In celebration of the 10th anniversary of her debut album Goddess, Banks delivered an unforgettable performance that mesmerized a sold-out Los Angeles crowd. The show was held at the El Rey, an intimate venue glowing with red beams and an aura of mystery and passion. This celebration of a night was a powerful reminder of why Banks has maintained her loyal following over the last decade. With no openers, the night was entirely hers, and she commanded the stage with confidence, raw emotion and electrifying energy throughout the entire show.
The show opened with “Alibi,” a track Banks hadn’t performed live since 2015. Her return to the song felt nostalgic, and it set the tone for the night. As soon as she hit the first note, her powerful vocals washed over the crowd, and her stunning range sent fans into admirable applause. Red beams shot across the stage, enveloping Banks as her voice echoed with power throughout the venue, captivating the audience from the very beginning. Fans immediately threw their hands into the air, whipping their hair and shouting in pure excitement.
The energy soared even higher as the opening notes of the title track “Goddess” echoed through the venue. It was clear that this song still resonated deeply with her fans, who sang every word alongside her, their voices filling the venue. The moment was intensified as the lights hit the chandeliers above, illuminating the room in a magical glow. Each song put fans in a frenzy, the screens lighting up with visuals, and their voices collectively filling in every gap that Banks left for them to sing.
One of the most emotional highlights of the night came with “Waiting Game.” The fans, swept away by the intensity of the performance, shouted back every lyric. Their voices roared through the room as the beat shifted, causing cheers to erupt with each change. Banks herself was visibly moved by the audience’s participation, expressing her gratitude to her loyal fans who had stuck with her for a decade. The connection between the performer and the audience felt incredibly intimate and genuine.
The show took an unexpected turn when Banks performed “Someone New,” a piano-driven piece that wasn’t originally slated for the tour. The haunting melody and deeply personal lyrics had the audience swaying, lost in the emotion of the song. Fans hung onto every lyric that was sung, swaying, taking in the moment. By the time she reached her song “Drowning,” the crowd was clapping along, the venue erupting with dancing and singing as Banks encouraged them, “You sound so good!”
The sultry confidence of “Warm Water” filled the room before Banks closed the set with “Change,” a moving moment that had the entire theater waving their hands in unison. But she wasn’t done just yet. For the encore, Banks returned to the stage with “Before I Ever Met You,” her body moving rhythmically to the beat as fans applauded and cheered.
The night ended with a playful twist as she performed her latest single, “I Hate Your Ex-Girlfriend,” leaving the audience in powerful confident spirits. She tossed roses into the crowd, a final thank you to her dedicated fans who had danced, sang and celebrated alongside her for 10 years.
Banks Setlist
1. Alibi
2. Goddess
3. Brain
4. Waiting Game
5. Someone New
6. Drowning
7. Warm Water
8. Beggin For Thread
9. This Is What It Feels Like
10. Bedroom Wall
11. Change
12. Before I Ever Met You
13. I Hate Your Ex-Girlfriend
All photos by Lily McLaughlin
Leave a Comment