Louis Tomlinson – The Armory – Minneapolis MN – June 16th 2023

Live Nation and The Armory Louis Tomlinson with The Snuts and Andrew Cushin – The Armory – Minneapolis, MN June 16^th, 2023

Review and photos by Kate Klaus

Louis Tomlinson returned to Minneapolis, and his growth as a solo artist was evident as he brought his “Faith in the Future” World Tour to the Armory in downtown Minneapolis, a large step up from his Minnesota stop last year.

British singer-songwriter Andrew Cushin opened the night with a beautiful acoustic set.  A quickly rising star, backed by support from Oasis’s Noel Gallagher, he has taken the UK by storm, and judging by the reaction of this US crowd on his second night of support for the Faith in the Future tour, he is sure to continue to climb.  His performance was simplistic, just acoustic guitar, accompanied by keyboard, but his infectious energy and smile paired with lively and beautiful vocals won over the crowd and started off a great night of music.

Scottish band The Snuts followed, with vibrant, poppy energy, getting the crowd hopping and dancing.  The indie rock band, who released their first studio album “W.L” in 2021, are known for their energetic live performances and catch guitar riffs.  Lead singer and guitarist Jack Cochrane boasts a dynamic stage presence and a distinctive voice, well suited for their rock sound.  Joined by guitarist Joe McGillveray, bassist Callum Wilson and drummer Jordan “Joko” Mackay, the Snuts had the excited crowd at the Armory screaming and jumping, getting them energized for the rest of the show.

Louis Tomlinson took the stage to the deafening screams of the crowd.  After the massive success of his first solo album “Walls” in 202, the former One Direction superstar has clearly established himself as a successful solo artist, with the release of his 2022 album “Faith in the Future”, for which this world tour is named.  He started off the night with the first track of the album, “The Greatest”, with his charismatic stage presence and quiet, shy smile winning over the crowd.  He followed that with “Kill My Mind” from his previous album, and throughout the night mixed in songs from both albums, and sprinkling in covers, including One Direction songs “Night Changes” and “Where Do Broken Hearts Go”, as well as a flawless and haunting cover of the Arctic Monkey’s “505”.  The entire set was moving and charismatic, and his energy captivated the crowd.  On the closing song of the night, “Silver Tongues” as streamers shot out of confetti canons, he left the Armory draped in streamers of the trademark red color of the tour, and left the fans with an unforgettable night of music and emotions.