On Wednesday, July 30, 2025, the In Real Life Worldwide Tour rolled into Cincinnati’s Riverbend Music Center, delivering a high-energy performance that blended Nickelodeon-era nostalgia with sleek modern production, Big Time Rush took over the main stage. With over 40 songs on the setlist and a crowd that sang every word, the night was proof that BTR is stronger than ever.
The night kicked off with a surprise dose of TV show nostalgia, courtesy of Stephen Kramer Glickman, who played Gustavo Rocque on Big Time Rush. Stepping out in front of thousands of screaming fans, Glickman charmed the crowd with bold covers of “Bad Guy” by Billie Eilish, “Pink Pony Club” by Chappell Roan, and “Matilda” by Harry Styles.
He was then followed by Katelyn Tarver, who played Jo Taylor, the love interest of Kendall on the show. Tarver took the stage with confidence, dazzling the audience with her bright vocals and upbeat originals. Her presence not only brought an emotional thread of connection to the Big Time Rush universe but also added a fresh dose of pop energy that got the crowd dancing.
From the second the house lights dimmed and the opening notes of “Big Time Rush” rang out, the audience was all in. The band, comprised of Kendall Schmidt, James Maslow, Logan Henderson, and Carlos PenaVega, burst onto the stage with slick choreography and contagious enthusiasm.
The Riverbend stop featured a staggering 39-song setlist, which included nearly every track featured in the band’s original Nickelodeon series, as well as select cuts from their recent work. Highlights included crowd-favorite anthems like “Boyfriend,” “Worldwide,” “24/7,” and “Til I Forget About You.” Each band member also got their moment to shine with solo performances, adding depth and variety to the evening: Schmidt offered a heartfelt rendition of “Cover Girl”, PenaVega energized the crowd with “You’re Not Alone”, Henderson captivated with “All Over Again” and Maslow wowed with “We Are.”
With the In Real Life Worldwide Tour, Big Time Rush is reimagining the past for a new era. The band’s energy, humor, and sincerity remain intact, but the experience feels elevated and intentional. Whether you’ve followed them since their Nickelodeon debut or just discovered their music, this tour has something for everyone.
Tickets for remaining dates are available now, and fans can follow the band on social media for behind-the-scenes content and more tour highlights.
