Big Time Rush brought pure nostalgia to Tinley Park on August 10th, transforming Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre into a time machine for fans who grew up with the hit Nickelodeon show. The tour’s concept was simple but genius: every single song from the Big Time Rush TV series performed live. From the first note, it was clear the band was perfectly recreating the soundtrack of so many childhoods, mine included. As a longtime fan who first saw them at age eleven, it felt like watching my younger self’s dream unfold in real life.
The night’s magic started even before the headliners hit the stage, thanks to two of the show’s beloved cast members: Stephen Kramer Glickman and Katelyn Tarver. Glickman, known to fans as the hilarious and larger-than-life Gustavo Rocque, brought his signature charisma to the stage, blending comedy with music in a way that instantly set the tone for the evening. Tarver, who played Jo Taylor, effortlessly captivated the crowd with her gorgeous vocals and incredible energy. Their performances felt like stepping back into the Big Time Rush universe, making the show feel like both a concert and a reunion.
When Big Time Rush finally appeared, the energy was instant and electric. Kendall, Logan, James, and Carlos were in constant motion, trading harmonies with the same chemistry they had more than a decade ago. Every song, from upbeat anthems like “Big Time Rush” to heartfelt ballads, was met with cheers that rivaled the volume of the band itself. The amphitheater pulsed with fans singing every lyric, proving these songs have never really left us. Even after all these years, the rush never wavers. BTR radiated joy, gratitude, and an obvious love for performing together.
For me, this concert felt like catching up with old friends I hadn’t seen in years. The songs carried me straight back to my childhood bedroom, singing along to episodes on TV with my sister, only this time I was surrounded by thousands of people who shared the same memories. I could feel the years in between my growing up and moving forward. But for a couple of hours, it all faded. The smiles from the band felt genuine, like they were just as grateful to be here as we were. When the lights went down and the crowd slowly filtered out, fans alike left with a full heart, holding onto the feeling that some parts of us never really grow up.
