Rest In Peace, Childish Gambino

-Written by Charlotte Holder-

Honestly I’m not sure where to start but what I will tell you immediately is to buy that damn Childish Gambino ticket before it’s too late. I had the most insane experience at the Toronto Childish Gambino show this past Sunday, it made a seated concert worthwhile and truly enjoyable for me. From someone who is always in the pit, this was a show I’d sit in the nose bleeds for. It was an immersive experience that used Donald Glover’s creative genius and his newest creation the “ LIGHT- BINDER” to create beautiful visuals that truly brought you into the world of Gambino, creating a celebration of a persona that had brought so many people together. 

My first experience listening to Childish Gambino happened when I was in the fourth or fifth grade. I was over at my closest childhood friend’s house (who I was lucky enough to see the show with) and we were hanging out in her older sister’s room listening to music as always. I remember us so vividly listening to the song “Bonfire”  and being shocked at how somebody saying such seemingly terrible things could make a song so damn catchy. As I’ve grown up I’ve come to realise that most of my random memories from my adolescence feature Gambino in one way or another. Now at 19 years old I experience Gambino’s last ever tour which really just reminded me of younger me re discovering him in middle school through songs like “Me and Your Mama” or Redbone or even me at 15 crafting my Black Lives Matter Speech while being incredibly inspired by the song “This Is America”.  I matured with Gambino and have been able to connect with the music and the Artistry of Donald Glover for the better half of the last decade and to watch his time as Gambino come to a close this summer was a truly cinematic and bittersweet experience. 

At his recent concerts, Childish Gambino has pushed the boundaries of live performance with his innovative use of the “LIGHT-BINDER.” This groundbreaking technology has transformed arena shows into immersive, communal experiences, ensuring that every seat in the house, even those furthest from the stage, feels like a part of the action. Through dynamic, breathtaking light displays and synchronised visuals, Gambino creates a mesmerising atmosphere that unites the audience, blurring the lines between performer and spectator. By integrating the LIGHT-BINDER into his shows, Donald Glover not only amplifies the visual impact of his music but also fosters a shared sense of connection and wonder, making each concert a truly unforgettable experience for everyone in attendance. Furthermore Glover truly enhanced this recent show by including music from each phase of his time as Gambino, including the unreleased classic “Do Ya Like” and my personal favourite released song which he hasn’t played in years “III. Telegraph Ave” Personally I’d love to think he played that song just for me but that’s neither here nor there. Gambino’s recent tour has captured the hearts of even those who aren’t usually fans, thanks to a thoughtfully curated setlist that spans both new hits and classic favourites. The show seamlessly blends Gambino’s latest tracks with iconic songs from his earlier work. As a listener I found that this balance not only showcases his evolution as an artist but also offers something for everyone, from long-time followers to casual listeners. The diverse selection ensures that the performance resonates with a broad audience, drawing in those who might not typically seek out Gambino’s music but find themselves swept up in the electrifying atmosphere and universal appeal of the show. Whether it’s the fresh energy of new releases or the nostalgic charm of older hits, the concert promises an engaging experience that transcends musical preferences.

Donald Glover is undeniably talented however if you weren’t convinced of this before hand I urge you to go buy a Childish Gambino ticket and be part of the final run of Gambino before he is truly put to rest, or at least publicly (he’ll always be alive in my heart and now vividly in my memory). This show was a phenomenal experience that truly left me at a loss for words. Saying goodbye is extremely hard, especially saying goodbye to an artist that I essentially evolved alongside. While I can’t wait to see what creative endeavours are next for Donald Glover I really felt I needed to take the time today to say Goodbye to Childish Gambino. 

Goodbye and Thank you for Every Single Memory, I’ll be a Gambino Girl Forever.