Photos and review by Maja Nowacka
@nowackacaptures

On the 9th of December, Big Time Rush brought their highly anticipated In Real Life Worldwide tour to Amsterdam for a sold-out show at the Ziggo Dome. From the moment you walked to the venue, you could see fans dressed in outfits honoring the band’s TV series characters or even recreating outfits from shows they played in the past.

To kick off the evening, we had a performance by Stephen Kramer Glickman, also known as Gustavo Roque, the band’s manager from the Nickelodeon sitcom. He truly knows how to warm up the crowd by playing hit songs such as “Pink Pony Club” by Chappell Roan and “Toxic” by Britney Spears. That night was also the first time he included “Drivers License” by Olivia Rodrigo in his set; it is safe to say the crowd enjoyed it.

Up next, we had another familiar face supporting Big Time Rush’s show: Katelyn Tarver, who the band’s fans may also know as Jo Taylor from the TV series. During the performance, you could hear fans singing very loudly during her songs, for example on “Nicer” and “#1.” What made her set even more interesting was her baby tee. She always customizes it for each show; on Tuesday, it said “Amsterdam laat je likken,” which is a reference to a Dutch girl saying it while on stage with Zara Larsson at the very same arena. The video capturing that moment went viral, so all the Dutch Big Time Rush fans understood the reference. Tarver has been making music for years now, and is an incredible performer who was born to be on stage, which you can see from the moment she walks on. It is very heartwarming seeing her get the recognition and getting to perform in front of such big audiences.

When Big Time Rush came on stage they delivered one of the most unforgettable shows fans could have asked for. From start to finish, the concert felt like a nonstop stream of surprises, energy, and genuine connection with the crowd. The lights dropped, the screams rose, and for a moment, the Ziggo Dome felt more like a time machine than a concert venue, where the band played straight into the hearts of a crowd that had grown up with them and clearly never grown out of them. From the first beat, the atmosphere crackled with nostalgia, adrenaline, and the kind of joy that can’t be manufactured, only remembered. This wasn’t just a concert, it was a reunion between a band and a generation that never stopped listening.

The setlist was packed with unexpected mash-ups that blended fan-favorite songs in a fresh, exciting way. Instead of simply playing tracks back-to-back, the band turned them into creative moments that kept the audience guessing what would come next.

One of the biggest highlights of the night was the surprise guest appearances by Glickman and Katelyn, which sent the crowd into a frenzy. Their appearances brought an extra layer of excitement, making the night feel even more special and exclusive.

During “Paralyzed,” the band shocked everyone by leaving the main stage and heading straight to the barricade, creating an incredibly intimate moment with the front-row fans. But they didn’t stop there, they walked all the way to the back of the venue to perform four songs on the B-stage. This turned the entire arena into a more personal and connected space, ensuring that fans from every section felt included.

Another unforgettable moment was when four lucky girls were chosen as the “Worldwide Girls” for the night. The joy and emotion on their faces showed just how meaningful that moment was, and the crowd celebrated them like true stars.

Big Time Rush didn’t just play a concert at the Ziggo Dome — they created an experience. It was a night full of surprises, connection, and pure joy that fans won’t forget anytime soon.

For all the latest tour news and information, check out www.bigtimerushofficial.com and @bigtimerush.