Drain Gang 2022 Tour
After the COVID-19 pandemic locked an entire generation at home, through TikTok, they discovered one of the most influential artists of all time: Bladee.
When YEAR0001, their label at the time, announced that not just Bladee - but Ecco2k, and Thaiboy Digital would embark on their first ‘world tour,’ for a time: it became a cultural phenomenon, and transcended music. They sold out every date almost immediately, including two nights at Brooklyn’s Knockdown Center, a former warehouse and 3,500 capacity venue.
Whilst in Scotland, I attended the last show of the UK leg of their tour in Glasgow.. Upon my return to New York, I was offered the opportunity to attend the show at Brooklyn’s Knockdown Center free of charge. I went both nights.
For the first time, Bladee & Ecco2k had their moment. In the years that followed, the ‘world tour’ of 2022 would influence artists like Playboi Carti, and others.
London, at O2 Forum Kentish Town
After months in isolation, Londoners went wild in Kentish Town that night. Bladee himself has always had an affinity for London. And, because of the pandemic, most of continental Europe would not reopen venues. London was supposed to be one of the last stops. But due to the more relaxed restrictions in the UK at the time, it became his homecoming, and the first show of the tour.
Ecco2k stole the show. London’s setlist was skewed heavily towards him, to the detriment of his fellow DG members. Yet, the crowd was still satisfied. Watching Ecco2k perform ‘Peroxide’ is a cathartic experience. The setlist would change by Glasgow, just two stops later.
Two young women arrive at Knockdown Center in New York City, dressed accordingly.
(Kristina Shakht / Dazed)
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‘In Brooklyn, Bladee reclaims his stage presence’
There was a tangible sense of chaos at Knockdown Center that Friday. Soundchecks that sounded “iffy,” along with other stressors. But at exactly the right moment Bladee needed to fly: he did.
