My "WHO CARES?" Experience

On Saturday, May 7th, Rex Orange County shared his album WHO CARES? with the city of Atlanta at the Cadence Bank Amphitheater. I sat in orchestra left with my mom and boyfriend. Our seats were spectacular and we could see almost everything happening on stage. We got to the amphitheater around 8:25 pm and found our seats quickly. Rex did not have an opener, which was exciting because it meant that the crowd would be able to hear more of his songs. He started at 8:35 pm with the song “MAKING TIME.” His energy was through the roof and so was the crowd. 

Crowd interaction is a big part of keeping fans engaged throughout the sets. Rex requested us to sing along with him and everyone gladly obeyed. Between songs, he would talk to us and ask us questions. Tons of people were screaming their lungs out, me being one of them. 

In 2020, Rex ended his Pony tour here in Atlanta on February 27th, 2020. It felt like a full-circle moment where he was picking back up right where he had left off. He played three songs off of his Pony album at this concert. These songs were “10/10”, “Always”, and he did his encore with “Pluto Projector.” He also played five songs off Apricot Princess, one from Bcos U Will Never B Free, and two singles that were included in his Live at Radio City Music Hall album.

Although I have previously criticized his song “MAKING TIME,” my view has changed immensely. He opened his first set with “MAKING TIME” and then ended that set with “Corduroy Dreams” from Bcos U Will Never B Free. 

The visuals of his first set were amazing. Lately, Rex has been using thumbs up on his website and on the covers of his recent singles. There were around seven different thumbs-ups in the background of his set near his band. There was carpeting and backdrop in what some may think is a cow pattern but is actually the pattern of dalmatian fur which is the type of dog on his album cover. It was a creative experience and it came together beautifully.

Rex opened his second set with “OPEN A WINDOW” but it was shorter than the studio version due to Tyler, The Creator not being on tour with him. Although his first set was fourteen songs long, his second set was only six. The last song of his set was “WHO CARE” which finished off his performance.

I personally enjoyed the backdrop of his second set even more than his first. The floral background of the second set stuck out to me the most. In the center of the flowers, there were disco balls and the overhead lights bounced off of them, some people, like my mom, did not enjoy the strobe effect of these lights.

Once Rex had let us say bye to him and the band, he exited the stage. Like many concerts end, the crowd was cheering “encore!” and “one more song!” Of course, our beloved Rex had come out to give us an experience of a lifetime. He played “Pluto Projector” on guitar and everyone sang their hearts out.

If you’re the type of person who likes to listen to a setlist after a concert you can click here to find Rex’s setlist from May 7th! Concerts have always been big memory makers, especially if you go with people you love. I would give this concert a 10/10. Thank you Rex Orange County for giving me an experience I will never forget!

By Kate Tocci