Teddy Swims: A Night of Music, Energy, and Connection

 

Choose your recap:

On August 30th, 2025…

Teddy Swims packed UBC’s Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre to the brim like never before for his I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy Tour.

All photos by Olivia Yu

The American soul-pop singer didn’t just play his biggest Vancouver show to date; he broke the venue’s all-time ticket sales record. This sight as breathtaking for both the ecstatic concert-goers and staff alike. From the opening number, Swims’ vocals were as smooth as ever, cutting through the venue overtop of the heart pounding bass. 

The energy onstage was a beautiful collection of passionate team effort. Swims’ band kept the rhythms tight and organized, a perfect backbone for his vocals. Meanwhile, guitar and keys added the distinct finish to Swims’ soundtrack. His trio of backup singers added harmonies that lifted Swims’ voice to a whole other level. Together, the group didn’t just play through the setlist — they built a vibe that sent goosebumps through the audience. 

The production was simplistic but polished, letting the music stay at the center of the experience. The lighting was strikingly clear, using crisp whites, ambers, and sharp backlighting to frame the performers without drowning them in over-the-top effects. It gave the entire show a cinematic feel while still feeling organic, making every moment visible and impactful from the pit to the upper bowl. That restraint allowed Swims’ natural charisma to shine — he doesn’t need spectacle when his songs and delivery can hold their ground. 

By the time Swims sang “Lose Control,” the crowd was singing so loudly it nearly drowned him out. This was only one of many reminders that Swims’ rise has been powered as much by connection as by talent. On a night when Teddy Swims made history in Vancouver, it was clear he didn’t need anything more than his voice, his band, and his fans. 

What Was Played?

  1. Not Your Man

  2. Hammer to the Heart

  3. Apple Juice

  4. She Loves the Rain

  5. Are You Even Real

  6. Devil in a Dress

  7. Bad Dreams

  8. Free Drugs

  9. Funeral

  10. What More Can I Say

  11. 911

  12. Need You More

  13. Black & White

  14. Small Hands

  15. All That Really Matters (ILLENIUM cover)

  16. Some Things I'll Never Know

  17. Northern Lights

  18. Guilty

  19. God Went Crazy

  20. Sara Smile (Daryl Hall & John Oates cover)

  21. Your Kind of Crazy

  22. Lose Control

  23. Bed on Fire

  24. Goodbye's Been Good to You

  25. The Door

Vancouver Vibes Scorecard

    • Venue was not too big but not too small.

    • Public transport available surrounding the venue.

    • Lots of paid and free street-side parking available around the venue.

    • The performers and FULL crowd had explosive energy!

    • The simple but crisp lighting pairerd with the energy in the show was definitely worth taking photos of.

⭐️ Overall Vibe: 10/10

Gallery

Next Stops:

  • Aug. 31 – Seattle, WA

  • Sep. 3 – Troutdale, OR

  • Sep. 5 – Berkeley, CA

  • Sep. 6 – Stateline, NV

  • Sep. 9 – Los Angeles, CA

  • Sep. 10 – Los Angeles, CA Sep. 26 – Honolulu, HI

  • Sep. 27 – Honolulu, HI

  • Oct. 7 – Christchurch, New Zealand

  • Oct. 9 – Auckland, New Zealand

  • Oct. 14 – Sydney, Australia

  • Oct. 15 – Sydney, Australia

  • Oct. 16 – Sydney, Australia

  • Oct. 18 – Brisbane, Australia

  • Oct. 19 – Brisbane, Australia

  • Oct. 22 – Melbourne, Australia

  • Oct. 23 – Melbourne, Australia

  • Oct. 24 – Melbourne, Australia

  • Oct. 27 – Adelaide, Australia

  • Oct. 29 – Perth, Australia

  • Nov. 22 – Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Olivia Yu

Olivia is a photographer, videographer and graphic designer based in Vancouver, BC.

https://ypxphoto.com
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