Charli XCX Energizes Fans with a Spectacular Homecoming Tour Kickoff

The talented English musician Charli XCX has launched the U.K. leg of her highly anticipated global Brat tour on Wednesday, November 27, with an electrifying headline performance in Manchester. This show not only celebrated her return to her roots but also highlighted her culture-defining sixth album, which has captivated audiences worldwide. Fans were treated to an engaging setlist filled with chart-topping hits and fresh sounds, showcasing the unique artistry that has made Charli a standout figure in contemporary music.

As the performance approached its midpoint, Charli XCX took a heartfelt moment to remember her late friend and collaborator, SOPHIE, who passed away unexpectedly in February 2021. “This is the first time I’ve performed this song,” she expressed to her audience before launching into the remix of “So I,” a powerful tribute to her late friend. Charli’s emotional dedication resonated with the crowd, emphasizing the deep connection she shared with SOPHIE and the impact of their musical collaboration on both artists’ careers.

The song “So I” was penned as a heartfelt response to SOPHIE’s tragic passing, with Charli sharing with NME that it was about “dealing with grief.” Their collaboration began back in 2015 when SOPHIE was involved in the production of Charli XCX’s influential Vroom Vroom EP and her critically acclaimed Number 1 Angel album. The original version of “So I” made its emotional live debut at the 2024 Billboard Women In Music Awards in March, marking a poignant moment in Charli’s evolving musical journey.

Following the Manchester show, the Brat tour proceeded to London on Thursday, November 28, where it featured several surprise guests who added excitement to the already dynamic performance. The evening kicked off with the Shygirl remix of “365,” featuring Shygirl herself, setting an energetic tone for the night. Additionally, Charli XCX’s fiancé, George Daniel, the drummer of The 1975, made a memorable appearance, further amplifying the excitement among fans.

For devoted fans, Daniel’s participation was particularly special, especially when he joined Charli during the performance of “Apple.” This marked a surprising turn of events as he finally gave in to his long-held reluctance to perform the song’s viral TikTok dance, much to the delight of the audience.

The encore of the London set welcomed an array of special guests, including the talented Caroline Polachek. She joined Charli for the live debut of “Everything Is Romantic,” as well as performing her own hit, “Welcome to My Island.” Swedish pop sensation Robyn also made a surprise appearance, teaming up with Yung Lean to perform “360” before delivering a powerful rendition of her iconic single, “Dancing on My Own”, leaving the crowd exhilarated and eager for more.