BIG TIME RUSH BRINGS NOSTALGIA TO CHARLOTTE
PNC MUSIC PAVILION — CHARLOTTE, NC
On July 16th, Big Time Rush brought their In Real Life world tour to Charlotte, North Carolina, performing for a sold-out crowd at the PNC Music Pavilion. With 20,000 enthusiastic fans in attendance, the energy was electric from the moment the lights dimmed. The show kicked off with the iconic theme song from their Nickelodeon TV show, complete with dramatic lighting and individual introductions for each member, a perfect throwback that instantly brought fans back to where it all began.
One of the most exciting parts of the night was hearing some of my personal favorites live for the first time. Songs like “City is Ours” and “Til I Forget About You” immediately transported me to my younger years, when Big Time Rush was a constant on my playlists. The band’s harmonies were tight, their choreography was polished, and their genuine chemistry was undeniable. It was clear they were having as much fun as we were.
The concert also featured a few special surprises that longtime fans couldn’t help but love. Opening the show was Stephen Kramer Glickman, better known as Gustavo Roque, their hilariously intense manager from the TV show. He brought the laughs and nostalgia in equal measure. Even more surprising was the appearance of Katelyn Tarver, who reprised her role as the original “Worldwide Girl” by joining the band onstage for a heartfelt performance of “Worldwide”. It was a full-circle moment that hit all the right notes.
A particularly memorable highlight came midway through the show, when the band paused to celebrate James Maslow’s birthday. The entire audience joined in to sing him a happy birthday, and a cake was brought on stage—a sweet, unexpected moment that only added to the night’s charm.
Overall, seeing Big Time Rush live was nothing short of magical. It was more than just a concert, it was a joyful, communal experience filled with nostalgia, laughter, and a reminder of how much this band meant (and still means) to so many. Whether you grew up watching the show or just discovered their music recently, their live performance is something special. If you ever get the opportunity to see them in concert, don’t hesitate, you won’t regret it.
