Big Time Rush Brought Nostalgia and New Hits to the Phoenix State Fair
When Big Time Rush headlined their performance at the State Fair in Phoenix, Arizona, on October 25th, the place turned into an international meeting centre as international fans streamed in to see them live in action. The crowd that grew just showed the staying power of this band, as fans came in from Mexico, France, Poland, and the Netherlands, plus many American states. Many ages were present, which reflected just how strongly the group has retained its fanbase while appealing to new listeners as well.
The quartet-its members Carlos PenaVega, Kendall Schmidt, Logan Henderson, and James Maslow-first stole girls’ hearts on their eponymous Nickelodeon show back in the year 2010 and started the evening with the high-energy hit “Big Night.” It was an opening choice that proved to be prophetic because this quartet kept an electric atmosphere throughout the whole performance thanks to their infectious dynamic stage presence.
It was an infinitely balanced setlist between nostalgia and contemporary offerings. Songs such as “Big Time Rush” and “Boyfriend” showcased their timelessness, while “Waves,” “Call It Like I See It,” “Weekends,” and their newest single “Only One” really showed how the band’s sound has evolved.
But, of course, the crowd especially went wild during “Windows Down” when James and Logan performed their signature backflips. Things got emotional when, midway through “No Idea,” fans held up “Happy Birthday Kendall” signs premature celebration of Schmidt’s upcoming November 2nd birthday perfectly orchestrated by fans who knew the band’s next show wouldn’t be until December.
The group’s commitment to fan engagement was taken to new heights during “Paralyzed,” where all four members jumped into the crowd – a deeply loved tradition serving to exemplify their relationship with their fans. This, along with many other moments throughout the night, showed why Big Time Rush is able to maintain such a consistent, loyal audience.
The night was then concluded with an electrifying encore, sending home some very rabid fans. Meanwhile, Big Time Rush came off like anything but an act riding the coattails of a bygone era throughout their performance tonight; they are in active growth mode for their legacy while sustaining the very appeal that made them so endearing in the first place.
The seamless way they’ve been able to balance old favourites with new material has kept their shows fresh and engaging no matter what age the fan may be. This State Fair appearance was another memorable chapter in their ongoing story.
Photos (c) Jessica Kamp
