**originally published via substack on MAR 28, 2023

---

Hey everybody, how’s it going?

First of all, I want to thank and welcome all of you. I wasn’t quite expecting such a warm response, so thanks for taking the time to read my work and support this project! Please feel free to add to the conversation in the comments section and/or email me with your feedback. I’d love to hear from you.

---

Thoughts Right Now

The first 3 shows – Edinburgh, Belfast, Dublin #1

The UK/EU tour has kicked off! There’s always something special about Tori playing in her adopted home. Tori seems to tap into some ancestral energy there. If you’ve been following the shows on Twitter, you know these setlists have been a bit mind-blowing! She is diving right into her extensive catalogue to breathe new life into beloved b-sides and deep album cuts. 

Edinburgh, 3.25.23

Tori and band are tight! I suspect that Tori got in a bit more rehearsal time with Mr. Jon Evans on Bass and Ash this time around, and perhaps better prepped herself vocally and physically for a longer run. Ocean to Ocean was put out in a hurry, since T and company were finalizing the record up to the last minute. T’s in great voice – as much as you can tell from cell phone videos, of course. She sounds stronger and seems more assured; last year’s outing was dusting away the cobwebs and now we’re back to form.

The band’s collaboration is playful, and that playfulness brings me, and probably many of you, a lot of joy! I’d love to see even more improvs and jams this tour. It’s just such a pleasure watching them explore sound together; it was a highlight of my 2022 tour experience. 

• Finally! The debut of Metal Water Wood! Remember when we all went bonkers and a certain sage faery requested tf out of Zero Point and then that song-girl finally came to play? T didn’t disappoint with MWW’s debut. I hope they keep playing this live; this one could really develop into an energetic band jam. It’s one of my faves on the record.
• Y’all – Skye Boat Song into Etienne. She has *never* played Skye Boat Song. This is proof she loves us.
• Daisy Dead Petals! She’s only played this song a lucky 13 timesEVER. And as the second song in the set, right after God?! HEAVEN.
• Upside Down with the band! When I saw this come through Twitter, I about died. I love how Ash’s drumming, especially with a slightly accelerated “I found” bridge, gives the song new energy. It feels a little more… hopeful here.
• Although there are times I’d like to swap out Cornflake Girl for a lesser played song, I will never, ever tire of the piano solos, especially live. T is unparalleled. 
• The set seems shorter by 2-4 songs. I’m wondering if the US shows will be longer since we don’t have the whole curfew issue at most US venues?
• Unpopular Opinion Time: I wish T would change up the stage costumes this tour. Her regular streetwear is so chic. I would love to see that look onstage again. It’s been awhile since we’ve had Tori in jeans! I’m not a fan of the current silhouette, but if she’s comfy and likes it, I’m cool. Just sayin’. 

Belfast and Dublin show #1 thoughts coming very soon. Take care, everyone! 💗