Lauv, a one-man-band starring Ari Leff, took the stage at the Berkeley Greek Theatre on October 2nd, 2024. He was initially planning to tour in the Bay Area in August of 2020, but needed to cancel the tour due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In September 2022, after it was once again safe to gather in large crowds, Lauv played the All 4 Nothing Tour at the Berkeley Greek Theatre. This year, he gave the same venue the honor of Lauv - One Night Only in Berkeley. Though currently Los Angeles-based, the star shared with the crowd that he was born in San Francisco, California, just across the Bay from the Berkeley amphitheater.
Lauv is open to exploring different genres and types of music and does so through collaborating with others. Throughout his career, Lauv has collaborated with many popular artists on songs such as “Fake” with Conan Gray, “if I were u (with Lauv)” with blackbear, “Sweet & Sour (feat, Lauv & Tyga)” with Jawsh 685 and Tyga, “Make it Right (feat. Lauv)” with BTS and many more. This is a testament to Lauv’s investment in the community. Not only does he collaborate with other artists on their albums and projects, he also invites artists to collaborate with him on his own work. Additionally, he works with others to create something completely new as seen with the Lauv, Alexander 23, and Jeremy Zucker collaboration group “the girls.” Earlier this year, the trio released “Cozy,” which Lauv sang at this Berkeley show. Alexander 23, known for his hit song “IDK You Yet,” joined Lauv on tour. He opened the evening with an impressive performance. During his set, he shared his own music as well as a cover of “Wonderwall” by Oasis. Lauv’s involvement in community and collaboration with others was clear with the beautiful connection he shared with the fans.
Throughout the evening, Lauv sang an array of songs from all his albums to date and used compelling visuals to capture the emotions behind his music. He started the night with “Paris in Rain” from his 2018 album I met you when I was 18. The screen behind him portrayed a cloud and rain to set the mood. Mid-set, Lauv performed “All 4 Nothing (I’m So In Love),” the title track for his 2022 studio album All 4 Nothing. Lauv also sang singles from earlier this year including “Potential” released in April and “First Heartbreak” released in September. During the latter, there was an animation of the cover art projected on the screen behind him showing a sad cartoon face with tears running down their cheek to enhance the immersive experience. Lauv brought to life “Steal The Show,” a song featured on Disney Pixar’s 2023 animated film Elemental. The fans sang, waved their arms and bopped along to each song.
Lauv brought his fun and playful personality to the stage as he sang and played guitar and piano during his captivating set. He performed hits from his 2020 album ~how i’m feeling~ such as “i’m so tired...” featuring Troye Sivan, a leader in LGBTQ+ music industry. This year, Sivan completed his own Something To Give Each Other Tour and the Sweat Tour with Charli XCX, who coined the term “brat summer” with the release of her 2024 album brat. Throughout the evening, Lauv made the Berkeley show extra special by adding additional vocals, riffs, and harmonies that differ from the recorded versions of his songs. During “i’m so tired...”, the fans sang along to every word and Lauv harmonized with the crowd, taking a higher octave. The audience cheered in their support of these impressive vocal changes. This album helped many fans navigate the complex emotions they felt during the coronavirus outbreak as it was released at the cusp of the pandemic itself in March of 2020. Hearing these songs live deeply resonated with the fans. Lauv is known for his social media profiles on Instagram and TikTok. He often starts spontaneous live streams to share his experiences exploring new places on tour, singing song requests from fans, and sharing his excitement before going into the studio to record new music. Lauv has openly discussed questioning his sexuality on social media and found peace in not rushing to accept labels. His open and honest approach online helps many fans feel a deeper connection to him, to the Lauv community as a whole and even to themselves as individuals.
The love between Lauv and his fans was clear. During “Mean It” featuring LANY, Lauv sat on the front of the stage with his legs dangling off the edge to get closer to his beloved fans. At another point during the set, Lauv got down from the stage and sang directly to fans in the pit, standing up on the barricade itself. He accepted and immediately wore gifts from fans such as a sequined hat and a friendship bracelet. Lauv held the hands of many fans as well. Fans further away raised both arms above their heads forming a heart to show their love for Lauv. He closed out the night sporting a black “Lauv = love” T-shirt and his top hit “I Like Me Better.” Fans sang and danced along and were not ready for Lauv to leave the stage. Overall, it was an evening of authenticity, amazing vocals, and awe-inspiring community. With the number of singles Lauv has been recently releasing, fans greatly anticipate his next album and tour.