Image credit: Franklin Sheard Jr / Shutterstock.com
Ari Lennox, a talented singer-songwriter, signed under Dreamville, recently opened up about her challenging tour experience while opening for Rod Wave. This revealing conversation took place during an Instagram Live stream, where she did not hold back any details.
The Tour Experience
Ari’s time touring with Rod Wave was far from a smooth ride. The aggressive crowds and uncomfortable atmosphere made her feel out of place during each performance. She confessed, “I just remember every show, just racing to get off stage, racing to get through my set.”
Finding Comfort on Stage
Despite the harsh environment, Lennox managed to find a small comfort zone where she attempted to communicate with the audience. However, she soon realized that her attempts at affirmation were met with anger rather than appreciation. This led her to the realization that this crowd was not her crowd and probably never would be.
The Incident
The tour took a darker turn when a member of the audience threw a bottle at her. Ari recalls the incident stating, “That side of the stage, I felt the energy. I wasn’t surprised that it happened. I felt it. It was just all darkness, that’s literally the energy that was coming from the left side.“
The Aftermath
Despite her best efforts to connect with the audience, Ari felt as though her talents were not appreciated. “I could be singing [my] ass off,” she lamented, “but the crowd still wouldn’t give a shit.“
Lennox joined Wave for the 35-date tour, which also featured rapper Toosii as an opening act. She said in comparison, Toosii would get an enthusiastic response from fans.
Standing Against Disrespect
Ari boldly addressed the incident of the water bottle being thrown at her. The bottle struck her in the arm and she was later escorted off the stage early as a result. She confronted the crowd saying:
Despite the harsh experience, Ari Lennox continues to show her strength and resilience in the face of adversity. She remains unapologetically herself and does not shy away from standing up for her rights.
A Message of Strength
The following concert, Ari showed up on stage with a red helmet and facemask. Her question to the audience, “I don’t know, should I keep this shit on or what?” exemplifies her bold nature and fearless attitude.
Ari Lennox’s journey with the Rod Wave tour serves as a reminder that the journey to success is not always smooth. However, it is through these challenges that we truly discover our strength and resilience.
