After a successful sold-out US tour, Malcolm Todd brings a high-energy second show to Los Angeles — a tribute to the city where his journey began as a 21-year-old artist.
“Chest Pain (I Love)” – Malcolm Todd
It’s rare to step into the Wiltern, with its vibrant blue-green arches reminiscent of a medieval castle, and find a crowd of young, stylish, grungy 21-year-olds clad in Carhartt gear and basic tees passionately belting out YG’s “FDT.” Their voices resonate loudly, their enthusiasm palpable, overshadowing even the soft cinematic lights above and creating an electrifying atmosphere for the night ahead. The crowd, in high spirits and a bit tipsy, has transformed the venue’s art deco stage into their own dimly-lit mosh pit before the artist even appears.
Yet with Malcolm Todd and his supporters, expect the unexpected.
Malcolm Todd © 2025
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In just over three years, Malcolm Todd has quickly advanced from a local high school musician to a hometown sensation, and this is no exaggeration. After the release of his debut EP, Demos Before Prom, in 2022, his song “Out of Bounds” went viral, thrusting him into the music industry. He began creating TikToks and sharing his music with the comedic flair typical of many high school sophomores. Despite the rapid rise to fame, Todd has managed to retain and even amplify the youthful charm that initially set him apart, channeling it back into his music.
On a balmy Tuesday night—the second show in a three-part series—the crowd flocking to Wilshire was just as enthusiastic as if it were the weekend. A large backdrop featuring his name adorned the stage, complemented by an ivy-covered arch behind his microphone. As the lights dimmed and he stepped out, silhouetted against the excited audience, one might expect an equally vibrant and dramatic opening.
However, Todd defies such easy assumptions. As if guided by an unseen force, the crowd erupted in unison singing “Dance monkey, dance” from his track “Harry Styles,” marking the unpredictable beginning of what lay ahead at the Wiltern.
For over an hour and a half, Todd transformed the iconic venue into a lively house party. He kicked off the set with his self-titled album, delivering tracks like the jazzy “Make Me A Better Man” and the electrifying “Cheer Me On.” The rhythmic drumming of “Doll” reverberated through the venue, while his tender voice in “Who’s The Fool” captivated the audience, creating a soft hush that settled into the gilded walls. But, just as a toy needs to be wound up, Todd sprang into action with a guitar, reigniting the energy and getting hands swaying in the air, except for a few phones flashing here and there.
Not long into the performance, “Bleed”—his collaboration with Omar Apollo—began to play. A wave of nodding heads and enthusiastic voices filled the space, anticipating Apollo’s appearance, which didn’t happen. Instead, Todd invited the crowd to sing along to his collaborator’s lines. They complied, and he swayed and moved on stage as they echoed Apollo’s “relax” back to him with exuberance.
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The essence of a Malcolm Todd concert lies in the spontaneous dance moves and playful banter that flow between the stage and the audience. As he transitioned from his self-titled work to songs from his upcoming 2024 album Sweet Boy, Todd reflected on the surreal experience of performing in front of a sold-out crowd three times in a row, animated faces looking back at him. It was clear he was filled with joy, his nervous laughter shared with concertgoers. To ease the nerves, he added humor into the mix. After a stripped-down rendition of “You Owe Me,” he introduced his band, prompting the audience to repeat their names after him.
“Say bonjour, Charlie,” Todd exclaimed, referring to his drummer, Charlie Ziman. The crowd eagerly complied, and Charlie responded quietly with a “Hey.” Embracing his comedic side, Todd quipped about Charlie’s shyness, leading to laughter from the audience.
The show maintained this lively rhythm: song, comedic quip, audience cheers, and repeat. The spirit of friendship permeated the concert, both on stage and among the fans. At one point, Todd performed the Crosby, Stills, and Nash & Young classic “Our House,” enveloping the venue in warmth.
Phone lights illuminated the crowd, people swayed together, and a group of college-aged boys even embraced, celebrating friendship with a hug mid-song. One fan expressed that as the lights
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After a successful sold-out tour across the US, Malcolm Todd brings an energetic second performance to Los Angeles—paying tribute to the city where his journey began as a 21-year-old artist.