Niall Horan brought his Sold Out ‘Flicker Sessions‘ Tour to The Fillmore in Philadelphia in support of his highly anticipated album, Flicker. Bringing along special guest and fellow irishman Gavin James to support him on the 2017 ‘Flicker Sessions‘ tour. Horan, who has sold over 70 million records as part of one of the biggest boy bands in the world, One Direction, has spent this past year writing and recording his debut solo album, Flicker, which was released just a few days ago on October 20th, 2017. Following his solo album announcement, he also included a string of intimate show tour dates for the diehard fans to experience his new solo music in a more intimate setting inside of smaller, more elegant venues throughout the U.S.. First, giving fans in his home country of Ireland, London (UK), Sweden, Australia, Japan, Mexico, Brazil, and Los Angeles a first listen of his album with an intimate show before the album was released. Now launching his U.S. ‘Flicker Sessions‘ Tour in Philadelphia, PA at The Fillmore lastnight for his first tour date since the release of this debut album, Flicker, which has debuted at No. 1 on Billboard 200 Album Charts, which Horan found out right before hitting the stage lastnight in Philadelphia.

The sold out Philadelphia crowd waited outside for hours (some for several days) in the pouring rain, showing their dedication to the Irish singer, very anxious to get as close to the stage as possible once the doors opened at 7pm. The crowd then taking securing their spots in the venue and having sing-a-longs to the playlist which filled the venue before Gavin James took the stage including artists like Lynyrd Skynyrd, Fleetwood Mac, and Shawn Mendes. Gavin James then taking the stage sharply at 8pm, exciting the fans who were not yet familiar with Gavin James’ music but they all ended up adoring him by the end of his memorable set. A few highlights from Gavin James’ set was his performance and beautiful blend of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” & The Weeknd’s “I Can’t Feel My Face.” Another notable mention would be Gavin’s performance of his latest single “Hearts On Fire” which is destined to be a number one hit, that will soon conquer radio stations near you.

Niall Horan then exploding into his 14-song setlist with “The Tide,” which immediately began with a massive sing-a-long. Horan’s 1-hour setlist consisted of his entire debut album, Flicker, but also including a fan favorite One Direction cover of “Fools Gold.” Horan took the time to humbly thanked the fans in attendance for getting his first solo record, Flicker to the No. 1 spot telling fans, “Thank you so much for getting Flicker to No. 1, I really appreciate it.“ Horan continuing saying, “my mind is completely blown.” Continuing his set with his duet with country artist Maren Morris, who unfortunately was not present for this tour/show but Horan did not let the fans down and powered through it fiercely. While the sold out audience were thoroughly respectful during his performance, the response at the end of each song was deafening not to mention their near deafening sing-a-longs throughout his entire set with especially notable sing-a-longs during “This Town,” “On The Loose,” “Slow Hands,” “On My Own,” and his latest single “Too Much To Ask.” Niall telling fans that his “favorite song” and “best song that he has written” was the album’s title track “Flicker” which we could not agree more with him, as it is a beautiful song. Horan also noted that the songs that he had written for this debut album were the “most important songs that he’s ever written.”

Horan’s stage production was nothing super impressive but very fitting for the intimate setting and perfectly fit the music, decorating the stage with red carpets, vivid flickering backlights, and beautifully lit front lighting. Horan’s band sounding super solid, as if they have already been on the road for months. An exciting moment during his set for fans was when they were able to see the past and present of Horan collide as he played a solo, acoustic version of One Direction’s “Fool’s Gold,” which was taken from the One Direction album, Four (released in 2014).

Horan seemingly very comfortable and confident with a guitar in his hands throughout his entire set, allowing another talent of his to really shine with his exceptional guitar playing. Horan has definitley evolved into a songwriting, lyrical mastermind, who is very genuine about the songs that he writes and is focused on displaying his down to earth mentality within his music as well as allowing his Irish heritage to be heavily involved within his music. Horan performed flawlessly for about an hour making hearts flicker with impacting vocals, a modest attitude, a strong appreciation of his fans, and with a very talented Irish band backing him.

In the powerful closing track “On My Own,” Horan was able to really shine both vocally and showing the crowd that he has another anthem ready to begin conquering the radio, except this song has a distinct Irish flavoring to it. Fans loved this song, as they immediately broke out into a dancing frenzy. Horan giving all of his remaining energy as he fed off the high-spirited lively fans, finishing out his set forcefully. Upon Horan’s exit from the stage he told the crowd how excited he is to return for Q102’s Jingle Ball in December and his headlining 2018 tour date in Camden, NJ at BB&T Pavilion with Maren Morris. Make sure you pick up tickets for his fall headlining tour as it is one you do not want to miss out on! www.NiallHoran.com

Gavin James

Niall Horan

Niall Horan’s Setlist :

The Tide

Seeing Blind

This Town

Paper Houses

You and Me

Fire Away

Flicker

Too Much To Ask

Since We’re Alone

Mirrors

On The Loose

Encore

Fool’s Gold

Slow Hands

On My Own

‘Flicker Sessions’ 2017 Tour Dates :

10/31 – New York, NY @ Beacon Theatre

11/01 – Toronto, ON @ Massey Hall

11/03 – Boston, MA @ Orpheum Theatre

11/04 – Washington, DC @ The Fillmore

11/06 – Miami Beach, FL @ The Fillmore

11/09 – Orlando, FL @ House of Blues

11/10 – Atlanta, GA @ Tabernacle

11/13 – Nashville, TN @ Ryman Auditorium

11/15 – Chicago, IL @ Rosemont Theatre

11/17 – Dallas, TX @ South Side Ballroom

11/20 – Phoenix, AZ @ Comerica Theatre

11/22 – San Francisco, CA @ The Masonic