Nessa Barrett Sparks Love, Passion, and Community on the Aftercare World Tour

Although the towering buildings of Boston, Massachusetts were darkened by the night sky, the streets below glistened with the many outfits of fans waiting outside Roadrunner. While 20 February 2025 was just another Thursday for some people, it was going to be a more thrilling evening for over 3,000 music enthusiasts (and style icons). Some girls wore stiletto high heels, others wore animal print jackets to stay warm in the chilling weather. The scrolling light-up screen at the front of the venue announced that Nessa Barrett was about to perform today, and it was sure to be a memorable night for fans to treasure forever.

Barrett is an artist rising quickly to stardom. She began gaining traction when she uploaded covers onto TikTok, and later released her debut single, Pain, in 2020. Since then, she has released two EPs and two albums. Her most recent album, AFTERCARE, was released in November 2024, and AFTERCARE DELUXE in February 2025, with multiple songs trending. Barrett has been performing this album as well as more of her discography on the Aftercare World Tour.

The long twisting line of fans outside the venue eventually found its way into the building, with some people going up to the balcony for a birds-eye view of the show and others rushing towards the barricade. The clicking of heeled boots and the rattling of layered jewellery could softly be heard beneath the many conversations occurring as the crowd chattered about the artists about to perform. Fans showed each other their signs, complimented others on their elaborate makeup, and discussed their favourite songs as they waited. With the screen showing the tour name, some of the audience even took photos perfect for their social media feeds.

Lights began to flash, and fans began to cheer as the show began. Constance Antoinette, the opener’s guitarist, strolled out with her instrument ready to liven up the crowd. The screen backdrop transformed to display the opener’s name as she took the stage – Ari Abdul. The audience erupted with exhilaration as they began to sing along with Abdul. Some fans held their signs up for her to see, while others took videos and selfies with her throughout her set. With her high energy in songs like BURY YOU, the crowd became an ocean of jumping fans. Wearing a jersey, jeans, and many accessories, Abdul’s chill attire contrasted with her high energy and active performance. She lifted her microphone and even crouched down to sing with the fans, connecting with the audience. Abdul ended her set with a fan favourite, BABYDOLL, setting a deep, emotional atmosphere for the rest of the evening.

Once Abdul departed from the stage, fans continued to arrive while others took time to check out the merchandise, food and drink options, and take a quick break outside of the bustling crowd. The background music and talking of the audience quickly morphed into shouts of excitement as electronic sounds began to play and fog filled the stage. Band members Dan Geraghty on guitar, Max Nudi on drums, and Jeremy William Smith on keys sauntered to the front of the screen, inciting the fans to cheer even louder. Nessa Barrett stepped out looking ethereal in the cloud of fog lit by the lights of the stage, singing S.L.U.T. to the fans who had waited with much anticipation for this moment.

Purple, blue, and pink lights reflected off Barrett’s metallic top as she strolled around to connect with the whole audience. Visuals lit up the screen behind her, adding to the aesthetic of her performance, including a lofty horse during MUSTANG BABY. Some songs sparked confidence and empowerment in the devoted fans, such as PASSENGER PRINCESS. Other tracks moved the crowd to tears with their more emotional lyrics, like DOES GOD CRY?, and even filled the room with flashlights. Songs like STAY ALIVE reminded fans to live in the moment and feel proud of the challengers they may have overcome in their individual lives, to be able to come together as a community in that one room for one night.

There were some unexpected moments that occurred, but despite them, Barrett handled them calmly and was attentive to her fans. With the heat of the venue, some fans had to leave the packed crowd of the pit, but she continued to ask the crowd to check on each other throughout the show. Usually, Barrett also shares a moment with fans against the barricade, and while she had to cut it short, she did shower the audience with fake money (although the device used to scatter the money broke, leaving her to throw it with her bare hands with a bright smile on her face).

Seemingly concluding her show with her hit single P*RNSTAR, Barrett waltzed off stage to the cries of the crowd. Instantly, fans began to chant her name, begging for an encore. They weren’t left disappointed, as Barrett paraded back onto stage in her high heels to sing three more songs. The last track, AFTERCARE, left the audience feeling like a family, unconsciously promising each other that they’d stay connected even after the highlight of the show.

The streets of Boston filled once again with glitter and leather outerwear as fans returned to their cars and homes. Leaving the venue, people hugged those around them who they had just met that night, sharing a moment in time that will stick with them for life. Fans had come to the show relating to Barrett’s music for numerous reasons, from battling obstacles with mental health to wanting an outlet for confidence without judgment. Still, they all left with an unforgettable memory.

Nessa Barrett’s lyrics and vocals shone, along with her stage presence, connection with fans, and accompanying visuals, all tying together to make the show a perfect night. With the help of her energetic opener, Ari Abdul, she was able to exhilarate the lives of every audience member in that room. If you have a chance to see Barrett live at a concert, don’t hesitate to decide, and instead get ready to be welcomed into her bonded community of fans.