Eight months following an abrupt halt due to “excessive crowds” at Central Park’s SummerStage, Juanes made a grand return to New York City, delivering an unforgettable performance at Radio City Music Hall on Thursday (March 15).
“I can finally see your faces since the last time I was here [in New York] at SummerStage,” Juanes said during his show, reflecting on the history-making moment when, for the first time in 30 years, SummerStage had to stop an ongoing concert because of a non-weather-related problem. “My heart is full thanks to you; I am very happy to be here.”
The sold-out Radio City performance was highly anticipated after the overwhelming attendance of more than 17,000 fans at the Central Park SummerStage in July, which was called off last minute due to “excessive crowds.” Fans in NYC were finally able to see Juanes’ full show Thursday, when he performed some of his greatest hits and tracks from his Grammy and Latin Grammy award-winning 10th studio album, Vida Cotidiana, released in May 2023.
The Colombian rockstar, clad in black and wearing a denim vest that showed his arm tattoos, kicked off with “Gris” and followed with his classic “Mala Gente” — the only two songs he played in Central Park last year before his show was shut down — electrifying the 6,000-strong crowd at Radio City.
A particularly memorable moment was the medley of “Lo Que Me Gusta a Mí,” “Fuego” and “Hermosa Ingrata,” during which he seamlessly mixed rhythms and melodies. The acoustic version of “Para Tu Amor” stood out as he came off stage to perform it among the audience, creating an intimate and personal atmosphere.
The concert setlist wove a narrative through Juanes’ discography, touching on themes of love, social reflection and personal introspection. Among the most chanted songs were the heartfelt “Amores Prohibidos,” “Nada Valgo Sin Tu Amor” and also the mega catchy “La Paga” and “La Camisa Negra,” during which he showed off his unmistakable guitar riff.
Juanes closed the night with Juan Gabriel’s “Querida,” “Me Enamora” and “La Luz,” encapsulating the essence of his artistry and the connection he shares with his fans.
The Vida Cotidiana USA and Canada Tour, produced by Live Nation, began on Feb. 13 in Portland, Ore., and will end on March 30 in Hollywood, Fla. Upcoming cities include Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, Chicago, Montreal, Toronto, Houston, Dallas, Boston and more.
