Louis Tomlinson at London's Shepherd's Bush Empire: A masterclass in pop rock perfection

When we spoke to Louis Tomlinson earlier this year, ahead of the release of his second studio album Faith In The Future, we were surprised to hear he hasn't always been the most confident of performers. Explaining there are times self-doubt sets in, leaving him to question if he's 'sure he can do this,' Louis' critical eye can be both a blessing and a curse.

But, having played to millions across the world with One Direction and completed his record-breaking solo tour earlier this year, Louis Tomlinson is now a whole new performer entirely. The growth, sonically and vocally, is indisputable.

Last night (November 14), Louis celebrated his recent Official Number 1 album with a sold-out show at London's O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire. For many fans, it was the first time they'd experienced Louis' new material live; and the energy was palpable.

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Entering the stage to Faith In The Future opener The Greatest, the love for Louis was incontestable; every fan in that theatre willing him to put in the performance of his life.

Having gone into the recording of his second studio album with the intent of it coming to life in a live setting, it's hardly surprising that The Greatest proves a mammoth opener; Shepherd's Bush Empire quite literally shaking with screams and unabashed singing.

To captivate an audience and organically grow alongside your fandom is something truly commendable, and certainly no mean feat. History's shown us that being a member of even the world's biggest bands doesn't guarantee solo success; but Louis' strength is in his honest song writing he believes in whole-heartedly.

More so than ever, Louis is proud of his work, confident in his abilities, finding and finally owning his artistic identity.

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The show continued with Walls track Kill My Mind, before brand-new cut Written All Over Your Face. The energy was particularly raucous for this grungy track; a true standout of his second LP and among his most musically-ambitious works to date.

Fan favourite We Made It felt like a euphoric statement of self-fulfilment at this show; Louis radiating a new-found confidence. A reworked version of One Direction's Night Changes also went down an absolute storm, as Louis and the band put a punk twist on the group's 2014 Top 10 single.

Live exclusive Copy of a Copy of a Copy also made the setlist once again, sitting seamlessly alongside new tracks Bigger Than Me, Out Of My System and That's The Way Love Goes.

The album might only have been out a month, but the fans knew every lyric. Every sonic intricacy. It was really something to behold.

Closing out an incredible set, Louis performed two of his favourite Faith In The Future tracks; latest single Silver Tongues and the behemoth that is Saturdays.

With Louis set to bring his Faith In The Future Tour to the UK next November, it's sure to be the show he's always dreamed of giving to fans. This is a record he's so immensely proud of, can perform with conviction and will see him connect with the fandom on a whole new level. We can't bloody wait.

Louis Tomlinson's Faith In The Future Tour is in the UK in November 2023. Tickets are available now.

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