Holy Fvck Tour
The Holy Fvck Tour was the seventh headlining concert tour by American singer-songwriter Demi Lovato, undertaken in support of her eighth studio album, Holy Fvck (2022).[1][2] Produced by Live Nation Entertainment, the tour featured a high-energy rock and punk-infused setlist that reimagined tracks from Lovato's catalog alongside new material from the album, emphasizing themes of personal struggle, resilience, and reclamation of her rock roots.[3][4] Announced on June 7, 2022, alongside the album's reveal, the tour marked Lovato's return to a heavier rock sound following her 2021 pop-leaning release Dancing with the Devil... the Art of Starting Over.[5] Holy Fvck, released on August 19, 2022, via Island Records, debuted at number seven on the US Billboard 200[6] and included singles like "Skin of My Teeth" and "29," which showcased Lovato's vocal prowess and collaborations with artists such as Dead Sara and Royal & the Serpent.[2] The tour's production highlighted Lovato's evolution, with performances blending snarling vocals, head-banging energy, and emotional ballads, often performed by an all-female band in punk-inspired attire.[4] Comprising 34 dates, the tour began on August 13, 2022, at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield, Illinois, followed by South American shows starting August 30 in São Paulo, Brazil, and September 2 in Belo Horizonte, before the main North American leg.[5][7] The North American leg kicked off on September 22, 2022, at Hard Rock Live Sacramento in Wheatland, California, and concluded on November 10, 2022, at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois.[3][7] Special guests included rock band Dead Sara for select dates and singer Royal & the Serpent as the primary opener, contributing to the tour's raw, collaborative vibe.[8][9] The tour received widespread acclaim for its intensity and Lovato's connection with fans, who responded with fervent chants and solidarity during vulnerable moments, such as the performance of "29," which addressed personal pain and garnered middle-finger gestures of support from the crowd.[4] However, on September 14, 2022, Lovato announced via Instagram that it would be her final tour, citing the physical and emotional toll of touring, stating, "This next tour will be my last. I love and thank you guys," while encouraging fans to sing along to help her through the shows—though she later announced a new tour in October 2025.[8][10] Notable highlights included a collaboration with guitarist Nita Strauss during New York performances and viral social media moments from tracks like "Holy Fvck," underscoring the tour's role in Lovato's artistic and personal narrative.[4][11]Background
Album promotion context
Demi Lovato's eighth studio album, Holy Fvck, was released on August 19, 2022, through Island Records, marking a deliberate pivot from the pop sensibilities of her prior releases toward a harder-edged rock aesthetic. This shift represented a return to Lovato's early pop-punk influences, evident in the album's incorporation of punk, alternative rock, and grunge elements, which contrasted sharply with the dance-pop and R&B sounds dominating her work since Demi (2013).[2][12][13] The album's core themes revolve around personal redemption, mental health challenges, and addiction recovery, drawing directly from Lovato's lived experiences with substance abuse, trauma, and sobriety. Tracks delve into vulnerability and resilience, such as reflections on near-fatal overdoses and the non-linear path to healing, positioning Holy Fvck as a therapeutic outlet that emphasized raw emotional honesty over polished narratives. This introspective focus not only redefined Lovato's artistic identity but also set the stage for the tour's emphasis on unfiltered expression and genre experimentation.[14][15][12] Initial promotional singles like "Skin of My Teeth," released on June 10, 2022, and "29," dropped on August 17, 2022, previewed the album's aggressive rock sound and lyrical intensity, foreshadowing the tour's high-energy, guitar-driven performances. "Skin of My Teeth" addressed ongoing battles with addiction through gritty, anthemic riffs, while "29" confronted age disparities in relationships with punk-infused defiance, both signaling a departure from Lovato's mainstream pop era.[16][2] Lovato has publicly described Holy Fvck as a "raw" and therapeutic project created during sobriety, which directly informed the tour's conceptual direction by prioritizing authenticity and emotional catharsis over commercial appeal. In interviews, she emphasized channeling personal anger and reclaiming power through the music, stating that the album allowed her to embrace complexity without easy resolutions, a mindset that extended to live interpretations.[17][15][18]Tour announcement and development
