This past Saturday it went down in a major way, as I pulled up to Rod Wave’s sold-out Birthday Bash concert and was another dope show filled with surprised guests and diehard fans singing every song word for word. The show featured a powerhouse of artist performances like 42 Dugg, Lil Durk, and YTB Fatt. Rod really brought them out and fans were out their seats in shocked with excitement that these were the “friends” that were coming through.
The backstage experience was cool. A giant Rod Wave birthday card was on display and there were not too many people, let alone anything in general really going outside of the staff running a tight show making sure the surprised artist arrived and got on stage in a timely fashion. There was a designative area for backstage access to watch the show and it was a solid place to watch but the best view was on the platform for family and friends. I got a great view of the performances and really enjoyed watching 42 Dugg’s set. I ran into a few Instagram influencers and a good friend, Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White.
I thought the production and stage was awesome. I felt like every artist that got up there worked it well making sure fans from the front to the back had a seat to watch. I thought Tom G’s performance really got the party going, as he took out of towners on a trip through Tampa. Tom performed all his timeless classics that fans knew every word too. He was very interactive with the crowd and really commanded the room.
Rod Wave took the stage but, not before Lil Durk came out and set him up to really set off the non-stop roaring applause and crazy energy. The atmosphere instantly turned into a sea of moving lights and fans singing every song, Rod barely had to say any words, the fans had his back all night. Seeing the concert from the floor, amidst thousands of passionate fans, was exciting to see. Every hard-hitting beat and every lyric sung by fans just made the night like no other and I’m sure Rod felt that too. It was the best birthday gift anyone could ask for.
The performances by 42 Dugg, Lil Durk, Tom G. and YTB Fatt were nothing short of dope, fans were excited for these surprises. Each artist brought their own unique style, contributing to a night of nonstop night of “littiness.” Rod Wave’s heartfelt delivery and solid stage presence truly stole the show, and after recently losing his manager and family member Uncle Dee, having the fans there to comfort him and show support cemented the event as a memorable highlight for him and everyone in attendance.
Can’t wait for next year’s birthday bash. Check out the photos from Saturday’s concert!
