Peter McPoland's “Piggy” Tour: Live in Philly (and Montréal)!

Words by Maddie Mosley
Photos by Eugénie Durocher

The Theater of Living Arts, Philadelphia - October 13th, 2023

Capacity Venue: 1000 music-loving souls

(Photos taken in Montréal, QC)

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Picture this: the heart of Philly, the iconic Theater of Living Arts, and the musical maestro, Peter McPoland, lighting up the stage. This wasn't just any concert, it was a journey into the heart and soul of one of the most exciting artists of our time. 

My own love affair with Peter McPoland began when I stumbled upon his acoustic rendition of “Romeo and Juliet” on TikTok back in March 2021. And oh boy, what a ride it's been since then. I saw him for the first time in May 2021 at The Foundry, a cozy little spot that holds around 400 people. Fast forward a year, and he opened for Twenty One Pilots at Madison Square Garden! The meteoric rise of an artist is always exhilarating to witness.

Last summer, while on tour with Twenty One Pilots, Peter was busy crafting his latest album, Piggy, which dropped this past summer and paved the way for his second headline tour. Philly had the distinct honor of being the very first stop on this unforgettable journey, and I, dear readers, was in for a VIP treat.

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My VIP ticket had me making a beeline for early admission, securing my spot right at the barricade. But that's not all; this golden ticket included a Q&A session, live acoustic performance, and a trendy tote bag that's my new favorite accessory. Oh, and did I mention Peter himself? He took time to interact with each and every fan, signing my tote bag and even gracing me with a selfie – how's that for personal connection?

But let's get to the heart of it – the concert. Peter McPoland isn't just a musician; he's an entertainer extraordinaire. He's a master of crowd interaction, working the stage like a maestro, making sure everyone in that room had a front-row seat to the magic. His band? Well, they're not just talented; they're his partners in crime, and you could tell they were having as much fun as the audience.

The evening kicked off with an unexpected choice – his new song, “Mold,” setting the tone for a night we'd never forget. He treated us to 21 songs, a mix of old favorites and new gems, some of which were previously unreleased. The setlist was a rollercoaster, featuring slower, introspective tunes like “String Lights” and “Dead Air,” but don't be fooled, he brought the high-energy bangers too with tracks like “Shit Show” and “Were You There.” And, of course, he saved the best for last, the iconic “Digital Silence.”

There was a moment when Peter had the crowd split down the middle, creating a path for him to jump right into the audience. It was a highlight that will live rent-free in my memories forever. His on-stage energy was contagious, with guitar punches, wild dance moves, and impassioned singing.

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Peter's musical journey, from his debut album Slow Down to his new release Piggy, showcases substantial growth. But one thing remains unchanged – his music's core purpose: making people have a blast. Witnessing an artist evolve is a special experience, and Peter's progress is nothing short of remarkable.

Despite his newfound fame, Peter stays humble and charismatic. His opening slot for Twenty One Pilots may have thrown him into the limelight, but he continues to connect with fans on a personal level.

As the final notes of “Digital Silence” resonated through the venue, the crowd was left in awe, waving one last goodbye to Peter as the lights came back on. I left the venue with a prized possession – a signed setlist, now framed and hung up in my room.

On my Uber ride back home, I couldn't help but reflect on the incredible journey that brought me to this unforgettable night. Peter's electrifying performance and his authentic connection with the audience made this concert experience one of my all-time favorites. And trust me, I can't wait to see what he has in store for the future. Peter's star is on a meteoric rise, and I'll be there, following every step of the way.

For those of you who haven't had the privilege of experiencing Peter McPoland live, take my word for it, it's an experience highly recommended. There's never a dull moment, and the journey is just beginning.

Catch Peter on tour now!!: https://laylo.com/petermcpoland/m/piggytour