On June 7, 2022, Demi Lovato announced the Holy Fvck Tour via social media posts and an official press release, alongside the album's reveal, with the lead single "Skin of My Teeth" released on June 10, 2022. The announcement highlighted the tour's alignment with the album's release on August 19, 2022, positioning it as a platform to showcase the record's raw, rock-oriented sound.[5][19] The tour marked Lovato's seventh headlining concert outing and was produced by Live Nation Entertainment, encompassing 34 dates across North America and South America from August 13, 2022, starting at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield, Illinois, to November 10, 2022, concluding at the Rosemont Theatre in Rosemont, Illinois. This scope included arena and theater venues, with special guests like Dead Sara and Royal & the Serpent announced for select legs, emphasizing a focused yet expansive return to live performances after a four-year hiatus. The planning phase involved collaboration with Live Nation to ensure logistical feasibility, drawing on Lovato's prior touring experience while adapting to the album's heavier musical direction.[5][19][20] Development of the tour occurred amid Lovato's ongoing recovery from a near-fatal opioid overdose in July 2018, which had led to the cancellation of their previous Future Now Tour dates and subsequent health complications including three strokes and a heart attack. Lovato's team prioritized her well-being in the planning, incorporating recovery milestones into the timeline, as the artist had spent the intervening years focusing on sobriety and mental health through therapy and moderated substance use approaches. This context influenced a deliberate pacing for the tour, marking it as a milestone in Lovato's personal and professional resurgence.[21][20] In early statements, Lovato described the tour as a high-energy rock production designed to capture the album's pop-punk and hard rock essence, stating, "We're working so hard to deliver an unforgettable live show," to reflect the record's return to their early rock roots and provide fans with an immersive experience. This vision underscored the tour's role in reclaiming artistic authenticity post-recovery, with Lovato emphasizing the fulfillment derived from aligning live performances with the album's thematic intensity.[22][23]Production
Creative team and staging
The Holy Fvck Tour was produced by Live Nation Entertainment, with creative direction and show design handled by Melody Tseng of Fireplay, who also served as creative producer.[24][25] Technical production was led by Brian Vaughan of Fireplay, who doubled as lighting designer alongside Nick Whitehouse, while video elements were managed by Fuse under Mike Drew.[24][25] The touring band featured an all-female rock lineup assembled to emphasize the album's guitar-driven sound, including Nita Strauss on lead guitar—fresh from her tenure with Alice Cooper—as a prominent addition, alongside drummer Brittany Bowman, bassist Leanne Bowes, and keyboardist Dani McGinley.[26][27][28] Staging adopted a minimalist rock aesthetic suited to arenas, amphitheaters, and theaters, utilizing scalable soft goods like drapes and ropes for adaptability across venue sizes, all fitting into just two trucks for efficient touring.[24] A central LED video wall composed of ROE Visual Carbon Series CB8 tiles—measuring 11’9” wide by 12’7” high for the main structure, with smaller riser panels—displayed thematic content such as comix-style graphics and visuals for the track "29," enhancing the raw, intimate punk vibe.[24] Lighting, programmed on two MA Lighting grandMA3 consoles with fixtures including 22 Elation Artiste Monet moving heads and 24 GLP JDC1 strobes, created moody atmospheres for ballads and punchy, high-contrast effects for rock segments, complemented by pre-show elements like a red-hued banner with an oversized cross and blood-splattered sheets.[24][28] Costume and visual concepts drew from the album's edgy, punk-inspired artwork, featuring outfits like Lovato's full-body red vinyl ensemble accented with spikes, chains, and studs, evoking themes of rebellion and empowerment while maintaining a streamlined, thematic consistency across the production.[29]Marketing and support acts
