By Jack Arnhold, Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – This Sunday, July 8th, Niall Horan will become the second ex-One Direction member to play in Rio de Janeiro this year, as he steps onstage at Km De Vantagens Hall in Barra da Tijuca as part of his ‘Flicker’ world tour.
Since his ex-bandmate Harry Styles played the Jeunesse Arena in May, fans of the world’s biggest boy band have been clamoring for another member to grace the ‘Cidade Maravilhosa’ with their presence. The wait is over, as Niall Horan stops by this Sunday to serenade fans with his ‘Flicker’ world tour live show.
Totalling a whopping eighty dates across five continents, this tour is four times as big as his previous ‘Flicker Sessions’ tour in 2017. Fans of his 2017 debut album ‘Flicker’ are guaranteed to hear a huge selection of Horan’s hits, including ‘This Town,’ ‘Too Much to Ask,’ and ‘Slow Hands.’
Devotees of One Direction will also most likely get to hear a few old favorites, as Horan is known to cover ‘Fool’s Gold’ and ‘Drag Me Down,’ as well as often throwing in ‘Dancing in the Dark’ by Bruce Springsteen, maybe for those parents in attendance who would rather be seeing the Boss’s return since his 2013 ‘Rock in Rio’ show.
Last time he was in Rio, Horan stated why he made sure he would always visit the ‘Cidade Maravilhosa’ on any of his future tours. “I wanted to make sure that I came to Brazil because I always had good times here. Three years ago, we came to do some shows. The first time we came here, we did a stadium, so it was pretty crazy.”
He continues, “So I wanted to make sure I came back to see all these passionate Brazilian people.” When asked what in particular he liked, he responds, “I just like the fact that they know all the words to every song after only six concerts.”
He’s also a fan of Brazilian star Anitta. “I listen to Anitta,” he reveals, “I don’t understand any of the words. I could not probably sing it but I know how the songs go.” While also scandalously admitting that these were the only Brazilian songs he knows. Perhaps someone should give him a copy of Jorge Ben Jor, who recently rocked Circo Voador, in Lapa.
This gig is perfect for fans of Harry Styles, those who witnessed the pop majesty of Erasure, or even people who enjoyed Ariana Grande last year. While there may be more concerts announced, right now, amazingly, Niall Horan is the last big name international pop star to be visiting Rio until Demi Lovato arrives in November 21st.
What: Niall Horan ‘Flicker’ world tour
When: this Sunday, July 8; doors open at 7:40PM
Where: Km De Vantagens Hall, Via Parque Shopping – Av. Ayrton Senna, 3000 – Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22775-904
Entrance: R$90-R$420; For more information, go to the event page.