Olivia Rodrigo’s Unraveled Tour has officially begun, with the show debuting on September 25 in Hartford, Connecticut. I was fortunate enough to get tickets to the second night in Hartford, and although I was practically in the nosebleeds, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It was also my first concert, and I don’t think any other one that I would go to in the future could top it. If you aren’t able to go see Olivia Rodrigo’s concert, here’s my honest review of it:
Structure
I arrived at the venue, Peoples Bank Arena, around 5:30 pm when the concert doors opened. My friend and I wanted to get there early to buy merch before it all sold out. There was one merchandise store outside the arena and a couple others inside. The outside one’s line wrapped around almost the whole room, so my friend and I decided to check in with our tickets and try the inside ones. They were much shorter, and we only waited about 10 minutes in line. We both got shirts for $50, which is quite expensive, but at least we didn’t have to wait hours for it like I’m sure some did. There were also food stands and bathrooms inside that you can stop at before or during the concert. We got to our seats a little before the time when the opener started, which was 7:00 pm. They performed until around 7:45 pm, and Olivia took the stage from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Many people left before her last few songs to beat the traffic; however, we stayed for the whole thing and ended up stuck in the parking garage for 40 minutes without moving. Though, I definitely think her closing songs were worth a few (or maybe a little more) extra minutes in the car.
Setlist
Olivia included 23 songs and a reprise in her set list from all three of her albums, SOUR, GUTS, and the album associated with this tour; you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love. It is split into four acts and an encore that each coincide with one of the four seasons. Here is the official Unraveled Tour setlist:
Spring
- drop dead
- u + me = <3
- so american
- good 4 u
- déjà vu reprise
Summer
- my way
- serena joy
- bad idea right?
- ballad of a homeschooled girl
- vampire
- purple
Autumn
- stupid song
- maggots for brains
- traitor
- begged
- cigarette smoke
Winter
- honeybee
- favorite crime/making the bed/teenage dream
- driver’s license
- less
- the cure
Encore
- déjà vu
- all american bitch
- expectations
When I first saw the set list, I was devastated over some of the songs that didn’t make it, like “get him back!” and “what’s wrong with me.” I know from what I’ve seen online that some fans were also shocked at these missing staples. However, the overall concept and organization of this setlist made the show flow well, as if Olivia were telling a story. It starts off with high-energy tracks to get the crowd excited and, after we go through an emotional journey with each seasonal act, it eventually ends with an explosive encore to end the concert on a high note…literally.
Visual Performance
As soon as I set foot in the arena, I was in awe of the beautiful stage setup of what must have been thousands of pink flowers. It honestly felt as if I entered a fairytale land, which is exactly how I’d describe this concert. Between her outfits, the performance, and the stage, it truly was magical. To go along with the seasons in her setlist, the number of flowers covering the stage changed. Olivia’s stage presence felt so surreal as well, not just the fact that I couldn’t believe I was in the same room as her, but her voice and looks fit this whimsical narrative perfectly. All of her outfits had different vibes according to that act, with my personal favorite being her “dissolving dress.” While performing “the cure,” rain poured on Olivia’s white mini dress, which gradually melted away to reveal a fitted red latex dress, symbolizing the “unraveling” theme of the whole tour. This moment, along with her enchanting stage and storytelling setlist, made the production of this concert feel straight out of a fairy tale.
Recommendations
If you’re an Olivia Rodrigo fan and managed to get tickets to this tour, I know you will have the best time, as I did. I recommend getting to the venue early to get a good parking spot and prepare yourself for the rush of people all trying to leave simultaneously after the concert. I personally wouldn’t leave before she finishes her last song, but if you absolutely hate waiting in traffic, that might be the right move for you. As for the actual show, make sure you wear comfortable clothes and shoes because you will be up on your feet jumping and screaming out songs with Olivia. I wore a tank top and a jean skirt with Converse, and I was able to enjoy the concert with no wardrobe issues, so you can still wear a cute outfit and have fun. My venue did allow small bags that had to be checked, but I’d review your specific venue’s rules before attending. I’d also recommend bringing your phone fully charged to take as many photos and videos as you want to remember this experience. This concert was truly unforgettable, and you won’t want to run into any issues that could ruin it. I had the time of my life, and I hope you can take these tips and do the same!