Tyler, the Creator returned to ACL after headlining the festival in 2021 where he delivered a sub-par performance, struggling as he caught his breath and scrambling on a small stage. This year, he one-upped himself. Bringing all his energy to the vast American Express stage at 8:45 p.m., he played an over-20-song set, giving equal attention to his lengthy discography. The set opened with the high-energy of songs “LEMONHEAD” and “WUSYANAME” from his latest album CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST.
Emphasizing the “Creator” in his stage name, the artist started the show chock-full of pyrotechnics and stunning visuals to couple with the reverberating base of his high-energy songs. His cream-colored tee paired with a pair of brown cargo shorts and green and white hat accentuated the rocky, earthy background of his set — paying homage to his most recent album’s campy feel.
The artist honored long-time fans with a medley of his older songs, working through his discography from Goblin’s “She” and Wolf’s “Tamale” to Cherry Bomb’s “SMUCKERS.” Ending the medley with a full performance of “IFHY” from Wolf, he pumped up the dramatics of the song with a backdrop of a rainy, blue sky.
Audience members of all ages followed the artist’s orders of jumping as high as they could during “DEATH-CAMP” and singing back lyrics during “Boredom.” He worked the eager crowd well. Many audience members had been camping out since the beginning of the day for Chappell Roan’s set, which was directly before his. “Shoutout Chappell, man,” the performer said. “I love the dramatics, it’s like theater kid shit. I love that shit. That shit tight.”
Tyler, the Creator showcased more of his humorous side seen in his TV show Loiter Squad by sprinkling jokes in between songs, such as jokingly picking on the audience for wanting his sweaty t-shirt. “Sicko, sicko, sicko,” the artist said. “I don’t even kink shame, but that’s just gross … but I might throw it out.”
The performer’s set consumed the festival as he performed late into the evening. Closing off his set with songs from Flower Boy, he showcased fire effects to couple with the rage of “Who Dat Boy.” However, as he said farewell, he performed the calmer tune of “See You Again,” a nod to his return next weekend.
