Less is More: Lorde at Scotiabank Arena

You probably immediately think of the hit debut single Royals from that Kiwi singer when you hear the name Lorde. Since then she has gone on to win multiple Grammys, a Golden Globe and more. 

Lorde returned to Toronto after three years with a brand new album and a much larger venue, compared to Meridian Hall (formerly known as the Sony Centre). That being said, she still managed to capture a cozy atmosphere with her fans despite performing at Scotiabank Arena, a much larger arena. The massive staging actually helped with this, as it amplified the minimal, symbolic, and theatrical elements of her performance. All the vulnerable emotions you feel when listening to Virgin: longing, moving forward, liberation and more, were all reflected in this.  

Unlike most of the people at Scotiabank Arena that night, I didn’t have tickets planned out in advance. I lost the presale war with Ticketmaster right after having fallen in love with Lorde’s music all over again following the release of her new album Virgin. With only a plan to line up at the box office and hope for the best, I ended up with lower bowl tickets right by the side of the stage for a great deal. 

Many fans on TikTok felt that Lorde singing Supercut in leisure wear while running on a treadmill perfectly captured how they feel listening to that song alone in their rooms. Lorde managed to make a 20,000 capacity arena feel like a bedroom floor. To deepen this intimate sense of connection with her fans even further, Lorde donned a light-up jacket and walked across the floor during her performance of David, bringing herself closer to the rest of the audience; and closing the physical distance between them. 

Her unique choreography throughout the show could be interpreted as unconventional by some, but it was also just so distinctly her. Rather than relying on dozens of dancers or elaborate routines, Lorde danced in ways that can only be described as emotional, strange, and a little messy. It was like her body was translating the raw sentiments of her music. Other aspects of this included a lone dancer eating an apple, a single green light glowing on her during her performance of Green Light, and a large mirror of her own reflection looking back at her with her fans in the background. Overall, it fit nicely with the stripped-down staging and vocals. 

Even her outfits added to the intimacy. Most artists go for flashy, elaborate costumes that are very specific to their tour. However, Lorde mostly wore jeans and a simple t-shirt, and at the end, a black hoodie. This added to the feeling of dancing in your living room, making her appear as less than a distant pop star and emphasized the veracity of the whole concert. 

Then there are the more personal moments for fans that will stick with you forever. Dancing to Ribs with your best friend is an experience everyone should have. I’ll never forget the euphoric feeling of screaming “you’re the only friend I need” before laughing in the moment as the confetti fell around us. Getting to keep the small slips of paper with “you and I” written on it was so special because it was a part of the song that means so much to so many. 

As the Ultrasound tour continues, Lorde has gone on to use her platform to speak out for Palestine, acknowledging the ongoing violence and urging her audience to stay informed. Even though her Toronto show came earlier in the tour, this shows how her artistry doesn’t stop at music and is constantly evolving. 

Altogether, Lorde’s return to Toronto felt like more than just a concert, it reminded fans in the city of just how powerful simplicity can be. With symbolic elements, raw movements and a realistic wardrobe, she created an intimate setting in an arena filled with thousands. This concert was personal, thoughtful and unforgettable.