Porter Robinson’s performance at Vancouver‘s Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre on November 1, 2024, was nothing short of mesmerizing—a blend of intricate visuals, emotional highs, and electronic anthems spanning his career. With a setlist divided into three distinct acts (representing SMILE!, Nurture, and Worlds), Robinson treated fans to an expertly crafted show that showcased his evolution as both an artist and a performer.
The night kicked off with tracks from his latest project, SMILE!, immediately pulling the crowd into a whirlwind of energy and digital psychedelia. The opener, “Knock Yourself Out XD,” electrified the atmosphere with an infectious energy that had fans dancing from the first beat. Robinson’s visuals synced perfectly with the music, capturing a vibrant, anime-inspired world that had the audience spellbound. Highlights from this section included “Perfect Pinterest Garden” and the euphoric “Kitsune Maison Freestyle,” with fans erupting at the drop in “Is There Really No Happiness?”
Shifting into the emotionally rich Nurture era, Robinson took fans to a more introspective place. Songs like “Wind Tempos,” played as a delicate piano snippet, allowed for a breath of calm before the lively “Musician” and fan-favorite “Something Comforting.” During “Unfold,” the Vancouver crowd set a new tour record for the longest singalong, filling the arena with harmonies that echoed long after the song ended. The moment felt like a collective exhale, a communal celebration of shared emotion. Robinson visibly soaked in the love, often stepping back to let the audience carry the vocals.
The final act brought fans back to Worlds, his debut album that forever changed the landscape of electronic music. A soft, ethereal “Sad Machine” intro led into “Sea of Voices,” blending two tracks in a way that felt both nostalgic and new. “Divinity” and “Fresh Static Snow” reenergized the crowd with hypnotic bass and swirling melodies, while “Language” was a euphoric climax, sending waves of bliss through the venue. The poignancy of “Goodbye to a World” was palpable, its outro a bittersweet moment as Robinson seemed to say farewell to an era even while celebrating it.
After a roaring demand for more, Robinson returned for an encore, playing “Shelter,” his collaborative anthem with Madeon, which felt like a beautiful bow on a night filled with highs and heart. He closed with “Cheerleader,” a surprising but infectious choice that ended the concert on a joyful, carefree note, reminding everyone that while Robinson’s music often dives deep into introspection, there’s always a sense of lightness and optimism.
Porter Robinson’s Vancouver show was not just a performance; it was a journey through years of emotional and musical evolution, filled with intimate moments, crowd-shaking energy, and a sense of togetherness that only live music can provide.