The Kid LAROI - The First Time Tour
Flames, Feels, and Firsts: The Kid LAROI’s Epic Sydney Show
On a balmy spring evening, The Kid LAROI brought The First Time tour to life at CommBank Stadium, Parramatta, in an unforgettable homecoming spectacle. The show wasn’t just a concert; it was a triumphant chapter in his story, filled with raw emotion, fiery visuals, and plenty of crowd-pleasing moments.
Before the lights dimmed, a video message from LAROI himself reminded the crowd of his promise to return to this stadium and fill it—a promise fulfilled as thousands of fans of all ages gathered under the clear night sky. This was more than just a performance; it was a dream realized for the 20-year-old global star.
The stage setup was nothing short of spectacular. A central stack of speakers doubled as a smaller stage for LAROI to command, flanked by live drums, guitar, keys, and DJ/sampling gear. Pyrotechnics stole the show early, shooting flames high into the arena as the lighting and live video screens worked seamlessly with LAROI’s energetic performance. A live cameraman danced alongside the artist, ensuring every angle of the action was broadcast to the massive crowd.
From the moment he stepped on stage in a jacket and sunglasses (soon ditched for better crowd interaction), LAROI owned the night. Early in the set, he ignited a series of mosh pits, setting a high-energy tone that barely let up. But the show wasn’t just about spectacle—it was about heart.
A mid-set medical emergency caused an unscheduled pause, but the atmosphere never faltered. Fans continued singing together, keeping the energy alive until the show resumed. Later, LAROI’s heartfelt tribute during ‘Where Does Your Spirit Go?’ was a standout moment. Dedicating the song to two women from the Redfern and Woolloomooloo communities, he encouraged the audience to sing for anyone they’d lost, delivering a beautiful piano-led rendition with gospel choir backing vocals.
LAROI’s connection with his audience was palpable. He asked the crowd to light up the stadium during ‘Without You’ creating a breathtaking scene as thousands of phone torches flickered like stars. The song’s singalong energy carried over into ‘Thousand Miles’, where his acoustic guitar added a raw, intimate touch. He teased fans with memories of shoeys from past tours—though this time, he wisely resisted the chants to down one. And when he introduced ‘Blessings’, his first-ever release, he brought Nooky onstage to put a fresh spin on the track.
One of the most apt moments of the night came when LAROI brought out his support act, One Four, to join him for a high-energy performance of their collaboration ‘My City’. The hometown pride in the air was undeniable, and the crowd roared their approval for the group as they owned the stage together. The crowd erupted again as the artist launched into ‘Stay’, the chart-topping collaboration with Justin Bieber. LAROI left the stage as the audience roared for more, returning for a high-energy finale with ‘Nights Like This’.
The audience, spanning primarily late teens to mid-20s but with plenty of older fans as well, stayed engaged throughout. As they poured out of the stadium, their chatter was filled with favourite moments, proving the night had left an indelible mark. The event, presented by TEG Live and Nova, ran like clockwork, with the event staff’s helpfulness noted by many attendees. The lovely spring weather only added to the evening’s magic, setting the perfect stage for a hometown hero’s big night.
The Kid LAROI delivered more than a performance—he delivered a celebration. A celebration of his journey, his fans, and his roots. From the roaring flames to the tender moments, The First Time tour in Sydney was everything fans hoped for and more.
Huge thanks go to The Kid LAROI, TEG LIVE, Nova, On The Map PR and CommBank Stadium for having MKA along.
Review and Photos by Andy Kershaw (@andy.kershaw.photography) for Music Kingdom Australia (@musickingdomaustralia)
