Fans in Phoenix, Arizona showed up and showed out as Malcolm Todd’s ‘Wholesome Rockstar’ tour made its second-to-last stop in the desert.
It has been a while since I have been in a crowd full of so much energy and genuine excitement for an artist like the one for Todd. From full blown dancing to screaming every single lyric, even songs from his first mixtape. While Todd’s instant fame came from Tiktok (and some help from Omar Apollo), it was clear that his fans are diehard.
And maybe it was because of that energy that Todd felt compelled to put on one of the most energetic, fun, and genuine performances I have ever seen. He has a stage presence that fills the venue but not in an overwhelming way. It’s almost as if he is enjoying the performance with the audience, rather than simply putting it on. He brings so much life to these catchy, mellow tracks that they take on a whole new vice. Rather than a Steve Lacy, west coast, alt r&b sound, the songs become upbeat, lively dance tracks.
As he introduced “Earrings,” he told the crowd an endearing story about being “ass at school.” Despite that, he encouraged the crowd to continue learning, if that’s their dream. “We don’t need more guys with guitars losing their earrings,” he cheekily said and the crowd went wild.
“Art House” was a clear highlight, turning the crowd into a full-on dance party. Meanwhile, his cover of “Our House” by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young gave the night a little more emotional depth. He bounced effortlessly between hype and heartfelt, never losing the crowd for a second.
Even his more chill songs like “Concrete” and “Roommates” came alive with fresh energy onstage. It’s clear Todd knows how to craft a setlist. The whole night moved like a perfect playlist: smooth transitions, unexpected gems, and a mix of highs and lows that kept the energy flowing.
By the time the encore rolled around, people were already shouting lyrics before he sang them. He closed with “I Do,” “I’ll Come Back for You,” and “Roommates,” a mellow, emotional sendoff that had everyone swaying.
Todd may have built his following on TikTok, but this wasn’t a social media moment. It was a real show. A packed, sweaty, joyful night where fans felt seen and an artist felt right at home. It’s clear he’s building something sustainable with his career, producing hits and performing them with a passion and energy that brings the songs to life.
If this show was any indication, Malcolm Todd isn’t just a wholesome rockstar in name. He’s becoming one in real time.
