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FERG In Vancouver
FERG in Vancouver was an unforgettable night as one of New York’s most prolific rappers took over the Commodore Ballroom. Vancouver fans were lucky enough to catch the final stop of The Donald Tour. This tour was a journey through FERG’s career, and with Vancouver as the closing city of the 17-date run, he made the night personal. At a glance, the tour poster felt noticeably different, missing was the iconic A$AP statue that had followed FERG throughout his career. That absence was intentional. With the release of Donald, FERG’s third studio album titled after his full name, Donald Brown Ferguson Jr., fans were introduced to a far more personal side of the artist. Tracks like “Alive :(” delve into Donald’s struggles with mental health, the pressures of the music industry, and life’s crossroads. Meanwhile, “Pools” confronts a harrowing experience of childhood sexual abuse. For longtime fans of FERG’s earlier work, this album was a shift. While there are still moments of high-energy bravado, it’s the raw vulnerability that truly resonates.
The Crowd Kick Things Off to A New Level
The night itself got off to a slightly rocky start. Technical issues derailed the set for about 20 minutes. A delay fans half-expect with many rap shows these days. But the crowd wasn’t fazed. Chants of “Darold” and “FERG” filled the venue, with the energy already reaching a “New Level”. When things finally kicked off, FERG In Vancouver exploded onto the stage, opening the night with that very track. The surprise opening hit hard, releasing all the pent-up anticipation in a single, roaring moment. After finishing the song, FERG addressed the crowd. Sharing how special the night was “It’s been a minute since I’ve been back here”. He explained, with this being the final stop of the tour, he was handing setlist duties to his DJ to make the night unique.
Highlights
One of the biggest highlights of FERG In Vancouver was the unpredictable mix of old and new tracks. With no pre-published setlist, the element of surprise kept fans on edge in the best way possible. Every track had the crowd jumping, rapping along, and feeding off the energy, both from the show and well…. other things. FERG matched that madness, grabbing a water bottle early in the set and drenching the front row to hype up the second song. At one point, he even dropped into the crowd, shaking hands and even signing a copy of TRAP LORD, creating a truly intimate moment. Another standout was FERG’s Harlem inspired outfit: a red-and-white tied bandana around his neck, red leather jacket emblazoned with his stage name, baggy blue jeans, and a classic pair of Timberlands. It was a visual tribute to his roots and a reminder of the artist’s identity.
In Closing
Walking into the night, I only knew the hits “Plain Jane,” “New Level,” “Shabba”. But driving home with Donald playing in my car and the show fresh in my memory, I realized I had left the Commodore Ballroom a fan. FERG In Vancouver was a celebration of culture, growth, and personal evolution. The final stop of The Donald Tour wasn’t just another date on the calendar; it was a heartfelt exchange between FERG and his audience. With spontaneous setlist changes and deeply personal interactions, the night blurred the line between performer and crowd, making it feel like we were all part of something bigger, together.
I’d like to thank FERG In Vancouver and his team for having me capture the night. Although the tour may be over, feel free to visit the site to find out more about the artist: https://www.fergofficial.com/
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