Rachel Platten Brings Set Me Free Tour to Los Angeles

Written by: Ephney Tsai

As part of her Set Me Free North American Tour, Rachel Platten performed at the El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles on March 25th. Despite taking place on a Tuesday, the famed theatre was filled to the brim with fans young and old, ready to enjoy Platten's artfully written music. Sharing stories and anecdotes between each song and accompanied with a live band, her guitar, and her piano, the concert was personal and intimate.

Known for her lyrics that share her vulnerability and wisdom on healing, spirituality, and experiences with turning negatives into positives, it was extra heartwarming to see the crowd full of women of all ages. So many in the crowd related to the strength, hope, love, and resilience Platten displays through songs such as "Stand By You" and "Bad Thoughts."

Though she had to be apart from her own family and daughters while touring, it was also beautiful to see many mother-daughter duos in attendance, with young girls singing along to Platten's best-known track, "Fight Song," with fire in their eyes. Additionally, one of Platten's own daughters was in the crowd for the Los Angeles show, which prompted a sweet shout out. "My husband told me not to make the whole show about my girls, but one of them is here today! This is the first time she's seeing me; I love you, I wrote this song for you," she shared, before "Girls."

Prior to singing "Bad Thoughts," Platten shared a bit more of her journey through her dark place, and how music and therapy helped her find her inner peace. "Something else that really helped me through this rough place was breath work, so I hope you can breathe with me during this song," she began. "Actually, I was originally going to title this song "Listen to This Song When You're Having a Panic Attack," but that felt a little too heavy for Spotify," she finished with a laugh. Launching straight into the song, the final bridge and chorus felt like a breath of relief for her and her audience. A loud and strong final "I'ma be alright" as her live band stopped their music and let just her voice resonate through summed up Rachel Platten's music and message perfectly.

The stage setup was also beautiful, made up like Platten's studio at home. Sharing some more of her vulnerability, she shared a story about the night she had experienced the worst pain she had ever felt. "It's a painful song, but it was such joyful music that suddenly flowed through me. I couldn't get off the floor of my studio, and I was in the worst, most immense pain. I was crying, and I couldn't life my head off the floor, but suddenly this song just hit me." Revealing that the song in question was "Mercy," Platten shared her awe in how human emotions work. "Isn't it crazy what can come from the darkest moments?"

Of course, the whole concert couldn't have been sad and heavy. "I wrote this song about my little sister," she began as the next segment of more upbeat songs began. "She had given up on finding someone until she met this guy, and it was just so cute that I wrote this song. I even got to perform it at her wedding," she gushed, diving into "Better Place." She also shared more about her journey with her team, performing covers in bars, and how they set off on their first tour with no management simply out of their love for the music. This preluded "Lone Ranger," a song that exemplified her love for touring that was elevated with a special cello solo. 

Although the show didn't last for hours and hours, the impact on attendees was clear and timeless. The power in Platten's voice, the resilience and fight in her lyrics, and the kindness and warmth in her person truly shined onstage, emphasizing her "phoenix rising." Even through whatever life may throw her way, she will always rise to the occasion. The meaningful concert was a great testament to her talent, and her ability to rally her audience with her storytelling and artistry.

Rachel Platten Set List:

I Know

Stand By You

Girls

The River

Bad Thoughts

Mercy

Grace

Surrendering (performed with Ben Abraham)

Better Place

Lone Ranger

Gimme Something

1,000 Ships

Shivers

I Don't Really Care (Set Me Free)

Fight Song

Angel from Montgomery (originally by Bonnie Raitt) (performed with Jojo Dodge, Ben Abraham, and Rachel Platten's whole crew)

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