Concert review: Big Time Rush | Blossom Music Center | Cuyahoga Falls, OH | 07.29.2025

To many Gen Z kids, Big Time Rush is a quintessential part of childhood. Since jumping onto the scene in a rather unique way in November 2009, they’ve maintained loyal fans and have built a discography of four studio albums. The band launched simultaneously with the hit Nickelodeon show, also titled Big Time Rush, which followed a boy band comprised of four teenage hockey players from Minnesota who quickly rose to fame. Not only did their songs resonate with a generation, but their scenes and soundbites remain viral to this day. 

Suitably, fans gathered in their best BTR garb July 29 at Blossom Music Center for the band’s headlining tour: In Real Life Worldwide. Costumes from the show—tree hats, bandannas, and hockey jerseys—were just as typical as merchandise t-shirts. With a tour setlist featuring every song from every episode, fans and band alike leaned into the references and nostalgia.

Katelyn Tarver, true to her commitment to making a new t-shirt each night on tour, Blossom’s “Jo-Hio” design was featured during her performance. Stephen Glickman (who played Gustavo Rocqu on the Nickelodeon show)ruled the stage with a solo on piano, as well as a duet with each fellow band member—“You’re Not Alone” with Carlos PenaVega, “Cover Girl” with Kendall Schmidt, “All Over Again” with Logan Henderson, and “We Are” with James Maslow. An comical rendition of “Giant Turd,” appeared mid-set, its deep lyrics:

“Oh your such a turd.
Oh yeah, a giant turd,
And you look like a turd,
And you smell like a turd”

Trampolines were nestled next to ramps and platforms, all of which were incorporated into the choreography. A video depicting a short look back at the most recognizable costumes and, later on, a montage of the early years of the band (and the show) acted as mini intermissions to the lengthy setlist.

Both Schmidt and Maslow showed their instrumental talent, with Schmidt playing guitar during “Paralyzed” and Maslow on piano for “Stuck.” For a number of songs, the band moved through the crowd to the B-stage under the pavilion. They were conversational, giving attention to as many fans as possible, while ensuring each section of the audience felt seen. On their way back to the main stage, each member picked their Worldwide Girl to join them for a serenade to “Worldwide.” Surely a birthday wish-come-true for one lucky fan, some watched on with joy, and others with jealousy.

While every song spurred excitement with everyone singing along, the encore was what really ended the night on a high note. More than the grocery cart ride or the fans who began the show on stage, “Boyfriend,” in particular, had the roof raised to finish off the show. With people breaking out in song on the trek back to the cars, there was no question that the evening was one fans won’t forget.