Tyler, the Creator is set to headline one of Toronto’s first arena shows since the Omicron wave: Here’s how fans are feeling

It’s all coming back to me now.

The last stadium concert I saw in Toronto was Céline Dion way back in December of 2019, just weeks before the terms “coronavirus” or “limited capacity” entered the public lexicon.

It feels like a lifetime has passed since then, but the memories remain – from the transcendent performance of “The Prayer” to the costume changes to the illuminated drones. But what I recall most vividly, and most longingly, is the deep sense of connection I felt to the tens of thousands of fans that surrounded me, and the shamelessness with which people from all walks of life embraced the music.

On Friday, Tyler, the Creator, joined by Vince Staples, Kalis Uchis and Teezo Touchdown, will bring his 34-date stadium tour to Scotiabank Arena for one of the first major indoor concert events since the Omicron wave led to a slew of cancellations and postponements in December. For hip hop fans, the show feels like a significant step toward normalcy for a live music industry that has been mostly on hold for two years.

The Star spoke to some ticket holders about how they are feeling ahead of the show.

“I’m really excited,” says Sean Connell, 22, from Niagara Falls. “The show takes place two days before the two-year anniversary of when everything got shut down here in Niagara. So it’s like the first … outing that me and my partner are going to post-pandemic.”

“February was looking grim for a while, so I really thought that maybe there was a chance the show was getting cancelled. But thankfully, you know, it’s going ahead as far as I can tell. So, you know, I’m really stoked to finally be going.”

For Mara Perovic, 16, from Waterloo, the show will be her first at Scotiabank. “I think it’s gonna be a pretty surreal experience,” she says. “At the show I’m expecting the crowd and myself to have a lot of energy, especially since we have been away from big public gatherings for two years.”

Who is on the bill?

Tyler, the Creator is one of the biggest names (and personalities) in hip hop right now. The 31-year-old rapper from Ladera Heights, California, first appeared on the scene as a member of the alternative music collective Odd Future, which also included Earl Sweatshirt, Frank Ocean, Syd and others.

Known for his menacing baritone and affinity for innovative, neo-soul productions, Tyler found mainstream success following the release of the 2017 album “Flower Boy,” which reached number 2 on the U.S. Billboard 200. His next two albums, 2019’s “Igor” and 2021’s “Call Me If You Get Lost,” both hit number 1 and were met with widespread critical acclaim (“Igor” won the Best Rap Album at the 2020 Grammy Awards. “CMIYGL is nominated for this year’s award).

Vince Staples, a fellow California rapper and Odd Future associate, shares Tyler’s affinity for sonic innovation and sense of dark humour. Staples, who often employs his dry delivery in the service of biting political critiques, recently released his eponymous fourth studio album, produced entirely by Kenny Beats.

Hailing from Virginia, Kalis Uchis is a Colombian-American singer songwriter whose music perfectly straddles the line between R&B, hip hop and soul. Uchis has collaborated with Tyler several times over the years. I’d say there is a decent chance she makes an appearance during Tyler’s set on Friday.

Finally, the bill includes Teezo Touchdown, an eccentric up-and-coming rapper from Beaumont, Texas.

Sam McGowan, 26, from Bedford, Ohio, is driving five hours to see the show on Friday. He says he’s listened to Tyler’s music since he was in high school.

“At the time my friends and I felt like rebels and loners and just misunderstood angsty teenage weirdos,” he says. “With the release of (the 2011 album) “Goblin” it felt like Tyler was one in the same.”

“Ever since then it feels like I’ve grown up alongside his music. Tyler was also a stepping stone for me into the world of hip hop and opened the door to other amazing artists like MF DOOM, Andre 3000, Kanye, Lil Wayne, and of course his contemporaries in Odd Future. As a young kid first experiencing hip hop, I had a lot to learn and Tyler helped a lot … he’s an iconic representation of my generation.”

Ellie O’Brien, 19, from Milton, saw Tyler on his tour for “Igor” three years ago. She says she’s “super excited” about this year’s lineup.

“The openers for this tour are much more my style than in 2019 when he had Jaden Smith with him,” she says. “I’ve been listening to a lot of Kali Uchis recently and I can’t wait to see her live. I’ve heard amazing things about her stage presence.”

What are the COVID-19 protocols?

Scotiabank will operate at full capacity on Friday. All attendees will be expected to wear a mask at all times, except while eating or drinking. However, in line with updated local health guidelines, the show will not require proof of vaccination or a COVID-19 test.

“I do kind of wish that they had kept the proof of vaccination for a little while longer, but I’m triple vaxxed,” says Connell. “I have faith that most people at the show will be too. I’m going wear my mask and be safe. I wish it were under better circumstances, but also, I’m not going to miss it for the world.”

McGowan says he hasn’t been to an indoor event since 2019. “I am a little nervous but I think the nervousness is good since it’ll just make me a little more cautious,” he says. “The masking policy is fine by me and I’m also vaccinated so that’s made it easier for me to go to public events where I know others won’t be vaccinated.”

But for some fans, like Toronto director Romeo Candido, a full capacity show at an indoor arena is simply too much of a risk. Candido says he’s not particularly worried about his health, but is scared that if he tests positive, it will force him to shut down production on a show he is currently producing.

“Unfortunately, the risk of getting and the anxiety afterwards is too much,” he says. “I’m running a show with 30 cast and 150 crew, and if I somehow test positive for COVID I’d have to shut down production.”

Candido has seen Tyler five times over the years, and regrets having to miss this tour.

“He’s been scaling up his show. He’s been pushing his artistry. He’s for me a ‘can’t-miss’ type of show. He’s at the highest level of performance art, where it’s more than just him singing songs, but having a full concept and a full, cohesive type of show. It’s FOMO for real, but masks will be off and there will be screaming.”

Is live music back for good?

Earlier this month, Toronto announced that large-scale, in-person events are returning this spring. On Wednesday, the Ontario government announced that it is lifting all COVID-19 restrictions by the end of April. With venues slowing embracing the return to full-capacity and a jam-packed concert schedule, it sure seems like live music is finally back.

“It really does feel like we’re at a point right now where we can add a little bit of fun before, God forbid, something else happens,” says Connell.

“It’s going to be such a good feeling. After two years of being cooped up inside watching concert videos online, I’m really stoked to finally be going.”

O’Brien says she’s trying not to think too much about the pandemic, and just wants to focus on enjoying herself. She’s got plans to see several concerts in coming months.

“I’ll do what it’s in my power to keep myself safe and try not to spend too much time being anxious over things I can’t control,” she says. “Hopefully all goes well and we’ll get to see everybody safely!”