Louis Tomlinson’s ‘Messy’ Night in Vegas

Article & Photos By Tharynn Olson

Louis Tomlinson has captured the hearts of his fans for years. Now, finally, as a solo artist touring his second album, Faith In The Future, he has made it to Vegas. Playing the gorgeous Chelsea theater in the Cosmopolitan, a venue with 3.2k capacity, fans got to experience a sold-out night they’ll never forget. As Tomlinson continues to play larger venues each year, this smaller venue provided a more intimate feel for fans attending. He was joined by openers Andrew Cushin and The Snuts. 

Let’s talk about The Snuts for a minute here. They are a band from Scotland that have been on the rise for the past few years. They were brought along by Louis on some of his live shows in the past. Last year, The Snuts released their second album, a protest album that gorgeously captures the feelings of the current generation’s struggles (inequality, addiction, societal collapse, mental illness) as well as still trying to find the beauty in life, called Burn The Empire. They are joining Louis on tour for a short run, and it is actually their first time touring in America. However, they are planning on coming back next year it seems. After every show the band asks fans on Instagram what cities they should come back to. Their sound resonates with you long after the show. Screaming their lyrics with a room full of people was cathartic. 

Seeing Louis Tomlinson live is one of the best things you can do for yourself. The group of people you’ll get to experience it with, whether you show up with friends or alone, is going to be life changing. Before Louis came on, I was in the photo pit in front of the stage taking polaroids of fans for them to keep, and in turn, they gave me friendship bracelets (everyone comes with arms full of bracelets to trade) and fun conversation. If there is one thing you can count on when going to a Louis concert, it’s that you’ll make friends. Fans love him and his music so much that it creates an instant connection between everyone in the room. 

When he finally came on stage, the screams were deafening and I knew I was in for a good time. Hearing this new album live, singing along with a room full of people who understand you, and with the person who made you feel so understood, is a special experience. These newer songs were made to be performed live and did not disappoint. As I watched Louis interact with those fans in the front row I had talked to, I knew they would be treasuring those moments for the rest of their lives. It’s a special connection he has with his fans and is unlike any fan base I’ve experienced. After my time in the pit, I joined the energetic crowd and screamed along to all the songs. It was like therapy to all of us, especially his renditions of One Direction’s “Night Changes” and “Where Do Broken Hearts Go.”

 

It’s amazing to watch an artist bring so many strangers together and make us feel like family for a night and even longer for some. If you haven’t gotten the chance to see Louis’, you need to run to whichever show you can before this tour is over at the end of July . He will also be performing at his festival, The Away From Home Festival, on August 19th in Lido di Camaiore, Italy.

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