Malcolm Todd announced over forty-five shows shortly after his sophomore album, “Do That Again,” was released in early June. Todd started touring America at the start of September, and will finish his tour in May of next year in Australia. Malcolm reached popularity through apps like TikTok, promoting his music and releasing the smash hit “Chest Pain (I Love).” Saturday, September 19th, Todd played a show at The Met Philadelphia, just about 45 minutes from TCNJ.Â
I had the great pleasure of going to see Malcolm Todd’s 2nd Philly show last weekend, after fighting in the Ticketmaster war three times. Todd played twenty-three songs, starting with “Jean Skirt” at around 9 pm and closing the night out with “Roommates” at 10:30 pm. He played about eleven songs from his newest album, including hits “Obsessica” and “Breathe.”Â
The first thing that caught my attention was Malcolm’s entrance. Malcolm’s team put together a funny, interactive entrance with his bandmates, with each of them doing a handshake and running out onto the stage. I loved how each bandmate’s name was recognized, proving that the show wasn’t just organized by Malcolm himself. It gave everyone a good laugh and got the crowd prepared to make some noise.Â
Throughout the show, Malcolm talked to the crowd, danced around the stage, and gave the moment to us. There were many times I noticed Todd letting the crowd sing the words and taking his in-ears (headphone monitors to hear the band) out to hear our voices. He complimented our willingness to get involved and showed how much fun he was having.Â
In regard to the venue, I thought it was okay. It was very small, and for a sold-out show, it was definitely tight. The one thing I didn’t like about the venue was the merch situation; my sister & I stood in line a few times for merch, only to be kicked off and told merch wasn’t for sale. The venue kept shutting down merch lines to reduce traffic, but it only created more confusion. We were in line around 8 p.m. and told to come back at 8:15- not only did we go back several times after that, but we didn’t bring merchandise back to our seats. We had to leave a song early at the end of the set when there was no line. My seats were all the way back in the mezzanine, but I had a great view the entire show.Â
As for the crowd, it can make or break a show. In this case, it absolutely made the show. The crowd was so interactive, singing every word and interacting with Todd when he spoke. During some songs, the crowd took out their phones and shone their flashlights. In other songs, everyone waved their hands from side to side. I felt connected with everyone in that room, and I loved what we shared through his music.Â
This was my first time seeing Malcolm Todd, and I absolutely loved it. Malcolm’s stage presence made the show, and the crowd was interacting with him the entire time. The visuals were beautiful, bringing each song’s meaning to life. Malcolm’s personality brightens an entire room, and that was made clear, as everyone left with a smile on their faces. I really enjoyed watching him do what he loves, and I would 100% see Malcolm Todd again.