroi’s made a momentous return tot he city of Manchester to play to a packed sold-out show at the Manchester O2 Apollo as part of his electrifying ‘The First Time Tour’. The venue was filled with an eclectic mix of hip-hop enthusiasts, all ready to witness the rising star in action. Adding to the excitement, British singer-songwriter Sam Tompkins set the stage on fire as the support act, warming up the crowd with his soulful vocals and infectious energy. As the lights dimmed and the crowd erupted into cheers, The Kid Laroi made a grand entrance, instantly commanding the stage with his undeniable charisma and even repping a retro Manchester United football shirt, which was a very nice touch for the local audience and for this photographer and reviewer especially! Laroi then launched into his set with high-octane energy, kicking off the night with the opening track ‘Sorry’ from his “The First Time” album and setting the tone for an unforgettable night ahead. Laroi would go on to play fan favourites from his recently released album such as ‘What’s the move’ and ‘Where do you sleep?’ before even bringing an eager fan onstage to perform his classic collaboration with the late great Juice WRLD ‘Go’ which hyped the audience up even further. What immediately struck me about The Kid Laroi’s performance was his raw authenticity. Despite his skyrocketing fame, he remained grounded, connecting with the audience on a personal level with his heartfelt lyrics and relatable storytelling. Each song felt like a glimpse into his world, as he poured his heart and soul into every verse, leaving no emotion unexplored. The production value of the concert was also top-notch, with dynamic visuals and pulsating beats that kept the energy levels soaring throughout the night. The stage design perfectly complemented The Kid Laroi’s edgy aesthetic, creating a captivating atmosphere that transported the audience into his world of music and emotion. As the concert came to a close, Laroi had clearly left his mark on Manchester with an unforgettable performance that will be remembered amongst his Mancunian fans for years to come. With his infectious energy, raw talent, and genuine connection to his fans, it’s clear that The Kid Laroi is destined for greatness.
THE KID LAROI
SAM TOMPKINS
Photos & Words by Lewis Roberts | Exclusively for Music, Why Not!
