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Big Time Rush: Gen Z Nostalgia Revamped
- Maya Kirksey
- Aug 12
- 5 min read
The infamous Nickelodeon Boyband is touring internationally- and Pine Knob was the latest stop. On August 6th, 2025, I had the opportunity to sit in on their performances at Pine Knob. Along with my close friend, Mallory Waligora, we were able to sit in the pavilion and witness the spectacle of their live performance.
The age range of the audience was pretty small, consisting purely of women in their early 20s. many were dressed up in themed outfits that were referencing the Big Time Rush television show or just simply said "I ❤ Big Time Rush"
Big Time Rush: A Brief History
Big Time Rush formed in 2008 after signing a record deal with Columbia Records, paired with the launch of their Nickelodeon television series, the platform that would propel them to international fame. Band members Kendall Schmidt, James Maslow, Logan Henderson, and Carlos PenaVega starred in the show until its cancellation in 2014. While their television careers peaked in the early 2010s, the group continued to release albums and tour during that period. Later in 2014, following the series’ end, the band announced an official hiatus.
Although the group remained active on Big Time Rush’s social media channels, they did not officially reunite until 2020. During the pandemic, the four reconnected over Zoom to record and post an acoustic version of their hit song Worldwide. This rekindled momentum led to their first reunion performance in 2021. The overwhelming success of that show prompted the official announcement of a reunion tour spanning 2022 and 2023.
Building on the excitement of their national tour, Big Time Rush revealed plans for their 2025 international tour, joined by special guests Katelyn Tarver and Stephen Glickman, both of whom had starred alongside the band in the Big Time Rush television series and movie.
Stephen Glickman
The first opener was Stephen Glickman, who played the fictional and short-tempered producer, Gustavo Rocque. While being known for his career with Big Time Rush, his setlist consisted of comedic piano covers of favorite pop songs like “Drivers License”, “Pink Pony Club”, and “Mr. Brightside”.
While Glickman is a serious musician with a career, it was clear the intentions of his act were to lighten the mood in the audience and prepare for Katelyn and ultimately, Big Time Rush.
Katelyn Tarver
Prior to the concert, most were only familiar with Tarver as she played Jo, the main love interest for Kendall Schmidt on the Big Time Rush show. Many were pleasantly surprised by the fact that Tarver is a well- established independent artist that releases heart-wrenching and well produced music with notable songs like “Japanese Cafe” and “Hurt Like That”.
Personally, I adored her. I was not expecting to have such a positive opinion, as I tend to dislike openers (as a concept). But her style, voice, lyrics, and overall demeanor left a very positive impression, leaving me to carefully follow what she does next.
Big Time Rush
What’s interesting about this concert is how the audience has evolved. Back in the height of the band’s popularity, Big Time Rush’s listeners were mostly preteen girls who spent their afternoons watching Nickelodeon and listening to the group on their CD players. Now, those same fans are in their twenties, able to buy their own merchandise and attend concerts without needing a parent to drive them.
The main act featured the four members, (now middle-aged) performing hit songs from their debut and follow-up albums tied to the Big Time Rush show. This was intentional; the tour’s concept was to revisit the music that first made them famous. The performance delivered strong vocals, high-energy choreography, and an atmosphere that felt like stepping back into their boyband days of the early 2010s.
Having attended both of Big Time Rush’s recent tours, I can clearly see where they’ve made changes and improvements. For example, the 2023 tour focused heavily on their newer albums, which received mixed reviews since many fans came for a nostalgic throwback. This time around, they embraced that nostalgia fully, performing every. single. song.
What Makes Big Time Rush Different?
What sets their performance apart from other concerts WXOU has covered can be boiled down to two main factors.
First, at every Big Time Rush show, each member brings an audience member onstage, declares them their “Worldwide Girl,” and sings directly to them. Naturally, fans are desperate for this honor. Hundreds of signs in the crowd read some variation of “Pick me! I want to be the Worldwide Girl!” The competition is definitely something fierce. At our show, a group of girls seated behind us actually threw a fit when they weren’t chosen. It was… intense.
Second, Big Time Rush includes a secondary stage set up right in front of the lawn seats. In all the concerts WXOU has attended, no other artist has taken the time to perform specifically for the lawn crowd. It speaks volumes about the band’s commitment to making sure every fan, no matter their ticket price, gets a moment to feel included.
As a longtime fan, I thoroughly enjoyed the concert. The performances were outstanding, but what truly stood out was the energy and warmth radiating from the audience. Throughout the night, fellow concertgoers stopped us just to chat; a small but telling sign of the excitement and sense of community that Big Time Rush inspires.
While most may think the Concert is solely for the fans, that is very much not the case. Thanks to 313 Presents and Pine Knob, I was able to take my friend, Mallory, with me. Mallory has never seen the Big Time Rush show nor listened to any of the songs. Though she was very unfamiliar with the band and unsure what to expect, she had fun.
"Going to Big Time Rush was a great experience! The good thing about the band is that they recognize they ARE Big Time Rush. It's camp. It's fun. It's a good time." claims Waligora
Overall, this was an incredible experience. Being able to watch these men who are still very much in the prime of their careers sing, dance, and have a great time was heart warming. It was very clear that Big Time Rush has fun, and they did a great job conveying that to the audience.
Anyways, here is my official ranking: 9/10! Highly recommend
(one point off because hot :-( )
Additional Big Time Rush Concert Photos
Taken on Iphone, sorry.
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