The Do That Again tour has officially ended, which means that it’s time to discuss it. With hit songs like “Chest Pain (I Love)” and “Earrings”, Malcolm Todd has become one of the biggest new artists this year, generating a fanbase large enough to successfully sell out all the venues in the North American leg. This being my second concert and the first going alone, I am going to share whether my chaotic experience was worth it to see my one of my favorite singers perform live.
Pre-Show
Boston greets me with a rainy afternoon as the bus arrives at South Station. The Nor’easter storm is in full bloom as I grab my Uber to the heart of Boston University. My friend who studies there meets me, and because of the treacherous weather, we are forced to coop up in her dorm, watching the city get drenched from her window. My other friend tries to make the day worthwhile and takes me to a Chinese hot pot place, perfect for the gloomy weather. When the time comes for me to get in line for the concert, it begins to pour. Now, you would think that I have prepared for this weather, as there have been warnings of this storm being quite terrible. Well, do not think of me so highly. I planned my outfit weeks before and I was set on not changing it. Blue jeans, a gray top, and a “Do That Again” jacket that I bought off of the merch website.
I arrive at Fenway Theater at 6:30 PM after a very traffic-filled Uber ride. I see the line making its way down the street, taking me at least two minutes to find the end. With no roof in sight everyone is exposed to the cold, never-ending rain that becomes my worst enemy. As I wait in line, the weather becomes so unbearable that I have to pay ten dollars (yes, ten!) for a plastic poncho off of this random man selling them up and down the street. Although it was basically robbery, I am glad I bought it because it made me start a conversation with three girls who were in front of me. It is a great distraction, as the weather does not improve in the slightest, and we all finally get in two painstaking hours later.
Main Act
Everyone starts cheering for the one we have all been waiting for. The vibe is electric, the music is bone-rattling, and Malcolm Todd is shining. His set list consists of his new album, hit songs, and true fan favorites that create a beautifully curated journey that makes me almost cry tears of joy. His performance is authentic and raw, giving it his all to keep the crowd going. At one point, he brings out his mom to sing the song she performed at her own wedding, as it was her anniversary that weekend. Her vocals are amazing, stealing the praise and showing such a great dynamic with her equally talented son. The part of the show is when he performs “Chest Pain (I Love).” The montage of movie couples playing as he sings makes the song even more visceral and romantic.
As he ends his show, he leaves in a hurry and teases us with his final song: “Do That Again.” The final notes leave us with the need for more.
Post Show
Again, do not think so highly of me as I leave the show with about five percent of phone battery. I barely have enough time to find the bus route home when my phone dies. I somehow find girls who are going to the same dorm as I am and all get an Uber. I finally make it to the dorm at midnight with drenched jeans, jacket, and gray shirt; but more importantly, I make it back with the true memories of an unforgettable performance.
Takeaways
After this show, I learned that going to concerts alone does not have to be the most depressing thing in the world. Meeting new friends and going to new places should not be scary; it should be an opportunity to have life-altering experiences and become independent in a world where we are forced to become our own person.
Malcom Todd’s Do That Again tour is something that I will forever cherish, something that will hang in my dorm room for the rest of the year, and a jacket that I will wear until it deteriorates. Although the whole experience of getting to and from the concert was somewhat disastrous, I would not trade it for anything. So yes, I would see this again and again; it is easily so worth it, and it will so easily be the highlight of my freshman year of college.
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