RECAP: FERG CLOSES OUT 'DAROLD TOUR' IN VANCOUVER

On a night fueled by growth, and adrenaline, FERG (formerly A$AP Ferg) closed out his 2025 Darold Tour with a performance at the legendary Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver. Marking the 17th and final stop of the tour (excluding an upcoming festival date in Detroit), the Harlem rapper gave fans an experience unlike any other stop on the run—intimate, unscripted, and deeply personal.

Photos by Tage Stenner / Backspin Canada

Despite a slight delay caused by technical issues with the DJ setup, fans packed the venue. That crowd exploded the moment FERG burst on stage to the beat of “New Level.” For longtime fans, it was an immediate clue that the night would deviate from the expected. Normally slotted much later in the setlist, “New Level” opening the show signaled a surprise direction—and FERG soon confirmed it himself, announcing that his DJ would be picking songs at random for a one-of-a-kind set.

Dressed in a custom red leather vest with bold white “FERG” lettering across the front and a shimmering silver star stitched into the back, FERG owned the spotlight. He paired the vest with baggy blue jeans, classic Timberlands, and a red-and-white bandana tied around his neck—an outfit that grounded his style in Harlem tradition while nodding to a more evolved, self-aware artist.

Once the initial reaction settled, FERG greeted the crowd with a heartfelt moment, reflecting on his history in the city. “It’s been years since I’ve been back here,” he told the crowd, before launching into the next track by spraying a full bottle of water into the pit. The reaction? Chaos—in the best way possible. Fans embraced every second, moshing and jumping alongside.

But what truly set the night apart was FERG’s unfiltered connection with the audience. He hopped down into the pit, climbed barricades, jumped directly into the crowd, and even paused to sign shirts, album covers, and whatever personal items fans could get into his hands. It felt less like a concert and more like a hometown celebration—even if Vancouver was thousands of miles from Harlem.

The Darold Tour, named after FERG’s birth name Darold Durard Brown Ferguson Jr., reflects a pivotal shift in his career. Shedding the “A$AP” name, FERG has stepped into a new chapter—one rooted in authenticity. His latest album, Darold, released in late 2024, marks his most personal work to date. Songs like “Pool” dig deep into trauma and healing, offering listeners a glimpse of vulnerability rarely seen in his earlier music.

Closing the tour in Vancouver was no accident. The city, which FERG has performed in multiple times before, embraced his evolution. And on this night, it became clear that the crowd wasn’t just there for hits like “Plain Jane” or “Shabba”—they were truly there for him.

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