Concerts Reviews
The Driver Era Light Up Vancouver with Nostalgia, Sweat, and Shirtless Shenanigans
If there’s one thing The Driver Era does better than most bands on the road right now, it’s turn a concert into a sweaty, nostalgic fever dream. On Thursday night, Ross and Rocky Lynch brought their Obsession tour to Vancouver’s Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre.
Colombian pop artist VALÉ opened the night and deserves her own flowers. Her mix of Latin pop, R&B, and rock was an absolute hit. She danced, she sang in Spanish and English, and made a real connection with the crowd. Some of the fans already all the songs, clearly having attended previous tour dates.
Ross Lynch, who filmed Chilling Adventures of Sabrina in Vancouver, got a hometown welcome of sorts. Glittery cowboy hats, chaotic signs, and full-on coordinated outfits filled the arena before a single note played. The second the house lights dropped and a curtain revealed the band’ silhouettes for the slow burn of “Touch,” the fans got loud. By the time the curtain actually dropped, the show was already at an 11.
The setlist blended fan favourites with brand-new material from Obsession. You could feel the love for these songs in how loudly people screamed every word. The visuals were on point the night. Think glitchy VHS graphics, checkerboard backdrops, moody neon lights, and even a working payphone that rang several times.
But let’s be honest, this crowd came for Ross and Rocky, and they gave it all back. Ross had his usual mix of chaotic charm and unfiltered stage banter, especially when fans chanted for him to take his shirt off. He gave into the crowd’s request eventually, of course, ripping through “I’d Rather Die” shirtless while slamming a guitar solo that felt straight out of an early-2000s teen movie finale.
The real surprise of the night was detour into Ross’ Disney past. “Cruisin’ for a Bruisin’” from Teen Beach Movie made an unexpected appearance. It was pure throwback joy, like a core memory being unlocked mid-set.
They closed with “Rumors,” “Get Off My Phone,” and “A Kiss,” complete with Ross in a fluffy cowboy hat blowing kisses to the crowd.
If The Driver Era’s goal was to leave fans obsessed, mission accomplished!
Upcoming tour dates:
7/12 – Portland, OR – Theater of The Clouds
7/15 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre
7/16 – San Diego, CA – Gallagher Square
7/18 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Palladium
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
THE DRIVER ERA
VALÉ
All Photo Credit: Santiago Hernandez
