The anticipation was palpable as fans took their seats, their excitement building for what promised to be a spectacular evening. Buzzing energy filled up Bass Concert Hall on the night of Tuesday, Oct. 29, as the venue filled with fans eagerly anticipating an unforgettable night with Rex Orange County.

FINALLY: A Theater Tour showcases Rex’s fifth studio album The Alexander Technique, released in September of 2024. While the setlist featured most songs from his new album, famous tracks from previous releases were also included. 

“I don’t know if you can tell, but I am going to be playing these new songs for you tonight,” Rex said. “But I also included some old songs, so if you know the words of any of these songs, please sing along with me.”

With no opening artist, the night’s focus was solely on Rex. The concert started with brief instrumental sounds of his songs, building anticipation as the lights dimmed. Following a sudden stop in the instrumentals, Rex appeared on the stage to officially start the performance.

The opening track on the setlist, Alexander, starts with Rex sitting on a hospital bed, a doctor by his side. This theatrical setup provided a perfect visual illustration of this song, as the lyrics are about visiting the doctor. The engaging setup interested and immersed the audience from the beginning of the show. As he moved on to the second track, Therapy, Rex stepped outside the stage to interact with fans. High-fiving with fans, Rex showed his love for his supporters, walking to the orchestra floor. 

Representing Austin, Rex covered Rainbow Connection by Willie Nelson. As a tradition for his shows, Rex often covers the songs of artists that are from the area where the concert is being performed. The atmosphere was filled with warmth and nostalgia, as fans swayed and sang along to the familiar tune. Rex’s acknowledgment of the local culture and location brought a deeper connection to his fans.

One of the tracks on his new album, Guitar Song, featured his band members, especially emphasizing the saxophone’s sound. Throughout his performance, Rex showcased his skills with a wide array of instruments, including an electric guitar, keyboard, piano, and tambourine. 

Halfway through the show, Rex played his hit songs Sunflower, Television/So Far So Good, and ONE IN A MILLION as a surprise song requested by a fan. These unexpected moments added to the sense of spontaneity and connection that was present throughout the show. The audience’s excitement and energy filled the concert hall, full of cheers and applause. This level of interaction made the concert feel personal and unique, almost as if Rex was performing just for each individual in the room.

Right before hitting the final verse of Best Friend, Rex encouraged the audience to put away any distractions to fully enjoy the moment. 

“Do you mind, between now and the end of this song, can we have no phones, no cameras, and just enjoy the moment for this verse,” Rex said. “This moment will be just for us.” 

The show concluded with the fan-favorite song Pluto Projector. As the lights dimmed, a winter-themed backdrop appeared as the doors unwinded, and confetti rained down, transforming the concert hall into a magical seasonal scene. The final moments were filled with a sense of wonder, surrounded by swirling confetti and the glow of stage lights. It was a perfect ending that left the audience with a lasting memory of an artist who knows how to connect deeply with his fans, both through his music and his presence.