Rex Orange County performed a sold out show at the Fillmore in Miami Beach, Florida. It was a packed house and the line stretched for two blocks before doors opened. The line was filled with fiery anticipation and hip Gen-Zers that had no problem standing in the rain if it meant being serenaded by Rex’s crooning voice soon. The theatre quickly filled and the crowd chanted for the concert to commence. At exactly 8:45pm, he strolled on stage, waved at the crowd and opened with “10/10.” The stage was covered in imitation grass and giant cloud cut-outs that were hung over a light blue backdrop, providing a dreamy and lighthearted landscape.

Alexander O’Conner, better known through the moniker “Rex Orange County,” is twenty-one years old and was born in Haslemere, United Kingdom. Growing up he participated in his school choir, taught himself to master various instruments, and attended a music institution in London where he was inspired to release his first album in 2016, “Bcos U Will Never B Free.” The artist grew increased popularity in 2017 after releasing “Best Friend,” “Sunflower,” and through his feature on Tyler, The Creator’s “Flower Boy” album. However, this North American tour was in honor of his latest release, “Pony.”

Rex Orange County alternated between playing upon the keys, stringing the guitar, and striding side to side on stage throughout his set. Miami was a crowd of true fans that sang along to every track without missing a beat.

Stage lights dimmed to a melancholy blue during “Pluto Projector” and then something special happened during “Every Way.” Someone started a fan project (@DoubleDDany on Twitter) where he handed out different colored cutouts of construction paper to attendees while waiting in line and asked them to hold it over their flashlights during “Every Way.” The crowd reflected multi-colored flashlights and was quite the sight to see. Rex Orange County acknowledged the project by saying “I wanna tell you, the rainbow looks amazing.”

The crowd roared when stage lights came to life through a disco ball and rainbow colored spotlights during “Never Had The Balls” and when confetti exploded everywhere before the ending guitar solo.

The setlist alternated between songs from “Pony” and “Apricot Princess,” while Rex Orange County kept everyone energized and excited as he interacted with the crowd throughout the night.

Halfway through “Best Friend,” Rex Orange County stopped and asked the crowd to put their phones down. He explained “If you don’t record this, this moment can be between you and I for the next two minutes and thirty seconds.” Everyone listened for the most part, and when the music started up again, it almost felt louder through the speakers as the bridge of “Best Friend” continued and everyone erupted into dance. He closed the night with “It’s Not The Same Anymore” followed by an encore of “Always.”

Coverage and Photography by Viviana Franco

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Rex Orange County Sold Out Performance at Fillmore Miami Beach