The marketing for the Holy Fvck Tour emphasized Demi Lovato's shift to a rock-infused sound, building anticipation through digital and traditional media channels. Tickets went on sale via Ticketmaster on June 10, 2022, at 10 a.m. local time, with prices starting at approximately $50 for standard seating and VIP packages offering perks such as meet-and-greets and premium viewing areas.[5][19] Social media promotion included teasers featuring clips from the Holy Fvck album, behind-the-scenes rehearsal footage, and announcements of tour dates, which garnered significant engagement from fans on platforms like Instagram and Twitter. A dedicated merchandise line was launched through the official Demi Lovato store, featuring tour-exclusive items such as hoodies, T-shirts, and accessories with motifs like bleeding crosses and tonal "Holy Fvck" graphics that echoed the album's punk-rock aesthetic.[30] Promotional efforts extended to high-profile television appearances to preview the tour and album. Lovato discussed the tour's development and performed the single "Substance" on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on August 16, 2022, highlighting the energetic live production ahead of the North American leg. Similarly, an appearance on Good Morning America on August 19, 2022, included performances of "Substance" and "29," along with "Cool for the Summer," and interviews about the album's themes, further amplifying hype among morning audiences.[31][32] Support acts were selected to align with the tour's rock-oriented vibe, warming up crowds with complementary high-energy sets typically lasting 30 to 45 minutes. For the North American dates, Dead Sara and Royal & the Serpent served as opening acts on select dates, bringing raw alternative and electronic-rock elements that bridged Lovato's pop roots with the new material. These acts were announced alongside the tour dates on June 7, 2022, to create a cohesive bill that excited rock enthusiasts and introduced emerging talent to Lovato's fanbase.[5][19]Concert content
Set list
The standard setlist for the Holy Fvck Tour consisted of approximately 20 songs, blending tracks from the 2022 album Holy Fvck with selections from Demi Lovato's earlier discography and a pair of covers to highlight thematic elements of rebellion and nostalgia.[33] The show typically opened with the title track "Holy Fvck" to establish the tour's raw, rock-infused energy, followed immediately by "Freak," and closed with the pop hit "Cool for the Summer" for a high-energy finale.[34] This structure emphasized promotion of the new album through roughly seven Holy Fvck songs, such as "Substance," "Eat Me," "Skin of My Teeth," and "29," while incorporating fan-favorite hits like "Confident," "Sorry Not Sorry," and "Heart Attack" to maintain engagement across Lovato's career-spanning catalog.[35] A representative standard setlist, drawn from multiple North American performances, included:- "Holy Fvck"
- "Freak" (featuring Yungblud)
- "Substance"
- "Eat Me" (featuring Royal & the Serpent)
- "Confident"
- "Here We Go Again"
- "Remember December"
- "La La Land" / "La La" (Ashlee Simpson cover)
- "Don't Forget"
- "The Art of Starting Over"
- "Melon Cake"
- "California"
- "29"
- "Iris" (Goo Goo Dolls cover)
- "Skin of My Teeth"
- "4Ever"
- "Sorry Not Sorry"
- "Heart Attack"
- "Cool for the Summer" [33][36]
Performance synopsis
The Holy Fvck Tour concerts featured a dynamic structure beginning with a high-energy rock opener of new album tracks, transitioning to a mid-show segment of acoustic vulnerability through personal ballads and covers, and concluding with a celebratory encore of anthemic hits. Transitions between segments employed dramatic lighting shifts and video interludes that highlighted themes of mental health and personal growth, allowing brief moments of reflection amid the intensity.[4][29] Key moments included massive crowd sing-alongs during "29," where fans joined in with fervor, amplifying the song's emotional weight. Guitar solos stood out in "Skin of My Teeth," with the band's shredding adding raw power to the performance. Notable collaborations included guitarist Nita Strauss on several dates and Goo Goo Dolls' Johnny Rzeznik for "Iris" in select performances. Emotional monologues delivered between songs provided poignant pauses, as Lovato opened up about challenges faced in her career.[4][29] Lovato frequently engaged the audience through on-stage banter, sharing candid reflections on her recovery journey and encouraging collective participation via chants and raised energy. Typical venues seated 5,000 to 15,000 attendees, fostering an immersive environment of shared catharsis. The overall runtime spanned about 80 minutes, with pacing that contrasted fast-paced rock segments—driving head-banging momentum—with slower ballads for emotional balance and buildup.[11][4][29]Tour schedule
North American dates
