The tour is for his album released in 2024 of the same name. (Amy Dixon / Daily Nexus)

Omar Apollo brought down the house at the Santa Barbara Bowl in one of his last stops on the God Said No World Tour, delivering a resonating performance featuring songs from his vast discography and second studio album of the same name.

Apollo had rapper and singer Kevin Abstract open for the crowd at the Oct. 8 concert. Abstract, known for his role in the founding and development of the group BROCKHAMPTON, confidently called on various fans near the barricade to join in on the lyrics of his song. Abstract marched through the crowds of people, leading patrons around the maze of the Bowl and asking for their names as he requested for the crowd to cheer them on, shining a spotlight on excited fans. 

Kevin Abstract was the opening artist for Omar Apollo at the Santa Barbara Bowl. (Amy Dixon / Daily Nexus)

As Abstract exited his set, the crowd began barking (literally), a callback to previous requests from Abstract for the crowd to do so. The lights came back on as the crowd excitedly waited for Apollo to appear.

Fifth-year environmental studies major and history minor Jasmine Jackson and fourth-year psychological & brain sciences major Daniel Fabian were excited to witness Apollo in action. 

“I’m here to vibe,” Fabian commented, describing Apollo’s music as “comforting.”

Jackson shared a similar sentiment: “I’m looking to chill … ready to relax.”

As the last bit of attendees flowed into the layered steps and seats of the Bowl, the lights were cut, delving all into darkness. Eerie synthesizer noises played as a chant of “Omar! Omar! Omar!” began to rip through the crowd. 

Apollo appeared in front of a light blue aura light sporting an oversized fuzzy yellow trench coat. Slowly, Apollo stripped the jacket off and revealed an all-white outfit — fitted with a bomber jacket branding “Apollo” on the back with a cross, white pants and sparkly boots. The reveal was coupled with his breakout into the first song “Be Careful With Me,” off of his latest album. Apollo was grouped with backup dancers whom he danced in and out of sync with before prompting the crowd to “put on your motherfucking shades,” a gag done at every show where Apollo snaps a shot of himself and the crowd wearing sunglasses.

Amy Dixon / Daily Nexus

The concert incorporated various light sequences and quick camera movements to not only entertain the audience but tell the story throughout each song. Beloved 2023 single “3 Boys” featured  various birds-eye views for the screen behind Apollo, including two male dancers embracing and quickly pushing one another away as Apollo sings about being addicted to someone so much that he “can’t let go.” The dancers moved around in slow, spiral maneuvers as the heartbreaking song continued. 

Known for his incorporation of Spanish into his song, Apollo performed “En el olvido,” accompanied by two guitarists as childhood film videos of himself played on the screen behind him. The heartfelt moment of watching events in Apollo’s life, such as weddings he had attended and videos of his family members, paired well with the tenderness and raw emotion of the song. To liven up the crowd, Apollo requested for someone to do their best “grito” — Spanish for “shout” or “cry,” which is a common Mexican expression. Frantic hands shot in the air as groups of friends screamed for their chance to communicate with Apollo. Hearing about five gritos in total, Apollo applauded them all and continuously cheered them on before requesting his guitarist to join in as well.

Amy Dixon / Daily Nexus

Apollo flowed straight into “Tamagotchi,” an increasingly upbeat and rap-like song with a mixture of Spanish and English lyrics culminating into more sensual lyrics. He sang the lyrics, “I want your body, you want me too,” as the crowd began rising up from their seats. Once the song was over, Apollo began graciously thanking the crowd and explained how the tour is coming to an end with Santa Barbara being one of the last three stops. Apollo emphasized his gratitude for the crowd, saying, “If you came to listen to some good music, I appreciate you.”

After changing into a silver reflective vest, Apollo nonchalantly transitioned into one of his most iconic and popular songs, “Evergreen (You Didn’t Deserve Me at All).” During the song, he took over as cameraman and began filming the crowd to project them onto the big screen. Completion of this top song brought out almost every cellphone flashlight in sight. 

Apollo sings to a crowd of fans. (Amy Dixon / Daily Nexus)

Apollo began one of the last songs on the set list, “Glow.” However, just as Apollo began singing, he identified an issue in the pit and cut the music to ensure that an audience member who looked troubled was doing okay. Apollo forced the pit to open up and asked if any medical attention was needed, even offering his own water. After ensuring that all patrons were safe, Apollo quickly regained the attention of the crowd by telling them to “run that shit the fuck back” and restarted the song.

As the song finished and the lights faded to black, Apollo and performers began to exit the stage. Chants began for an encore, some attendees even standing up to hopefully usher Apollo back. His voice boomed over the Bowl as he asked, “Santa Barbara, do you want another song? I couldn’t tell.” The playfulness of Apollo’s words brought along the final — and ironically named — song, “Go Away.” With only four minutes left until curfew, everyone began jumping and truly enjoying the last few moments of the God Said No World Tour.

This appeared in the October 17 printed edition of the Daily Nexus

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