Concert Review: Louis Tomlinson at Moody Amphitheater
Louis Tomlinson brought his headlining “Faith in the Future” Tour to Moody Amphitheater on July 7. Throughout the night, Tomlinson brought heartfelt lyrics, upbeat anthems, and an infectious positive energy that truly gave the Austin crowd a night to remember.
Written by Lauren Stephens
Photos by Lauren Stephens
Austin’s balmy air and glowing sunset enveloped Moody Amphitheater on July 7, where despite the warm Texas weather, Louis Tomlinson fans lined up along the venue’s perimeter anxiously awaiting what would be a fiery set from the British artist. They came bearing handmade signs, treasured merchandise, and an anticipatory excitement for the night ahead.
Around 7:10 pm, the show opened with a set from 23-year-old singer-songwriter Andrew Cushin. He kicked off with his hit song “You Don’t Belong” from his debut EP. The Newcastle native displayed a refreshing vulnerability, singing about everything from addiction (“4.5%”) and the everlasting remnants of childhood we all carry with us (“You’ll Be Free”). His mature lyrics and captivating stage presence made for a strong beginning to the night. At 8:00 pm, Scottish indie rock band The Snuts took the stage. Jack Cochrane, Joe McGilveray, Callum Wilson, and Jordan Mckay showed off their seamless group dynamic throughout their enlivening 30 minute set. They played a mix of indie rock tunes, ranging from summer tune “Maybe California” to their newest single “Gloria.” Their coming of age aura synced perfectly with the golden hour lighting and the crowd waving their hands in the air enthusiastically.
Shortly after the sun fell, The Snuts wrapped up their set, and the crowd felt the closeness of Tomlinson’s presence as the pre-show playlist came on shuffle. At each song’s end, everyone collectively held their breaths — eyes scanning the stage for the beloved singer — and released them as a new, non-Louis tune began. At 9:05 pm, their inhales released into a collective scream as the lights dipped the amphitheater into darkness. Seconds later, white lights flashed on stage and smoke filled the air as the supporting band walked out to their respective places. The recognizable opening drum beats of “The Greatest” rang through the venue, and in a haze of white fog and flashing lights, Tomlinson entered the stage with a smile. Screams erupted from the crowd before falling seamlessly into singing the first track off Faith In The Future along with him.
Following the opening track, the lights shifted into a sensual red as Tomlinson began his 2019 single “Kill My Mind.” Now adjusted to the stage, he gripped his mic passionately as he eased into the chorus singing, “I can ease the pain / Just a little taste babe / And ya won't let go of your hold on me.” Throughout the song and the rest of the set, Tomlinson was intentional about connecting with his fans, gracing all areas of the stages and pointing out to fans’ beaming faces. The crowd reflected his energy right back to him, dancing and rehearsing each lyric without hesitation.
The vibrant red lights shifted into a soft blue, signaling a shift into the more reflective single “Bigger Than Me.” Touching on the inner struggles of self-doubt and personal growth, the pop rock anthem brought the crowd together in beautiful solidarity. Tomlinson’s eyes gleamed with gratitude as he looked out, taking in the gravity of thousands of voices singing back to him, “Now I realize that the world outside / Is bigger than me.”
Throughout his hour and a half long set, Tomlinson never lost the attention of his audience. The crowd mirrored his every lyric, and consistently erupted into cheers between each song. There were moments of sentimental tears, such as during the One Direction original “Night Changes,” and others of spirited dancing during “She is Beauty” and “Back to You.”
After two minutes and 18 seconds of the sheer zeal of “Out of My System,” Tomlinson disappeared off the stage in a post-firework fog. Fans quickly caught the encore memo and began chanting, “Louis! Louis! Louis!” After a couple minutes passed, a single spotlight appeared on the dark stage, and Tomlinson reappeared, standing alone on the side of the stage. His warm voice recollected a darker time in the beginning lines of “Saturdays,” “Feelin' dirty cheap on Silver Street / At quarter to three / Hidden across my face / In the crowd, I'm countin' up the days / In a haze.” The pensive first verse and nostalgic pre-chorus slowly built into the all of the lights going up and the band joining in as he sang, “No matter how much you want it, some things change.”
For the final two songs of the set, Tomlinson played an ode to his past life with “Where Do Broken Hearts Go,” from One Direction’s fourth studio album, Four. Suddenly we were back in 2014, and the atmosphere filled with a sense of reminiscence and nostalgia for a time that was simpler. After the crowd screamed the last, “Where do broken hearts go?” back at Tomlinson, the stage dimmed yet again. Soon after, a singular light welcomed the beginning of Faith in the Future’s third single “Silver Tongues.” Reflecting on the bliss of coming-of-age moments, the song perfectly captured the night’s youthful fervor as fans echoed, “Nights like these, we'll remember,” and Tomlinson’s powerful performance proved this to be true to every audience member. As the song closed out, fireworks pierced the black sky and streamers cascaded down, with fans reaching up, hoping to take a small part of Tomlinson’s magic with them.
“The Faith in The Future” Tour’s success made it even more clear how influential Tomlinson has become. Louis’ fans know every lyric to every tune, and there is a sense of community at his concerts that few artists achieve. His music speaks to some of his darkest moments and greatest memories, creating a striking bond between him and his fans. In this, Tomlinson perfectly, yet honestly, fulfills the greatest gift of music: to connect people.