It was a Thursday night in South Philadelphia, but tonight felt like anything but that. It was the first time in three years since Post Malone came to Philadelphia to perform, and the crowds' energy matched the excitement as they filled the seats of the sold-out arena. Malone was hospitalized weeks before the show after he fell through a hole on stage on his stop in Saint Louis, breaking his ribs and ankle. Despite his injuries, Post powered through, making the night unforgettable for his fans.
DJ Zach Bia was the first to take the stage. While being his own hype man, Zach interacted with the audience as he played an ample blend of hip-hop hits, early 2010 jams, and classic oldies like Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline. I love how Zach gave each stop on the tour a unique performance, playing a plethora of Philly anthems like Meek Mill’s Dreams and Nightmares. Although he did a great job warming up the crowd, his performance was forgettable shortly after it was over.
Rapper Roddy Ricch was next to perform as he pranced through every corner of the stage, giving lots of high-fives along the way. Dressed in a black puffer jacket and Gucci sunglasses, the Compton crooner satisfied fans old and new, playing a blend of his chart-topping hits and underground favorites.
He owned his performance with a trademark style of loveable swagger and vigor that kept the audience wanting more. The highlight of his show was when Ricch performed Die Young. The song is a painful reality about passing away too soon in a world of gun violence and drug overdoses. He dedicated the song to his friends, mentors, and musical collaborators who tragically passed away. As he acknowledged each of them by name, a slideshow appeared on the video board that featured the faces of Nipsey Hustle, Mac Miller, King Von, Juice Wrld, and PnB Rock. Phone flashes transformed the area into a beautiful sea of light, possibly to symbolize the light needed to get us out of the dark places in our lives. It was a chilling moment that will stay with everyone who witnessed it.
Malone's performance was nothing short of spectacular. There was never a dull moment across the twenty-three song set which showcased Post’s diverse discography of genre-blending ballads surrounded by pyrotechnics of floating chandelier-like lights, bursts of flaming fire, and orange and yellow fireworks.
As the crowd chanted his name, the show opened up in a sea of darkness. A singular spotlight shined down on the Rockstar rapper as he sang the opening lyrics to reputation- a simple song with a simple piano melody showcasing his insecurities of fame on full display. I believe that’s what fans love most about Post. He isn’t afraid to show his fans who he truly is. He isn’t afraid to embarrass himself and doesn’t care what others think about his look or silly side. Malone started the show inciting cheers and applause, saying, “I came to play some shitty songs and get a little bit fucked up while doing it” as he chugged red Solo Cups full to the brim of Bud Light in between numbers. He did a spot-on Gandolf impression using the microphone as his magic wand, wore every bra that was thrown on stage like a well-fitted hat, and even smashed a fan's ukulele on stage (at the fan's request). No matter where you sat at the Wells Fargo Center, Post made it his mission to make every fan feel seen as he waved while walking around the circular stage. Mid-way through the show, he spoke about how seeing his supporters makes him feel less alone. I believe we can say the same. Seeing Post live was like seeing an old friend again. The arena was packed, but Malone made it feel so intimate, even transitioning to strum on his acoustic guitar versions of Stay and Circles as the prominent pain in his vocals and lyrics echoed throughout the area.
He brought lots of liveliness, enthusiasm, and infectious energy as he sang his heart out and danced like no one was watching during the instrumental bridges.
After the show, Post took the time to sign dozens of autographs and take selfies with fans standing in the pit long after the show was over- just another one of the ways that makes him so unique and special from other artists in the industry. These gestures go a long way to create a lifetime of happy memories, and I’m sure fans will be telling these stories to everyone who is willing to listen.
Whether you are a casual listener or a die-hard fan, a Post Malone show is a sensational sight worth seeing at least once in your lifetime- and if you are lucky, hopefully, more.
The Twelve Carat Toothache Tour continues to sell-out arena across the United States. To find a city near you and purchase tickets, visit postmalone.com/shows
