The lights dimmed, and the crowd buzzed with anticipation as the sound of mystical birds chirping filled the room. The Roxy Theatre, drenched in rain and bathed in red light, was the perfect backdrop for a night that promised something truly special. As the band took their places, the atmosphere shifted. Suki Waterhouse emerged, draped in a baby-pink feather coat and vintage sunglasses, immediately commanding the stage.
It was my first time at a Suki Waterhouse concert, and I’d gone in without knowing much about her latest tracks—no research, no expectations, just the thrill of experiencing something new. What unfolded before me was a mesmerizing show that surpassed every expectation.
A Rainy Night in LA
The night started with a ride from USC to The Roxy, one of Los Angeles’ most iconic and historic venues. As I approached the venue on Wednesday evening, the rain was pouring down, adding a cinematic touch to the evening. The Roxy’s ambiance was straight out of a movie: dark, mysterious, and cool in the way only a legendary music venue can be.
This March 5th show was the third of three sold-out nights for Waterhouse in Los Angeles, and she chose the intimate setting of The Roxy for her performance—one of the smallest venues she’s played, but a choice that made the show feel even more personal. The crowd outside was a blend of generations, with plenty of parents and couples, but dominated by both younger and older women. Everyone was dressed to impress: chunky knee-high boots, fluffy and feathery coats and a mix of mini and maxi skirts. There was a lot of glitter, sparkly outfits, chic fashion, and vibrant makeup. It was a stylish crowd that shared the same cool-chic aesthetic as the artist herself.
Entering The Roxy
There was an air of excitement as the doors opened, and the intimate setting made it feel like we were about to witness something special. As I stood in line, inside, the venue was just as cozy as the outside was mysterious, almost like we were at a private party. Low ambient lighting bathed the space in red, from the iconic neon Roxy sign to the velvet curtains and red decor that draped the room.
As the crowd filtered in, I overheard someone saying, “She’s cool without trying to be.” Honestly, that statement completely captured the essence of Suki Waterhouse. She’s effortlessly cool, and that was apparent from the moment she stepped on stage.
Suki Takes The Stage
At 8:30 p.m., the playlist that was playing over the speakers faded out, and the venue was filled with the sound of mystical birds chirping, setting the tone for what was to come. The lights dimmed, and one by one, her band members—Michael Christopher Sanford, Jane Noise, and Emilia Paige—took the stage. And then, there she was: Waterhouse, in a long, baby-pink feather coat and vintage sunglasses, stepping into the spotlight.
She opened with “Gateway Drug,” a slower track with a subtle hint of rockstar, featuring heavy drums and electric guitar. It was clear from the very first note that she was not just performing the songs; she was the music. She moved in rhythm with the lyrics, embodying every beat as if the song was flowing through her.
The lighting throughout the performance mirrored the mood of each track. During ethereal, slower moments, the lights were soft and warm, while the more intense, indie rock songs like “The Devil I Know” and “OMG” were marked by flashes of red. It felt like a visual representation of the music, making every shift even more dynamic.
Connection
What stood out most about Waterhouse was her engagement with the crowd. She wasn’t just singing to us, she was interacting, dancing and even holding fans’ hands as she moved across the stage. At one point, she spotted a fan she had met earlier, and they exchanged a few moments, building a sense of connection and community in the room.
Waterhouse changed her outfit after her song “Nonchalant”, ditching her long coat for a matching pink feather skirt and cropped jacket. She even invited her sister Imogen on stage during “Johanna,” where they danced and laughed together as if no one else was watching. It was so sweet and felt like the kind of carefree, genuine fun that made the night feel that much more special.
Unexpected Fun: “My Fun” and Beach Balls
A true highlight came during her song “My Fun,” when she tossed beach balls into the crowd. The vibe was playful and light-hearted as we bounced the balls around while Waterhouse performed with a star-shaped instrument, giving off a vibe that was part coquette, part country-pop. It was one of those moments that felt completely unplanned and fun, adding a sense of whimsy to an already unforgettable night.
The Emotional Finale
As the night drew to a close, Waterhouse performed “Good Looking Boy,” one of my favorite songs of all time. Yes, I know it’s a bit “basic” to call it my favorite, but I’ve been a fan of this track since it first dropped in 2022. Hearing it live was an entirely different experience; it was unreal. I swear I felt my soul ascend to some higher place.
At the climax of the song, Waterhouse jumped into the crowd, where people lifted her up, and she waved goodbye as she made her way through the pit. As her eyes swept over the crowd, there was an unmistakable vulnerability in her look, one that spoke volumes of gratitude and deep emotion. She repeatedly thanked the crowd for being there and made it clear how much she appreciated the energy of the sold-out show. After a few emotional moments, she disappeared backstage.
Reflecting on an Unforgettable Night
As I left The Roxy and stepped back into the rainy night, I couldn’t shake the feeling of being emotionally connected to the show and the whole experience. There was something about the venue’s intimate size combined with Suki Waterhouse’s raw, captivating talent that made the night feel unforgettable. Maybe it was the connection between artist and audience, or maybe it was the music that spoke to something deeper inside me. Either way, this is a show I will remember forever.