It’s Djo Time! Three Sold-Out Nights at Revolution Hall

Djo, better known as Joe Keery, began his weekend-long stint in Portland, Oregon, at the PNC Live Studio. The singer kicked off his Back On You World Tour with three consecutive sold-out nights at Revolution Hall. Words and photos by Paige Fulkerson

Before the first night of tour, Djo greeted a group of 10 giveaway winners at the PNC Live Studio with an intimate meet-and-greet and interview. 

Interviewed by host Tamara Dhia, Djo answered questions about his newest album, wrapping Stranger Things, recording at the iconic Electric Lady Studios, and more. Afterwards, he met and chatted with fans in the studio before packing up and heading over to Revolution Hall for soundcheck.

While Djo’s three nights in Portland took place on April 3rd, 4th and 5th, his third studio album, The Crux, wasn’t released until 9 p.m. PST on April 3rd—only 15 minutes before he took the stage.

Opening night of the tour felt like an album release party. As 9:00 p.m. hit, several fans in the pit lifted their phones to their ears to hear at least the first track of the album before Djo came on stage at 9:15 p.m. 

Unless you had attended one of the early release parties for The Crux at your local record store, you were hearing the majority of the songs live for the very first time—making for a one-of-a-kind show. 

Djo opened the set with “Runner,” “Gloom” and “Link,” followed by “Lonesome Is A State Of Mind,” “Basic Being Basic” and “Fool.” “Gloom” and “Fool” are easily considered fan favorites among those who have been following Djo since their 2022 release.

Next in the setlist were “Change,” “Delete Ya,” “Fly,” and “Roddy.” Proceeding those was “Gap Tooth Smile”—and although it was the first time hearing it for most of the crowd, it stood out as one of the album’s highlights.

During “Gap Tooth Smile,” Djo counted up to 29, and the crowd quickly caught on, even continuing into the 30s.

He followed with “Chateau (Feel Alright),” “Potion,” and “End of Beginning.” “Potion,” along with the other new tracks from The Crux, was performed live for the very first time by Djo and his six-piece band. The song transformed the show with its Fleetwood Mac-style sound and unique layering of acoustic guitars and Djo’s playful vocals and lyrics.

Before the encore, Djo played a track “for people who like to drive fast”—aka “Flash Mountain.” Easily the most energetic song of the night, it’s heavily influenced by Queen. Fans in the barricade and balcony were headbanging to the beat.

Unlike a typical encore, Djo ended both shows with the last two tracks on The Crux: “Back On You” and “Crux.” Having played hit singles like “End of Beginning” and “Basic Being Basic” earlier in the set, many had assumed those would be the closers.

“Back On You” is a beautiful homage to Djo’s four sisters. The song is upbeat, groovy, and wholesome—with his sisters Emma and Kate Keery singing backup vocals not only on this track, but also on tracks one through three and track 11 of The Crux.

During the second verse of “Crux,” Djo forgot the lyrics entirely and laughed before picking it back up again for the chorus.

While Djo may have started out as an actor, he’s a rock star at heart. Although the setlist remained the same on night two, he seemed more confident, fully owning the stage.

Night two’s performance of “Gap Tooth Smile” featured a perfect harmony of counting mixed with screams of excitement.

Djo acknowledged the night one crowd, saying, “This song is for people who like to bang their heads back and forth,” before playing “Flash Mountain.”

The Crux clearly reflects Djo’s musical inspirations. “Charlie’s Garden,” which replaced “Crux” on night three, and “Crux” itself are reminiscent of The Beatles—especially in a Paul McCartney fashion. “Gap Tooth Smile” also channels his Queen influence, directly referencing Freddie Mercury and “Killer Queen” in the lyrics.

With Djo’s packed schedule, fans waiting outside the venue to meet him were only greeted with waves as he and the band departed. Still, with three nights in Portland and a smile from Djo, fans left feeling content and excited. 

Part of the reason Djo’s tour is in such high demand is that this is his first time ever touring! Despite the releases of his 2019 album Twenty Twenty and 2022’s DECIDE, Djo had only made festival appearances—leaving fans eager in every city.

Previously at festivals, Djo was nearly unrecognizable—sporting black sunglasses and a medium-length brown wig with bangs to separate his music persona from his Stranger Things fame. On the first night of the tour, he even pointed out a fan in the pit paying homage to that early look.

Djo will continue his Back On You World Tour into June 2025, with additional festival dates along the way. With the tour just getting started, I highly recommend catching Djo in a city near you—and streaming The Crux!