Kygo Calls on the Calvary for Captivating World Tour

by Michael Ryan · Published October 16, 2024

Kygo’s eponymous world tour is about more than one man. His story can’t be told without collaboration, a plot point the legendary producer is highlighting around the globe.

Kygo landed in Vancouver, British Columbia on October 10th as part of the ongoing Kygo World Tour. The Norwegian DJ did not pack light, bringing along several friends with whom he’s crafted global dance hits.

Collaborators Parson James, Justin Jesso and Zak Abel all performed in Vancouver as well as dance music producer Vandelux and chart-topping songstress Zara Larsson. Most tour dates are supported by two of the following eight musicians: Sam Feldt, Larsson, Gryffin, Sofi Tukker, HAYLA, Vandelux, Victoria Nadine and Klangkarussell.

Kygo sprinkled intimate moments with the audience between sharing the spotlight. He regularly played an electronic keyboard during his set but commanded attention most when sitting at the grand piano front and center.

His piano strokes were a frequent highlight, especially when accompanied by singers or a stunning sextet of violinists. The grand finale incorporated many of these elements with the addition of marching percussionists.

Kygo playing piano at Rogers Arena in Vancouver
Jeff Vinnick Images

Kygo’s production included two elevating platforms, pyrotechnics, lasers, confetti and synchronized light-up crowd bracelets. Thursday’s headliner shared the wealth of these production elements. Each collaborator had a standout moment during the show.

Jesso performed multiple songs, including his 2017 collaboration "Stargazing." A highlight moment was when he invited a fan (shoutout to Jessica) onstage to perform the track and jam with the musical duo. James got the awards show treatment as a camera followed him from backstage at Rogers Arena to the stage while performing their global hit “Stole the Show.”

Abel performed both “Freedom” and “For Life” with Kygo. Arguably the show’s most memorable visual saw Kygo and Abel playing piano and singing, respectively, on an elevating platform as overhead lasers beamed a cone around them.

Zak Abel and Kygo performing at Rogers Arena in Vancouver
Jeff Vinnick Images

Kygo is one of the most globally recognized electronic musicians, boasting multiple songs exceeding one billion Spotify streams. Kygo acknowledges his broad reach with a wonderful variety act. Timeless dance music tracks, pyrotechnics, live singers and instrumentalists and—in Larsson’s case—a full-blown pop concert come together seamlessly. There’s something for everyone.

If you head to Kygo’s tour to sing your heart out to “It Ain’t Me” or “Higher Love,” you won’t be disappointed but rewarded tenfold. The tour celebrates a remarkable 11-year career and acknowledges that success isn’t built alone. A party is more fun with friends after all.