My daughter had never been to a concert before. We’d tried to get tickets for Olivia Rodrigo, Sabrina Carpenter and Billie Eilish and failed every time. And then along came Tyler.
I know that list of artists doesn’t really exist in the same musical universe but my kid is growing and exploring her tastes and has cast a very wide net. And I wanted to make sure her first concert experience was exactly what she wanted. So whoever tickled her fancy was whoever we’d try to see. It was almost Stray Kids, who we’re going to see in a few months, but luckily the Chromakopia Tour came first.
I made sure I got the pre-sale code and that I knew where it fell in my day so I could be free to be in the queue and get the best tickets I could get. Then she hit me with the “I’m not sure if I’ll still like him when the concert comes round.” Now this was a legitimate concern. You’re finding new music daily, your list of favourites’ is constantly shifting, you’re actually trying to figure out your tastes. I don’t like the idea of having to offload the tickets so on ticket sale day, I was not in the queue ready to get tickets like I planned.
Then she came home from school and had changed her mind. She desperately wanted tickets, she couldn’t miss that show but I was now like 7 hours late to the sale. What seats would I get? Basically the back row in Block 2 at the Birmingham Utilita Arena on 17th May 2025. I was gutted because I thought I’d failed her. While we were going to see an artist she was into, I’d only been able to secure what I assumed were sh*tty seats. But we were going to see an artist she liked and the music is the most important thing.
I’ll admit that I didn’t know much about Tyler the Creator. I know him more as a personality, a fashion icon, a quirky guy on the internet. Like, I knew what the outfit theme/ dress code was for the concert better than I knew the songs. I’m not even sure I could name five of his songs before last week. I promised my daughter in the run up to the show that I would learn his latest album. However, time got away from me and I think I only listened to the album 2 times the whole way through a few days before the show after a few false starts that couldn’t get me past the 3rd song. And it wasn’t because I wasn’t into it, I just kept getting distracted or running out of time. But what I heard I liked and I was sure I could sing along to at least a few of the choruses, the back catalogue wasn’t even touched so I was pretty much going in blind.
Then came game day and we were so excited. I badly timed getting to the venue thinking people would be entering in dribs and drabs from the doors open time but seems everyone turned up at 7 like us causing a long queue along the pretty canal in Birmingham City Centre. But it was so cool seeing people walking up to the venue because as soon as you could see them wearing green or dressed in a preppy way, we knew we were all going to the same place. It was a vibe, especially in the unexpected sunshine.
As we were getting our bags checked, a very handsome, well dressed guy asked to take pictures of our outfits and I hope he was being kind because I thought we looked nice! But the music started blaring and I knew we’d missed the start of one of the opening acts and I was devastated for the kid as we couldn’t go straight in as we were both desperate for the loo.
After a very quick detour to the facilities, we walked into the arena at 7.40pm and Paris, Texas had the crowd going crazy.
Paris, Texas
I’ve already confessed that I’m a complete newbie when it comes to Tyler’s music. Well Paris, Texas was a complete unknown. I assumed it was one guy but I was wrong and if I didn’t do any research after the show, I would’ve left thinking they were a trio, they were not. But what they were, was really good. They got the crowd moving, there was interaction, the atmosphere was so much fun. I can’t wait to dive into their music and really get to know what they’re about. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt so connected to music I hadn’t heard before because I was experiencing it live for the first time, it was like being at a festival and discovering your next favourite band.
Lil Yachty
It was about half way through Lil Yachty’s set until I heard a song I knew. I think I would have recognised him sooner but his hair was all natural for the show and I think in my head I associate him with braids and beads. I have to say I heard very little from him though. I’m not sure if the sound mix was off but it was so hard to distinguish what he was saying. I may not have heard a word and only been able to decipher some screeching but one thing is for sure, I felt that bass, in my ears, in my head, in my toes, I think it might have been vibrating my soul. It was so intense to the point of distorting his sound, people in the pit were going crazy so I think it must have sounded better down there. He had a very relaxed style which I think was the right mood before the big show started.
The Main Event – Tyler the Creator
He came out with a bang! The horned afro wig, the green marching band suit, the attitude. It was such a moment. While the opening acts performed on a small stage in the centre of the floor area, everyone in the seated sections where seated. We were enjoying the show but comfortably in our seats. But when that first “Chromakooooopia” rang out across the arena, the seats became a distant memory for the next almost 2 hours. Like I said earlier, I don’t really know Tyler the Creator like that so my expectations were somewhat not defined. Chromakopia is a great album, but how would it translate to the stage, especially for someone with so little knowledge? I don’t think I expected what I got!
He had no backup on stage, he was completely on his own for the whole show but it was barely noticeable. He’s a great singer, rapper, dancer, all round performer. His songs translated well to that big stage which was extremely sparse but eye-catching (stacked green shipping containers). He even had a floating walkway which he utilised as a way to transition from the big stage to the little stage where the openers had performed. That stage was transformed into a cosy living room where he had an outfit change and lovingly sifted through LPs of his back catalogue, even giving a glimpse into the artists that inspired him, Pharrell and Outkast being the 2 that caught my eye.
If I had to think of something that might have improved the show, I think I would have liked some live instrumentation but I’m not sure how that would have worked. I think the show hinged on Tyler being on stage solo, so where would the band go, in front of the pit in a makeshift orchestra pit, behind the shipping containers, in the shipping containers? I don’t know. And that’s why I don’t put on shows or tour the world. Although, to be honest he wasn’t completely alone, some interesting camera angles on the screens and some very well timed and not overly used pyrotechnics was all that was needed.
He put on a one man show that had me as a non-fan captivated and impressed and has made me a fan. I can only wish to be that creative and charismatic and captivating. I’m definitely inspired by his artistry and want to somehow incorporate his energy into my creations on my channel when it gets going. But most importantly, this was the first show my daughter has ever been to and honestly, I think it will leave a mark because it truly shows that there aren’t really any limits to creativity and connection with the people around you.
I don’t know who I am to give out stars but with the good mood he put me in, he can have them all!
Keep moving!
SHE MUST MOVE - THE BLOG 
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