The North American leg of the Holy Fvck Tour commenced on August 13, 2022, with performances at state fairs in Springfield, Illinois, and Des Moines, Iowa, before resuming on September 22 following the South American dates, and concluded on November 10 in Rosemont, Illinois. Spanning 26 shows across the United States and Canada, the leg highlighted Lovato's return to theater and mid-sized venues, including notable stops at the Beacon Theatre in New York City, the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, and the YouTube Theater in Inglewood, California. Many performances in major markets sold out, reflecting strong fan demand for the rock-oriented production.[39][40] The itinerary incorporated festival-style appearances at the Iowa and Illinois State Fairs as opening events, drawing significant media attention for Lovato's high-energy sets amid the tour's promotional push. No major incidents occurred aside from the postponement of the October 5 show at Rosemont Theatre in Rosemont, Illinois, due to Lovato experiencing vocal loss; it was rescheduled and successfully held on November 10.[41]| Date | City | Venue | Opening Act |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 13, 2022 | Springfield, IL | Illinois State Fair | None |
| August 14, 2022 | Des Moines, IA | Iowa State Fair | None |
| September 22, 2022 | Wheatland, CA | Hard Rock Live Sacramento | Dead Sara |
| September 23, 2022 | Reno, NV | Grand Sierra Resort and Casino | Dead Sara |
| September 25, 2022 | Portland, OR | Theater of the Clouds | Dead Sara |
| September 27, 2022 | San Francisco, CA | The Masonic | Dead Sara |
| September 28, 2022 | Inglewood, CA | YouTube Theater | Royal & the Serpent |
| September 30, 2022 | Las Vegas, NV | The Venetian Theatre | Royal & the Serpent |
| October 3, 2022 | Denver, CO | Fillmore Auditorium | Royal & the Serpent |
| October 5, 2022 | Rosemont, IL | Rosemont Theatre (postponed) | Royal & the Serpent |
| October 7, 2022 | Detroit, MI | Fox Theatre | Royal & the Serpent |
| October 9, 2022 | Wallingford, CT | Toyota Oakdale Theatre | Royal & the Serpent |
| October 10, 2022 | Washington, DC | The Anthem | Royal & the Serpent |
| October 12, 2022 | Philadelphia, PA | The Met Philadelphia | Royal & the Serpent |
| October 13, 2022 | Boston, MA | MGM Music Hall at Fenway | Royal & the Serpent |
| October 15, 2022 | Toronto, ON | History | Royal & the Serpent |
| October 16, 2022 | Montreal, QC | L'Olympia | Royal & the Serpent |
| October 18, 2022 | New York, NY | Beacon Theatre | Royal & the Serpent |
| October 21, 2022 | Charlotte, NC | Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre | Dead Sara |
| October 23, 2022 | Atlanta, GA | Coca-Cola Roxy | Dead Sara |
| October 25, 2022 | Nashville, TN | Ryman Auditorium | Dead Sara |
| October 28, 2022 | Tampa, FL | Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino | Dead Sara |
| October 30, 2022 | Hollywood, FL | Hard Rock Event Center | Dead Sara |
| November 1, 2022 | New Orleans, LA | Fillmore New Orleans | Dead Sara |
| November 3, 2022 | Houston, TX | 713 Music Hall | Dead Sara |
| November 6, 2022 | Irving, TX | The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory | Dead Sara |
| November 10, 2022 | Rosemont, IL | Rosemont Theatre (rescheduled) | Royal & the Serpent |
South American dates
The South American leg of the Holy Fvck Tour marked the tour's opening segment, running from August 30 to September 13, 2022, and comprising six performances in Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Colombia.[5] This portion highlighted Demi Lovato's strong fanbase in the region, especially in Brazil, where three shows were scheduled amid high anticipation following a five-year absence from live performances there.[42] The shows featured adaptations tailored to local audiences, including Portuguese-language greetings during the Brazilian dates to connect with fans.[43] Encores extended with fan-favorite hits from Lovato's catalog, emphasizing crowd engagement in these markets. Venues varied between indoor arenas and outdoor festival grounds, such as the expansive Esplanada do Mineirão in Belo Horizonte and the festival setting at Rock in Rio in Rio de Janeiro, reflecting the tour's blend of arena and open-air experiences. Ticket sales were robust in Brazil's fan-heavy cities, with the São Paulo show selling out quickly.[44] The following table lists the South American dates chronologically:| Date | City | Country | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 30, 2022 | São Paulo | Brazil | Espaço Unimed |
| September 2, 2022 | Belo Horizonte | Brazil | Esplanada do Mineirão |
| September 4, 2022 | Rio de Janeiro | Brazil | Cidade do Rock (Rock in Rio) |
| September 7, 2022 | Bogotá | Colombia | Movistar Arena |
| September 9, 2022 | Buenos Aires | Argentina | Movistar Arena |
| September 13, 2022 | Santiago | Chile | Movistar Arena |