The Frank Erwin Center successfully hosted the diverse fans that Goldlink, Blood Orange, and Tyler the Creator drew out from Austin,Texas.

Story by Rhylee Lionberger

The iconic silver Igor background flew to the ground following Blood Orange, the second opening act of the night. Fans patiently waited as the stage was wiped down in preparation for the final and most anticipated act, Tyler the Creator.

Originally, I went into this concert unsure of how I would enjoy it. Typically, you can find me in general admission, seeking the barricade no matter the show. However, my seats are what you would consider nosebleeds. As I awaited Tyler to take the stage, I took a mental note of growth and stature that Tyler has achieved to take over such a large venue. As an original Odd Future fan, I was proud.

As soon as the clock hit 9:15, the lights lowered and voices were raised. Tyler calmly walked onto the stage fitted in a blue suit and blonde wig to duplicate the Igor motif. A spotlight followed Tyler, finally resting when he halted to take a stance in the middle of the stage. “Igor’s theme” blasted suddenly as Tyler remained motionless until deeper into the song when he began dancing maniacally across the stage. Every section of the large venue was filled with crazed fans on their feet.

Soon after, Tyler flawlessly transitioned into the fun yet emotional “I THINK.” Continuing with his gyrating, Tyler executed every line of the song with a noticeable passion. On my feet, at nearly the highest point in the venue, I felt alive. He then continued with the syrupy songs. Following with, “PUPPET,” a ballad seemingly dedicated to a special someone, he recited the lines, “Is this my free will or yours.” Tyler’s voice encapsulated the feelings of every confused lover in the room.

The popular “A BOY IS A GUN*,” got the fans in an exuberant mood. To transition into an even more upbeat vibe, Tyler began singing the iconic “EARFQUAKE.” The fans took over rapping to complete the angelical feature Playboi Carti contributed to the song, making Tyler pleased as he danced once again.

Just when I thought there would be no interaction from Tyler and the fans, he stopped to address the whole city; beginning by noting that Austin had “the best Whole Foods,” to which – the crowd agreed. He shared the escapades he participated in while in Austin and complained about being arrested the last time he visited during SXSW. Tyler wrapped up his Austin experience by sharing, “I like this city though, shit is nice.”

After sharing some words about Austin, Tyler asked if we would like to hear some oldies – which was followed by the screams of probable older fans. Surprisingly, he played multiple songs off his past albums Flower Boy, Wolf, and even Goblin. A screen of light flashed behind Tyler as the sorrowful “IFHY” from Wolf began. The crowd immediately began singing angrily along. Other classics like “911/ Mr. Lonely,” “Who Dat Boy,” and “She” contributed to the crowd’s continuing excitement. Yet nothing compared to when “Yonkers” dropped. The mosh pit opened, fans jolted, and Tyler rapped the harsh lines which flashed my memory back to 2011. To conclude the concert, Tyler soulfully sang “See You Again,” an appropriate ending.

Tyler created an atmosphere that allowed for many types of fans to congregate, dance, and experience emotions high and low. The Igor production was clearly created with a passion and lacked any dull moments. With timeless songs, he performed every one as though he just released it and successfully filled the entire venue with his unmatched energy. Through his music, performances, and other ventures, it is clear that Tyler the Creator is potentially one of the greatest artists we could witness today.