RECAP: TEDDY SWIMS BRINGS 'I'VE TRIED EVERYTHING BUT THERAPY TOUR' TO VANCOUVER

Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre was buzzing on Saturday night as Teddy Swims rolled into Vancouver with his "I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy" Tour. The Georgia-born singer, known for his gravelly yet velvet voice and emotional honesty, brought fans to their feet for nearly two hours of music that was equal parts therapy session, comedy act, and soul revival.

Photos by Caroline Charruyer / Backspin HQ

The night kicked off with Irish singer-songwriter Cian Ducrot, who wasted no time winning over the crowd. With just his voice and guitar, he delivered a vulnerable, heartfelt set, highlighted by his viral hit “I’ll Be Waiting.” By the end, he had charmed the room with quick-witted and vulnerable lyrics, and primed everyone for the main act.

Teddy Swims appeared in full swagger under the lights on top of his stage ramp. Backed by his powerhouse band Freak Freely, he launched straight into “Not Your Man” and “Hammer to the Heart,” two high-energy openers that had the crowd shouting along. But the energy shifted just a few songs later when Swims kicked off his Doc Martens and performed the rest of the show in a pair of Eagles socks. It was a small detail, but it summed him up perfectly: larger-than-life talent, yet as down-to-earth as your buddy next door.

The setlist leaned heavily on his Therapy albums, with a mix of heartbreak anthems (“Bad Dreams”), gospel-infused rock (“Devil in a Dress”), and playful country swagger (“Free Drugs”). The night wasn’t without its hiccups. Twice during the set, Swims stopped mid-song to ensure that fans who fainted in the pit were okay. He reminded the audience to keep looking out for each other.

Some of the evening’s most powerful moments came during the quieter songs. “Need You More,” dedicated to his wife, carried weight and tenderness, while “Small Hands” nearly broke him. Written for his two-month-old son, the song left Swims visibly choked up as he admitted, “I’ve never known heartbreak like leaving him to go on tour.” The arena roared in support, turning his vulnerability into a shared moment.

Of course, Swims knows how to balance the tears with humor. For “Your Kind of Crazy,” he rolled out sitting on a prop toilet, and belted the tune while signing a roll of toilet paper to fling into the crowd. Later, a jukebox-style audience game determined the night’s cover song: Daryl Hall & John Oates’ “Sara Smile,” which Swims crooned with soulful sincerity.

The closing stretch was a mix of firepower and catharsis. “Northern Lights” and “God Went Crazy” hit hard (with another brief pause for a fainting fan), before the massive sing-along of “Lose Control” sent the arena shaking. He returned for an encore of “Bed on Fire,” “Goodbye’s Been Good to You,” and “The Door,” the last notes echoing as confetti rained down.

Swims has come a long way from uploading YouTube covers in 2019. In Vancouver, he was opening up his heart and asking the audience to hold it with him. Judging by the thunderous response, they gladly did.

Upcoming Tour Dates

08/31 Seattle, WA – WaMu Theater

09/03 Troutdale, OR – Edgefield Concerts on the Lawn

09/05 Berkeley, CA – Greek Theatre

09/06 South Lake Tahoe, NV – Harveys Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena

09/09 Los Angeles, CA – Greek Theatre

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