CALUM SCOTT BRINGS THE WILTERN TO TEARS
THE WILTERN — LOS ANGELES, CA
When Calum Scott brought THE AVENOIR TOUR to Los Angeles on April 3, the energy inside The Wiltern was electric from the very start. As one of the first stops on his extensive six-month run, both performers and fans filled the historic venue with palpable excitement.
The night kicked off with a vibrant set from Pretty Jane, a Nashville-based group whose mission is to create “music that feels like kissing your friends.” Mission accomplished. With songs like "Too Few Tattoos" and "under your tongue", paired with their infectious positivity, they quickly warmed up the crowd and set the tone for the evening.
As the lights dimmed to blue and fog curled onto the stage, anticipation reached a fever pitch. One by one, Scott’s band members took their places. Then, a spotlight cut through the haze. Scott’s silhouette appeared at the top of the step, and with it, the crowd erupted. He launched into "Avenoir", perfectly matching the room’s surging energy.
The momentum carried through the first half of the set before Scott gently prepared the audience for what he calls the “crying corner.” With just a stool and a single spotlight, the show shifted into something far more intimate. In these stripped-back moments, Scott’s vulnerability, first recognized on Britain's Got Talent, took center stage. Performances of "No Matter What"and "You Are The Reason" left the room hushed, emotional, and deeply connected. At times, it was hard to keep a steady hand behind the lens through the tears.
Between songs, Scott shared personal reflections, emphasizing the importance of staying present. In a world that constantly pulls us toward the past or pushes us to chase what’s next, he reminded the audience to appreciate what’s right in front of them.
That message resonated even more during "Gone", when one lyric seemed to stop time:
“So hold on to times that are golden.
Before they’re gone
Before the moment turns into nostalgia.”
In that instant, the grandeur of The Wiltern felt even more meaningful. Looking around at the sea of fans with faces that were lit with joy and awe, it was clear everyone was trying to hold onto that exact feeling, hoping to carry it with them long after the night ended.
Scott closed the show with a powerful, crowd-shaking cover of "I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)". The entire floor seemed to move as the audience sang along, turning the final moments into a celebration of pure joy.
As one of the opening stops on a tour that spans North America and Europe, Calum Scott has set an incredibly high bar. If this night was any indication, the rest of the tour promises to be just as unforgettable.
