Louis Tomlinson put on a heartfelt show at The Fillmore last week in Minneapolis.

In the moments leading up to Louis Tomlinson’s appearance, the energy in the venue was electric. As the lights dimmed and his band took to the stage, the screams were overwhelming. Opening with one of his most heavy-hitting live tunes We Made It, the expectations were set. Continuing straight into a solo version of One Direction’s Drag Me Down, Tomlinson quickly established that he isn’t just a pretty voice.

Tomlinson’s set felt like riding a wave. After peaking at Drag Me Down, he expertly brought the energy down slightly with renditions of the gorgeous Don’t Let It Break Your Heart and heart-wrenching Two of Us.

The lyrics found throughout 2020’s Walls give listeners an inside look into Tomlinson’s innermost thoughts. His first extended release after One Direction announced their hiatus, Walls is an impressive showing from the artist. It proves that he is able to stand on his own two feet as a songwriter. As a performer, Tomlinson takes a reserved, no-nonsense approach. He isn’t jumping around, running up and down the stage, or leaping into the audience. He appears methodical and graceful as he paces back and forth, choosing the exact right times to let the audience sing on their own. He creates a feeling of deep collaboration for his fans, as if to say, “I can’t do this without your help.”

Other highlights of the set included an amazing cover of Catfish and the Bottlemen’s 7 and Kings of Leon’s Beautiful War. Ending his encore with Kill My Mind, Louis Tomlinson concluded the night on a high note. I felt honored to have experienced this concert alongside his most adoring fans. There was such a sense of respect and care throughout the venue, from the fans, venue security and touring crew, which speaks to the values that Tomlinson champions. The Walls tour continues its US run through mid-March before making its way to Europe. You can find tour dates here.

Photos: Morgan Winston