Photos + Review by David Molnar – The Big E arena was buzzing with anticipation on a recent crisp autumn September night as fans packed in for one of the final performances of the 2025 Eastern States Exposition. Known as The Big E, this sprawling event in West Springfield, Massachusetts is the fourth largest fair in the United States and its final days brought a special kind of energy. Australian rap and pop sensation The Kid LAROI, just 22-years-old and with his 4.3M Instagram Followers took the stage and quickly transformed the arena into a group celebration of youth and teen heartbreak. The setting, with the chilly New England air, carnival lights flickering in the distance and the unmistakable hum of a crowd ready to sing every lyric made for an unforgettable backdrop.
The Kid LAROI dressed in a black-and-white suit, white shirt and a thin solid black tie, performed with a tight live band flanked by a DJ, a guitarist and a drummer. From the opening number, the mix “Baby I’m Back”, it was clear the performance was balancing his hip-hop roots and pop hooks with amazing kicks from the stage. The arena felt electric and the audience’s enthusiasm reflected how far his music has traveled since his teenage years in Australia.
At one point during the performance The Kid LARIO told the crowd “When I was told I was going to play at a fair, I didn’t know what to expect because I’m Australian.” As he looked over the throng of screaming fans he added “How amazing this is! I want to say thank you! I love you guys!”
The setlist covered all corners of his young career. Fans erupted to the hit “Thousand Miles” and sang along passionately to “Love Again,” and “Bleed.” One of the emotional moments came when he performed “Where Does Your Spirit Go?,” and the heartfelt “Sorry.”
What stood out most was The Kid LAROI’s ability to command such a large stage at just 22. He balanced youthful swagger with emotional energy building a show that felt both polished and deeply personal. The Big E crowd responded in kind, cheering, waving their cell phone lights during the songs and bouncing to the beats of his tracks. As the final notes echoed across the fairgrounds it was clear this performance cemented The Kid LAROI’s status as one of the defining artists of his generation and a fitting finale to the Big E’s musical lineup.
