Slow Dancing Through Charlotte with Joji
On June 29th, Joji took the stage at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, for the seventh stop of his 39-date SOLARIS World Tour. From the moment the lights went down, it was clear Charlotte was ready.
The crowd welcomed Joji with the energy of longtime OG fans, filling the arena with cheers, handmade signs, and even a few nostalgic references to his Filthy Frank era. There was a noticeable sense of anticipation in the air, as if everyone knew they were about to witness something special.
The night began with "PIXELATED KISSES," instantly sending fans into a frenzy. The audience screamed every lyric as Joji delivered an emotional performance backed by guitarist Joshua Snow, drummer Matt Eccles, and pianist Isaac Sleator, frankly known as Gator. Throughout the night, he performed fan favorites including "Glimpse of Us," "Die for You," and "Like You Do." During "Like You Do," thousands of phone flashlights illuminated the arena, creating a sea of lights that made for one of the night's most memorable and visually striking moments.
The visuals were just as impressive as the music. Lasers filled the arena while the massive screens displayed graphics that felt like stepping into a retro virtual reality art exhibit. Joji’s music videos from his latest album “Piss In The Wind” played a big part making the audience feel a part of the album’s world. The entire stage design elevated the performance, making each song feel immersive and cinematic. One of the most unexpected moments came when Joji brought a dancing robot onstage during "Last of a Dying Breed," adding a fun and unforgettable twist that had the entire crowd reacting in shock and excitement.
Joji's vocals were outstanding from start to finish, effortlessly balancing the emotional weight of his slower songs with the excitement of the more energetic moments. His connection with the audience was undeniable, often letting the crowd take over entire sections of songs while he stood back and absorbed the moment. The crowd's nonstop enthusiasm created an atmosphere that never lost its momentum, with energy peaking and flowing naturally throughout the set.
As the night came to a close, Joji ended the show with "Slow Dancing in the Dark." Hearing thousands of fans sing every word under the glow of phone lights and the backdrop of the Charlotte city skyline made for a powerful and emotional finale. It was the kind of moment that lingered even after the music stopped, leaving the audience in a collective state of awe.
Between the incredible visuals, strong vocals, immersive production, and unforgettable fan energy, the Charlotte stop of the SOLARIS World Tour was truly a night to remember.
Photos and review by Chloe Gunn