RECAP: KEITH URBANS 'HIGH AND ALIVE TOUR' IN VANCOUVER

Backspin Canada
3 days ago
4 min read

Keith Urban made his long-awaited return to Vancouver last night, launching the second North American leg of his High and Alive Tour with a packed show at Rogers Arena. This was his first stop back in the city since 2018, and his ninth overall, going all the way back to his first Vancouver show at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in 2003. Before last night, Urban had just wrapped ten shows across Australia in August, following a full North American run throughout June and July. Vancouver marked the start of another major leg, with more stops across Canada and the US throughout the fall.

Photos by Tage Stenner / Backspin HQ

Before Urban even took the stage, the arena crowd was already fully committed. Country concerts in Vancouver have a reputation for pulling out all the stops, and this was no different. From the moment the opening music started, the fans could not stop screaming. The stage was hidden behind a white Kabuki curtain, lit from the back to show Urban’s silhouette pacing the stage with his guitar already in place. The moment the curtain dropped, it slightly snagged on one side before finally falling fully, the arena erupted and the show officially kicked off.

Urban took stage wearing a black graphic tee with ripped black jeans and low-profile sneakers. His look was simple but uniquely him, much like the show itself. This tour is built around clarity, the songs are tight, the transitions are sharp, and the staging is clean without being overdone.

The production focused on movement and range. The stage extended from the main platform, allowing Urban and his band to spread across the full width of the arena. Suspended panels above the stage lifted and lowered to create different visual looks throughout the night. At times they gave height and space, and at others they dropped to frame the performance in a more intimate way. Lights swept in wide arcs across the crowd, shifting colours and angles between songs but never feeling distracting. The overall effect was modern and sharp, without pulling focus from the music.

Urban made it a point to work every corner of the venue. He moved with purpose, often crouching near the barricades and playing directly to the front rows. Later through the night, he walked off the main stage and made his way through the crowd on the left side of the arena. He stopped to connect with fans and eventually stepped onto a small B-stage near the back. There, he played a few songs, signed a guitar and gave it away, then walked through the right side of the crowd to return to the main platform.

The setlist leaned on both new and familiar ground. Songs from his latest album High felt fully locked in, blending seamlessly with staples from across his career. Tracks like “Straight Line” and “Heart Like a Hometown” were built for the live environment, and they held their own next to longtime fan favourites. His band was locked in the whole time, adding layers and details that made the songs feel even better live.

Urban’s strength as a performer has always been his consistency. Last night was no different. There were no overextended speeches or forced moments. He let the music do the work, and it landed. The crowd was locked in from the first song to the last. When he returned for a two-song encore, confetti fired across the floor, and the arena took one last burst of energy before the 11:00 pm curfew.

Even after the show ended, Urban stayed on stage for a while. He spoke with crew. He waved to fans still hanging around the barricade. He did not rush the exit. For an artist with more than two decades of touring experience, that kind of presence still matters.

Keith Urban’s High and Alive Tour continues through Canada and the United States, with upcoming stops in Calgary, Regina, Winnipeg, Montreal, and beyond. If last night’s show in Vancouver was any indication, this leg is running on momentum, precision, and a clear understanding of what it means to hold a room. Urban did not just bring the hits. He brought a show that knew exactly what it wanted to be.

Upcoming Tour Dates

September 12 - Calgary, AB at Scotiabank Saddledome

September 13 - Regina, SK at Brandt Centre

September 15 - Saskatoon, SK at SaskTel Centre

September 16 - Winnipeg, MB at Canada Life Centre

September 19 - Montreal, QC at Bell Centre

September 20 - Ottawa, ON at Canadian Tire Centre

September 25 - Chicago, IL at United Center

September 26 - St. Paul, MN at Grand Casino Arena

September 27 - Omaha, NE at CHI Health Center

October 2 - Hershey, PA at Giant Center

October 3 - Uncasville, CT at Mohegan Sun Arena