There was magic in the air at Stage AE on Saturday night as Teddy Swims brought his I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy tour to a sold-out crowd under the summer sky. The Georgia-born singer has been riding a wave of success, blending soul, pop, and a touch of country in a way that feels deeply personal and refreshingly honest. With a powerful voice and an even stronger sense of connection to his fans, Teddy has very quickly become one of the most beloved new voices in modern music. This stop in Pittsburgh felt like something special, like the kind of night people will talk about for years as the moment they saw a star on the rise right before he broke into the stratosphere.
Opening the evening was 19-year-old Sienna Spiro, and from the moment she stepped on stage, it was clear that she’s someone to watch. Her voice was full of warmth and strength, wrapping each lyric in a kind of quiet confidence that belied her age. With just a few songs, she managed to capture the hearts of the early crowd, weaving her way through smooth ballads and emotional moments with ease. She stood on that stage like she belonged there, and judging by the roaring applause after her set, the audience agreed.
When Teddy Swims took the stage, the energy shifted instantly. Just two years ago, he played the indoor stage at Stage AE, but this time the production, the lighting, and the sheer size of the crowd marked a massive leap forward. It was a triumphant return to the Burgh, one that highlighted just how quickly Teddy’s star has risen. The show sold out almost as soon as tickets went live, a real testament to how deeply his music resonates with people from all walks of life. His powerful, soulful voice filled every inch of Stage AE, warm and rich and honest, drawing cheers from the crowd that grew louder with each song.
Performing songs from both parts of I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy, Teddy delivered a set that felt more like a heartfelt conversation than a typical concert. “Bad Dreams” had the whole venue moving and grooving. “Small Hands,” a song Teddy had written for his newborn son, tugged at more than a few heartstrings with pure parental love. “Lose Control” hit extremely hard, filled with emotion and passion carried by that signature, soul-drenched voice. “All That Really Matters,” a song by ILLENIUM that Teddy is featured on, was a very big hit with the Yinzer crowd and had one fan shouting ‘I love this song!’ His incredible band Freak Freely backed up the emotive vocals with equally passionate instrumentals, giving the music a life of its own. The crowd sang every word of every song, mirroring the emotion and amplifying it ten-fold. The themes of pain, healing, and love were universal, and Teddy brought them to life in a way that was raw but comforting. These songs were not just performed, they were lived.
Despite his rise to the top of the charts and collaborations with major artists, Teddy made it clear that his fans remain at the center of everything he does. He took time to check in with people in the crowd, offering genuine thanks and making sure everyone felt seen and safe. A scuffle broke out in the pit and Teddy made sure to pause the set until it was resolved, but not before remarking: “Who fights at a Teddy Swims show? It’s all love, baby.” Throughout the entire set, he signed vinyl album and shirts and even a shoe mid-song, never missing a single note while connecting face to face with those who had come to support him. That level of care, paired with undeniable talent, is what sets Teddy Swims apart.
By the time the night came to a close, it was obvious to everyone in attendance that this was likely the last time Pittsburgh would see Teddy Swims in such an intimate setting. He has stadium-level presence, arena-level vocals, and a heart that fills any space he enters. From the glowing stage lights to the fans swaying arm in arm, this night was a moment of joy, healing, and connection, wrapped in voice that refuses to be forgotten. Teddy Swims may have tried everything but therapy, but his music is its own kind of medicine, and on this night, it worked wonders.
July 12th, 2025
