After closing a landmark deal on her music catalog and releasing her fourth studio album, VENUS, in partnership with Sony Music and her label, Sommer House, Zara Larsson is celebrating her career rebirth with her global “Venus” tour.
On November 5, election night, the Swedish songstress helped the crowd at Boston’s Royale dance their stress away.
Sam Short opened the packed show with a short but sweet set. Backed by her bassist and guitarist, the “Aphrodite” singer had the crowd singing along to catchy hooks, including one from her latest single, “Puppy.”
Channeling Botticelli’s Venus, the Roman goddess of beauty, desire, and victory, Larsson emerged in a beaded fringe top and a denim mini skirt to thunderous applause. Her triumphant entrance was set to an animated version of Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam.
Backed by her all-female dance troupe and band, Larsson powered and whipped her hair through an 18-song setlist that spanned her decade-long career and showcased her experimentation with new sounds. With her newly earned artistic freedom, Larsson has worked with diverse collaborators who reflect all aspects of her identity and creative vision, including Rick Nowels, Violet Skies, Casey Smith, Danja, MNEK, and MTHR.
“Boston, do you want to be part of my symphony?” she asked the crowd, setting up her 2017 hit “Symphony.” Originally a collaboration with Clean Bandit, the track has taken on new life as a cheeky TikTok trend, often paired with ironic twists. Against a colorful Lisa Frank-inspired backdrop of diving dolphins, Larsson delivered pitch-perfect vocals that uplifted the crowd, filling the venue with euphoric energy as she belted, “I just want to be part of your symphony.”
Her setlist blended nostalgia with fresh sounds, featuring fan favorites like “Ruin My Life” and newer tracks from her VENUS album, including “None of These Guys” and “You Love Who You Love.” Her performance of “Ammunition” seamlessly transitioned into a spirited cover of ABBA’s “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!,” paying homage to fellow Swedish pop legends and adding a joyous, communal feel to the night.
Before wrapping up the night with “Can’t Tame Her,” Zara returned to the song that started it all — “Lush Life,” a perfect reminder of the journey that has made her a global pop sensation.
To catch this multi-platinum superstar on the “Venus” tour, visit zaralarssonofficial.com and experience the magic for yourself.
