Olivia Rodrigo’s highly anticipated ‘Guts’ tour recently kicked off with her first show at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, California. Rodrigo, who just turned 21, amazed the audience with her highly energetic performance and rock star-like attitude. Olivia shared her excitement about turning 21 years old by stating:
“I don’t know if you guys know this, but I just turned 21. I’m really f*cking excited about it — big birthday. I went to the gas station the other day and I bought a pack of cigarettes and a case of beer. I promise I didn’t consume it, but I bought it just ‘cause I f*cking could.”
Right after the first show of her ‘Guts’ tour ended, feedback on Rodrigo’s stage presence shifted dramatically, with critics likening her to a quintessential rock star. The Variety declared the ‘Drivers License’ singer as the ‘actual rock star.’ Another review shared by Uproxx examined Olivia’s transformation in stage demeanor and concluded that she is now ‘officially an arena rock star.’
Rodrigo Admits Inspiring By Rock Music In ‘Guts’ Record
These reviews have not emerged without reason. Despite being a globally successful pop star, Rodrigo frequently expresses her admiration for rock musicians. In a 2023 interview with The New York Times, she stated that rock bands have influenced her throughout her life and has a special interest in the genre. Olivia stated:
“[I] always loved rock music, and always wanted to find a way that I could make it feel like me, and make it feel feminine and still telling a story and having something to say that’s vulnerable and intimate.”
In another interview with Rolling Stone, the young singer talked about her favorite rock band, Rage Against The Machine. She explained:
“I have been listening to so much Rage Against the Machine this year. That’s my favorite band right now. I would just play it over and over again on my way to and from the studio. I want to go to the Rock Hall of Fame so bad because they’re getting inducted.”
Courtney Love Accused Olivia For Copying Hole Album Cover
Although Rodrigo is proud of using rock music as an inspiration in her music career, she faced accusations of copying certain female rockers. Courtney Love previously slammed Olivia for stealing the cover of Hole’s 1994 album ‘Live Through This.’ In a previous interview with GQ, Rodrigo responded to Love’s accusations by saying:
“To be honest, I’m just flattered that Courtney Love knows that I exist.”
The debates about whether Olivia will emerge as the next big rock star seem poised to continue. Nevertheless, it is always uplifting to witness young artists showing interest in rock music and motivating their fans to explore the genre.
You can watch a short part of Olivia Rodrigo’s performance on the first night of the ‘Guts’ tour via YouTube below.