“I tend to be quite hard on myself because I feel that many people rely on me. If I were relying on someone else, I would expect them to give their all – so that’s what I need to do.”
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When Destroy Lonely arrived in London in 2023, he performed in front of over 2,000 fans, a mix of leather, latex, and vibrant energy packed into the O2 Forum Kentish Town. During our initial conversation, he was already anticipating the future. Now, the 23-year-old from Atlanta is preparing to take the stage at London’s OVO Wembley Arena, where 12,500 fans await him. You might expect the enormity to shake him, but Lone, as he’s known among Opium supporters, appears incredibly calm. Clad in a heavily distressed vintage t-shirt and with charcoal eyeshadow subtly smudged below his eyes, he relaxes in a low leather chair as if he were in the green room of a small bar rather than a massive arena.
As a key figure in Playboi Carti’s Opium label – more a cultural phenomenon than just a traditional roster – Lone occupies a unique space. Alongside Ken Carson and the Homixide Gang, he’s part of one of the most celebrated collectives of the 2020s. Yet, within this realm, Lone has established his own allure: introspective, detailed, and intriguingly distant. While others blend rap, raver, and rockstar aesthetics, he seamlessly integrates them into a style that feels like a fusion of Rick Owens and early Tumblr, shaped by the nihilism of the digital era.
Since his last stint in the UK, he has released two projects – 2023’s ‘If Looks Could Kill’ and the forthcoming ‘LOVE LASTS FOREVER’ in 2024. The latter – a rich blend of synth-infused anger, catchy auto-tune, and bass that resonates deeply – seems specially designed for the stage. At Wembley, an ocean of dark silhouettes (with a few fans in outlandish superhero costumes) moves as a single, pulsating entity, arms waving, phones raised, faces overcome with emotion. Lone commands from a strobe-lit platform, less like a lead singer and more like a specter, orchestrating the pandemonium with the assurance of someone who understands what he has created.
With just a few shows remaining before the end of his extensive European tour, Lone is already looking beyond the dazzling lights. He’s focused on what lies ahead – and if his enigmatic social media hints are any indication, a significant transition is imminent. Before our conversation, Lone dropped an intriguing announcement on Twitter: he’s reviving the cherished ‘
But that's not the only exciting development on the horizon. The long-awaited Ken Carson x Destroy Lonely collaboration tape – more rumor than reality over the past year – now seems achievable. With mentions of a long-anticipated Playboi Carti feature, 2025 is shaping up to be an extraordinary year for both Lone and his dedicated fans.
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How are you feeling now that you’re about halfway through the tour? How’s it all going?
I feel terrible [laughs]. I’m sick at the moment. But I feel good at the same time. I haven’t been on tour in two years, and I feel like I don’t exist unless I’m on the road, so this experience makes me feel alive.
So you truly embrace being on tour?
All I do is record. If I'm not recording and I find myself just at home playing games, I question whether I’m being lazy. So I need this to keep moving forward.
What’s been your favorite city or country to visit thus far?
So far, Zurich, London, and Berlin. I visited Berghain – that was wild. There’s so much happening there. It’s amazing.
I know you’ve had several visits to the UK for your own shows and festivals. What do you love and hate about the UK?
I dislike that you drive on the opposite side of the road. Traffic isn’t great either. But I really admire the unique culture you all have. I can’t quite explain it, but it feels different here. I also like the aesthetics of the roads and buildings.
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What are your thoughts on the food? I’ve heard many American artists aren’t fond of it.
Everyone keeps asking me that. I’ve only eaten McDonald's, but you all have the wildest McDonald's meals I’ve ever seen.
What’s your go-to order?
Chicken Selects and fries [laughs].
That’s pretty standard. I know you’re only here briefly, but have you had the chance to connect with any UK artists?
I really like Skepta. I’ve also been listening to
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“I really push myself because I sense that many people rely on me. If I were relying on someone, I would expect them to put in their best effort.”