It’s no shock how easily The Driver Era’s Ross and Rocky Lynch play to the crowd—these are Disney Channel alumni, after all. They’ve grown up with the cameras and fans, mastering the art of giving people exactly what they want.
What is surprising, though, is how quickly you get pulled into it all. Whether it’s the flashy microphone flips, the cowboy hats, or the carefully unbuttoned shirt–there’s no resisting the pull.
I last saw the band at Shepherd’s Bush in 2022, and this show at the Eventim Apollo had a familiar feel. But honestly, that’s part of the appeal. It’s like Taylor Swift’s ritual of handing her hat to a fan during “22”—predictable, but exciting. Ross has that same magnetic stage presence that makes the crowd erupt with just one move. You know what’s coming, and you’re totally on board for it.
They kicked off behind a translucent curtain with the unreleased track “Touch.” It was a slow burner, never quite hitting a high point, but the silhouettes behind the screen stirred up enough suspense to get the crowd screaming.
From there, it was a high-energy ride through tracks like “Keep Me Up at Night” and “Turn the Music Up.” Rocky took the mic while Ross played the hype man, rallying the crowd with a loud “HEY LONDON!”
Things didn’t slow down as they kicked into “Get Off My Phone,” an infectious track where Ross even treated the audience to some unexpected breakdancing. Raygun would’ve been proud.
The second new song of the night, “Don’t Walk Away,” came with a quick apology: “Sorry we didn’t get these songs out sooner—we love singing them with you.” It’s a funky, easy-to-dance-to number that fits right in. Later on, the night also saw the debut of a third unreleased track, “I’ll Be There.”
Familiar favourites followed, including “Rumours” and “Low,” mixed with a mashup of “Say My Name”. Along the way, there was salsa dancing, plenty of gyrating, and what I believe was a reference to “Rocky’s Slut Club” (which, honestly, I’m still hoping someone can explain).
Whilst the band stayed in high gear for hits like “Malibu,” “Afterglow,” and “Preacher Man” followed, along with an INXS cover for good measure. It was an unexpected piano rendition of “Heart of Mine” that became the highlight of the show. Huddled around the piano, it separated the band from the bravado and their need to “perform” for their audience.
Though Ross and Rocky are the undisputed stars, it’s worth giving credit to the rest of the band, particularly their brother, Riker Lynch, who was clearly enjoying the freedom that came with being onstage without having to be IN the spotlight.
The setlist, though energetic, did feel a little scattered at times. But in the end, The Driver Era delivered exactly what their fans came for: A good time. And with their “Obsession Tour” just beginning, fans will be ready for whatever Ross and Rocky have in store.
