The Warfield in San Francisco was already buzzing with energy when I walked in on July 30, the kickoff date of d4vd’s Withered World Tour. Opener Bryant Barnes — a fellow R&B artist — had the crowd hooked well before d4vd took the stage. With his angelic vocals and easy command of the room, Barnes set the tone for the intimate night ahead. 

Even before the music began, it was clear it wasn’t going to be a typical concert experience. In the lobby, fans were greeted by a coffin-shaped casket, a portrait of d4vd wrapped in gauze (depicting his tormented alter-ego, ITAMI), a guest book to leave “condolence” messages and red pins reading “RIP ITAMI.” The setup signaled that this tour was the end of an era: the “death” of lo-fi artistry defined by emotional decay, one final bloom before the rose withered. 

Inside the venue, white roses lined the stage. Soft purple lights shifted into pulsing strobes. The atmosphere felt immersive, as if we’d stepped directly into the world d4vd was building. And when he finally emerged wearing a Hello Kitty hoodie with Labubu plush dolls clipped to his belt, the crowd erupted. Over the next 80 minutes, d4vd delivered an emotionally charged, genre-blending set that showcased both his rising star power and raw vulnerability. Though there were a few small hiccups, including brief mic issues and moments when he paused to catch his breath, they never took away from the warmth and depth of his performance.

He opened with “What Are You Waiting For,” immediately setting an urgent tone. The crowd’s response was electric, their voices rising to meet him with unfiltered enthusiasm. That energy surged even higher with “Backstreet Girls,” a playful, catchy standout. Fans FaceTimed their friends mid-song, eager to share the moment as The Warfield transformed into one big singalong.

Then came “Here With Me,” and the energy shifted. d4vd encouraged the audience to sway side to side, creating a rare intimacy for a venue that size. With every lyric belted by the entire crowd, it was a powerful moment that underscored the emotional sincerity of his music.

Halfway through the set, he premiered an unreleased collaboration with Keshi titled “Summer Don’t End.” With a breezier speed, it offered a welcome contrast to the emotional weight of earlier songs. 

“I needed to make something lighter,” d4vd said to the audience. The tone of the track felt like a window into his next chapter — maybe a more hopeful one. 

He followed up with “I’d Rather Pretend” followed, for which Bryant Barnes returned to the stage. Their voices blended seamlessly, complementing one another with ease. It was a moment of mutual respect and collaboration, and the audience responded with warmth.

The night continued to build with “Feel It,” a track popularized by the animated series “Invincible.” Here, d4vd’s vocals rang out clearly — breathy, playful and bright. The crowd jumped up and down through the chorus before erupting in cheers, matching his emotional intensity beat for beat.

Then came “Romantic Homicide,” one of the biggest crowd-pleasers of the night. The lights turned red, the live rendition featuring subtle vocal flourishes and delicate contributions from his band, making the already haunting song feel even more layered and intimate. The crowd sang along to every word.

As the show neared its close, “After Life” brought a final tonal shift. The lighting dimmed and a hush fell over the room. The collective energy softened into stillness, allowing the crowd to sit with the emotional weight of the night. This song was reflective, a cool-down after the emotional highs.

Though the show contained a few imperfections, they only added to his authenticity. In the face of nerves and occasional technical glitches, what stood out most was d4vd’s connection with his fans and the emotional honesty of his performance.

For a 20-year-old headlining his first tour, this wasn’t just a solid debut. It was a statement of intent — to lead with connection, honesty and imagination in a way that reflects and resonates with his generation.