Written and photographed by Casey King
If you've been scrolling on TikTok at any point in the past year, chances are you've stumbled upon a snippet of David Kushner's magnetic melody, 'Daylight.' After its viral ascent on the platform, David excited his eager fanbase by revealing his inaugural European headline tour, slated for summer of 2023. I had the privilege of attending the last show of the tour on a very warm summer’s night on July 7, 2023 at the Koko Theatre in London.
As I approached the venue, a slight sweat on my brow from the warm evening’s air, fans lined the streets for blocks, their eager anticipation palpable in the air. Many had arrived hours earlier, their faces flushed from the scorching sun, yet it was clear nothing could dampen their enthusiasm for the evening's experience with smiles plastered on their rosy faces. At 6:00 pm, fans rushed into the venue, racing to secure the coveted best viewpoints in the stunning theater. Truly there could not have been a better setting to end one’s first European headline tour than the Koko Theatre with its ornate moldings, vibrant red accents and glittering mirror ball that lit up the entire venue like the night sky.
Chance Peña kicked off the night with a relaxed demeanor and a stripped-back set featuring just one other guitar player alongside him. With a mix of crooning, belting, and lighthearted audience banter, he easily captivated everyone present. As he performed one of his more emotional ballads towards the end, a breathtaking moment unfolded when the audience held their phone lights aloft, transforming the theatre into a mesmerizing scene worthy of any cinematic masterpiece.
Before David took the stage, a lucky group of fans were granted access to the photo pit, where they were seated inside the barricade for the entire show. Tears of joy spilled from their eyes as they realized what was happening. This wasn’t the first act of the thoughtfulness David had extended towards his fans that evening though. One of the other photographers in the photo pit had earlier told the story of how they attained a photo pass for the evening. She had been at his show the night before and met David at a meet and greet. During their quick conversation she mentioned how she was trying to breach the world of concert photography and explained how hard it is to get a photo pass to shows. Without hesitation David offered her a photo pass for the following night's performance.
These heartfelt gestures underscored the true character of David Kushner beyond his music. Even before he stepped onto the stage, there was a sense among the audience that he wasn't just the newest viral sensation; he was an artist who genuinely valued and cared for those who invested in his music. These moments of empathy and connection with his fans elevated his status beyond mere fame, leaving everyone with an even greater appreciation for the person behind the performer.
As the lights dimmed and the screams of 1000+ fans echoed the dark theatre, David walked onstage and began his hour long set. With minimalistic production, the spotlight was on his talent and connection with the audience. The stage set up merely consisted of a handful of programmed colored lights, a bare stage, and a backdrop with his name on it. On stage with him was Jet, his touring instrumentalist who skillfully switched between piano and guitar throughout the performance.
David kicked off his set with an electric guitar in hand, and immediately fans were singing along with him. But it wasn't just his musical prowess that endeared him to the audience. He effortlessly conversed with the crowd, treating them as friends and equals instead of just fans, and his playful banter kept the atmosphere light and joyful throughout the entire show even when the melodies and lyrics dipped into heavier themes.
As he delved into the fifth song of the night, “Burn,” David opened up about the origins of the song, revealing that it was born from the ashes of toxic relationships. The song began with the heartfelt lyrics "All you ever caused was pain, you can say you're sorry, the evidence is on my body, but I never complain, I wear it as a lesson, a curse and a blessing." As the song entered the chorus the audience passionately sang out the lyrics, "You watched me burn," their fervent voices echoed through the venue, making it evident that many could relate, eager to release their own past traumas by singing with all their might into the dark theatre.
In between songs, David effortlessly engaged with the audience, showcasing his playful side. The Texas native even attempted a British accent, humorously admitting that he wasn't quite nailing it. The crowd, however, didn't mind its lack of authenticity and instead applauded the effort. This sense of lightheartedness provided a striking contrast to the power of his vocals and the depth of his sometimes dark and introspective lyrics.
