When Donald Glover, aka Childish Gambino, announced his “New World Tour,” fans everywhere knew they were in for something special. But when the news broke that it would likely be his final run as his rap alter ego – and that it would include a stop at Milwaukee's Fiserv Forum – the anticipation hit another level. For those who’ve followed Glover's journey from his earliest days as a comedian/rapper to his evolution into one of the most innovative artists of our time, this was a show that couldn’t be missed.
And it lived up to every bit of the hype.
Last night, Childish Gambino delivered a performance that felt less like a concert and more like an immersive experience. From the moment he stepped on stage, dressed like a spaceman who had just landed on Earth, it was clear that this was going to be a night to remember. Fiserv Forum transformed into a futuristic wonderland, with lasers, LED lights and visuals that took the audience on a journey through the mind of one of entertainment’s most creative forces.
But this show wasn’t just about dazzling effects and high energy; it was a celebration of everything that makes Childish Gambino a cultural icon. Whether you were a die-hard fan of his early mixtapes or more into his later, genre-defying albums, there was something for everyone. With Willow Smith opening the night and Gambino delivering a setlist that spanned his entire career, the night was a love letter to his fans, old and new.
As Childish Gambino wrapped up the show with an electrifying encore, it was hard not to feel a pang of sadness knowing that this might be the last time Milwaukee gets to see his persona perform live. But if this truly was his farewell, he made sure to leave us with a show that we’ll be talking about for years to come. Here are nine reasons why you shouldn’t have missed Childish Gambino’s unforgettable night at Fiserv Forum.
1. Mission: space
Childish Gambino didn't just step onto the stage; he descended from Mars onto the B-side, looking like a futuristic spaceman on a mission to deliver his fans to another world. His sleek, futuristic uniform set the tone for a night that felt like it was beamed in from another dimension. If you missed it, well, Milwaukee, we have a problem.
2. A visual feast
Wednesday's show wasn’t just about the music; it was a visual spectacle. Hundreds of LED lights hung from the rafters, and lasers crisscrossed the arena, turning Fiserv Forum into a futuristic playground. It was like "Tron," but with better music and fewer bad sequels.
3. He brought the energy
Donald Glover’s energy was off the charts on Wednesday night. He bounced around the stage and its lengthy catwalk like he had just discovered infinite lives in a video game. You could feel the electric buzz in the air, and by the end of the night, even the seats were tired.
4. It was his biggest Milwaukee concert to date
This wasn’t just another tour stop; it was local history for Gambino’s loyal Wisconsin fans. Last night marked Gambino’s first arena show in Milwaukee, and what a show it was. If you weren’t there, you missed out on something special.
5. Farewell (maybe?) tour
Let’s be real: This could have been your last chance to see Childish Gambino live in Milwaukee. He’s spoken about this tour being the end of Childish Gambino, and who knows when – or if – he’ll be back. You can’t call yourself a fan and miss what could be his final Milwaukee bow, from a journey that started nearly a decade ago at The Rave.
6. A treat for the day one fans
If you’ve been rocking with Gambino since the early days, when he was still a stand-up comedian writing for NBC’s "30 Rock," this show was still for you. Near the end of the night, he broke out tracks like “Do Ya Like,” “Bonfire” and “Freaks and Geeks” from his earlier eras. It was like a nostalgic rap-a-long surrounded by thousands of cheering fans.
7. 30 songs
Gambino didn’t just perform a set; he gave us a marathon with thirty songs in total, covering every era of his career. It was like a greatest hits album, but live and with thousands of screaming fans rapping along throughout the tracks and years.
8. "Lithonia" lit up the night
For the encore, Gambino left fans with “Lithonia,” a track that had everyone feeling like they were in the heart of the New World he’s been talking about. The track was a perfect way to end an already memorable night.
9. Willow Smith rewarded fans for arriving early
Willow Smith, the night’s opening act, brought her unique vibes to the stage, prepping the crowd with her blend of soulful tunes and powerful vocals. She’s no longer just “whipping her hair back and forth"; she’s an artist who set the stage perfectly for what was to come on Wednesday.
