Amsterdam Experiencing Vertigo After Griffs Emotional Performance

On the 19th of November, Griff brought her Vertigo Tour to Amsterdam, delivering an enchanting and emotional performance that captivated the sold-out venue. Some may remember her as the pop force who opened for artists like Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter on their tours this year, and now she brings a headline tour to Europe for her sophomore album Vertigo. Months ago, I featured Griff in one of my newcomer spotlight posts, highlighting her immense talent and potential. Seeing her live solidified everything I’ve admired about her artistry—and then some. 

Warming Up

The night began with Fred Roberts as the opening act warming up the crowd gathered in Paradiso. The space itself was magical: wooden balconies lit softly by fairy lights created the feel of an intimate theater. His stripped-back sound, nostalgic lyrics, and ethereal guitar tones evoked a raw vulnerability. A standout moment came when he performed a cover of Taylor Swift’s August, which was met with cheers and heartfelt singing from the audience. His performance resonated deeply with the crowd, setting a warm and emotional tone for the night. After the show, Fred was at the merch table, greeting fans with genuine warmth and kindness.

Magical Artistry

When Griff finally took the stage, opening with Vertigo, the energy shifted into pure magic. The crowd, already warmed up, sang along to every word, and Griff, despite being sick, delivered a performance that was equal parts emotional and cinematic. Her outstanding artistry shone through every moment—whether she was spinning onstage like a fairy, repurposing a Dutch flag gifted by fans into a skirt, or layering sounds on her looping station with ease. The night wasn’t without its surprises. During Shade of Yellow, fans lit up the venue by placing yellow paper over their flashlights, transforming the space into a glowing night sky. Later, Griff’s stripped-down acoustic set featured raw, heartfelt versions of So Fast and Everlasting, giving the audience a moment to breathe and truly connect with her lyrics. 

Emotional Rollercoaster

The show ended on a high note with upbeat tracks like Cycles, Last Night’s Mascara, and Miss Me Too, which had everyone dancing. Griff’s breakthrough single, Last Night’s Mascara, became an instant crowd favorite—Amsterdam already knew the words, even though it had been released just a week prior. For the encore, she returned with Astronaut, a goosebump-inducing ballad that had the entire room singing along in near darkness. The light effects were stunning: a sea of fractured lights waving like stars, perfectly fitting the song’s space-themed imagery. Griff closed the night with Tears for Fun, leaving everyone in bliss and basking in her energy. 

Feeling Vertigo

Despite battling a cold, Griff delivered breathtaking vocals, forged an undeniable connection with the audience, and commanded the stage with effortless charisma. On the drive home, I am still swept up in the vertigo of emotional highs and lows of the evening. Griff has a rare gift for turning a concert into something unforgettable—an experience that feels almost otherworldly. Griff is thriving with creativity and talent and on her way to the top of the pop world. I’m eager to see her take the stage again, fully recovered, and witness her exceptional talent at its absolute peak.