We are getting closer and closer to the FITFWT entering Latin America. So, let’s take a look back at a show that made history. In 2022, Louis Tomlinson electrified the stage in Monterrey, Mexico, kicking off his LATAM world tour with a memorable performance that left fans buzzing with excitement. Against the backdrop of a crowd of over 8,000 fans, Louis opened the show with “We Made It,” a song from his debut solo album “Walls,” that he still plays at his FITF shows. Dressed in a green polo shirt, he set the tone for the night singing to a crowd of fans belting the lyrics back to him.
The concert took an unexpected turn during “Drag Me Down” when fans unfurled a banner from the balcony emblazoned with the words “Who the fuck is gonna stop us?” This spontaneous display of support was orchestrated by dedicated fans like lpsilva00.
In an exclusive interview, lpsilva00 shared the behind-the-scenes journey of getting the banner into the venue, navigating logistical hurdles with determination and creativity. Despite initial setbacks, their persistence paid off, culminating in a moment of pure euphoria as the banner was unveiled during the performance.
“Getting the banner in was an incredible adventure! The staff of Louis Tomlinson Monterrey @angelbanda first asked for permission from the venue to bring the banner in, but they were told no because it had the word “fuck.” The staff offered to remove the word, but still, they did not approve of the banner.
We tried to get in touch with Louis’s crew, and they heard us out but they told us that they couldn’t talk with the venue to help us out because “It would’ve been unfair to the fans of other countries” or that “The other dates of the tour would start asking for the same treatment.” We wanted Louis to see the banner so we didn’t give up. We had taken it to the airport and the hotel and knew the band had seen it, but we were not satisfied. We wanted the banner at the concert.”
“Half an hour before going to the venue I asked a couple of friends from the staff to find a way to put the banner on my body. We tried a lot of ways but a banner of 15 meters (just over 49ft) is not an easy deal to hide on you, but we did it. Going through security had us all nervous af! When we were inside I basically ran to the bathroom to start taking it out and in the meantime, my friends distracted the police officer so they couldn’t hear the tape being pulled from my body. With the banner hidden in a merch bag, we found someone who was in a convenient section of the concert and handed it off. After that, we could only have faith in the girl we gave the banner to.”
or fans like lpsilva00, the phrase “who the fuck is gonna stop us” holds special significance, symbolizing resilience and defiance in the face of adversity. It encapsulates the spirit of Louis’ fanbase, particularly the LGBTQ+ community, who find solace and strength in his music.
“Most of us fans are from the LGBTQ+ community. We have always been judged but we go to the show and we have the time of our lives there, we find our safe place. No one can stop us. We’re stronger than we think.”
Reflecting on the concert, lpsilva00 expressed gratitude for the opportunity to witness Louis’ talent firsthand, especially on their birthday in their hometown. The success of the fan project not only added to the magic of the night but also paved the way for future shows to embrace fan contributions more openly.
*photo from luistristanc
“I helped the staff of Louis Tomlinson Monterrey with the fan projects, and seeing them become a reality successfully filled me up with pride. Besides, that day was my birthday.”
*Author’s note – Two other fan projects during the show had become a staple for Louis’ LTWT concerts.
1.Louis dominated Kings of Leon’s “Beautiful War” cover as fans lit up the auditorium, with lights from their phones, waiving along to the melody.
2. During “Only The Brave”- the final track from Walls and one that has captured the hearts of his fans- Louis performed to a sea of Pride flags and rainbow lights.
Louis’ genuine appreciation for the support was evident as he thanked the crowd for an unforgettable night. “Louis was happy, everyone knows he loves to see us all crazy and that was what he got in that show, besides the love, the enthusiasm, and all our will to give him the best show that we could and him to us.”
*photo from luistristanc
It should come as no surprise Louis was on stage saying, “This crowd is fuckin’ unbelievable!” and “Monterrey! Nights like this I’ll remember for the rest of me life, and that’s all thanks to all of you!” Ending the night with “Kill My Mind”- a statement piece from Walls with heavy rock influence and lyrics showing off Louis’ duality in songwriting- Tomlinson jumped from the stage to run the length of the barricade at Auditorio Citibanamex. Fans screamed, reaching out for a chance to touch Louis as he finished off the show, leaving all of us eager for what’s to come.
Be on the lookout for @_dani_pao’s banner at the Mexico City shows tonight and tomorrow night, and be sure to check out their incredible product line at pocketpollydesign.com.
*photo below from luistristanc
