Playing at the Kia Forum again after their first tour in 2015 was more than just an arena lap for English singer-songwriter Sam Smith.
“When I got here, I remembered being 20 and being here for my first arena show … and I just wanna say to everyone here tonight, thank you so much for standing by my side. Thank you for having me and my friends again,” Smith told the sold-out crowd.
In high school, I’d seen Smith with some friends on said tour at this same venue. Smith was touring the release of their debut album, In the Lonely Hour, famous for its moody ballads led by Smith’s hauntingly beautiful voice. It packs huge hits such as “Stay with Me,” and “I’m Not the Only One,” most notably. On the album cover (and matching tour T-shirt I still wear), Smith sits facing the floor. The background is gray, as were the tones of most of the outfits. Black pressed jackets, white shirts. Smith sang each song with the forlorn look on their face the cover suggests, giving exactly what the audience came for.