Amidst the banter, a moment arose when a fan threw a phone onto the stage. Once again showing kindness to his fans, instead of getting angry David calmly explained the danger of throwing phones, citing an anecdote from other artists' show and to lessen the blow of singling out the fan who threw the phone, graciously agreed to do a BeReal on their device. This started a chain reaction which led to David generously taking 5 other BeReals from the stage with fans' phones.
Phones were not the only items making their way to the stage during the show. In the middle of the set, a fan near the front held up a beautiful bouquet of flowers for David. The singer was visibly thrilled, and requested the flowers be passed through the audience until they made their way to him. Upon their arrival he made a joke about how the journey to the stage had made the flowers a little worse for wear, but still he thanked the fans for bringing them for him.
One of the undeniable highlights of the night was a mesmerizing unreleased song titled "Hero," which David performed near the end of the set. Before diving into the haunting melody, he shared that the song explored the feeling of being unjustly cast as the villain despite once being the hero in someone's life. The emotional piano ballad allowed him to pour his heart into the lyrics, conveying a universal concept that resonated deeply with the audience.
As he belted out the powerful words, "I was the hero but you get the glory. Now I'm the villain inside of your story. I was the saint, you used to adore me. Now I'm the villain inside of your story," the crowd couldn't help but express their approval and connection to the raw emotions emanating from the stage. In a touching display of solidarity, fans illuminated the theatre with their phone lights, turning the moment into an ethereal scene that beautifully mirrored the song's soul-stirring impact.
After the emotionally charged "Hero," David transitioned into the soothing melodies of "Canon Beach," letting the audience transition into something more easy-going than the previous song. The audience swayed to the melody and joined in singing along, embracing the mellow vibes.
Following this, David treated the crowd to another unreleased gem titled "A Little Bit More Time," which he played solo on his guitar. In explaining the song’s origins it was clear that this song was deeply personal to David and carried a message he earnestly hoped would resonate with fans. By looking at the faces of fans, it was clear the lyrics resonated deeply with the audience as they sang along with him, many with tears streaming down their faces. The gripping lines, "Cuz I don't want to live, but I don't want to die, I just need to take a little bit more time," struck a chord with everyone, capturing the collective experience of struggle and hope. The powerful connection between the artist and his fans was palpable, making the performance all the more unforgettable.
Another noteworthy performance of the night for me was "Elk Grove," a gem that may not have amassed as many streams as some of his other hits, but undoubtedly showcased his vocal ability in the most stunning manner. As the lights swirled and danced in a mesmerizing array of rainbow colors, David became enveloped in a captivating multi-colored aura.
His performance of the song was a true testament to his vocal stamina as he effortlessly soared into a beautiful falsetto, before unleashing the full force of his voice, exemplifying the power and passion of a seasoned musician. The enchanting melody and vocal range paired with the lighting made for a spellbinding and enchanting performance.
As the rainbow colors faded into the normal stage lights, David thanked the audience and left the stage as the theatre lights gently dimmed. But the crowd's enthusiasm was unwavering, and their cheers and chants echoed throughout the venue, beckoning him to return. Their persistence paid off, as after a few moments, he reemerged, draping a British flag over his shoulders as a nod to the fans' adoration.
He launched into a soul-stirring rendition of his chart-topping hit "Daylight," and to the delight of his fans, he made his way to the barrier in the pit. Standing there, he once again found a way to connect with his fans at the show, coming down to their level as they all sang his lyrics together as one massive choir. The sheer volume of their voices far exceeded what anyone would have expected from a venue of that size.
He made his way back onto the stage as the song came to an end and as the final notes of the song filled the air, he unfurled the flag from around his shoulders and held it up proudly, a symbol of appreciation for the passionate support from his British fans. He left the stage with a heartfelt thank you and a promise to return to England soon.
David Kushner's final European tour performance was one that won't be soon forgotten, leaving everyone eagerly counting down the days until his return. It was a memorable experience that showcased not just his musical identity, but the extraordinary connection he shares with his fans, cementing his place as a rising star in the music industry.
And one thing is certain, David has proven that he is more than just a one viral hit wonder.
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