Many artists dream of getting to play arenas. Jake Wesley Rogers got to do so on his first-ever tour.
The rising pop singer/songwriter served as one of the opening acts on the North American leg of Panic! At the Disco's Viva Las Vengeance Tour, performing at coveted venues like Los Angeles' Kia Forum and New York City's Madison Square Garden. The tour just wrapped on Oct. 28, and Rogers was rightfully in his feels upon its end.
"This has been one of the most special experiences of my life," he wrote in an Instagram post. "I'm officially addicted to this now. Making music and art. Sharing it with you. Performing. Spreading as much love as I can. You opening your hearts to more and more love. It's everything."
Those who didn't catch Rogers with Panic! — or fell in love with his awe-inspiring showmanship at one of the shows — are in luck. Just before his time with Panic! was done, the singer announced his first headlining tour, which will kick off Feb. 24, 2023.
All of this is the result of the buzz Rogers has garnered since being discovered by superstar singer/songwriter Justin Tranter in 2020. In the last year alone, he has made appearances at Austin City Limits, Lollapalooza, BottleRock Napa Valley, and even performed at Elton John's 30th annual Oscars viewing party, where he shared the stage with Brandi Carlile.
Next up, the Springfield, Mo. native will return to his hometown on Dec. 17 for a special — and very full-circle — show at the Gillioz Theatre, where he promised there will be "so many special surprises."
As the Panic! At the Disco tour came to an end, Rogers shared some of his favorite onstage and behind-the-scenes moments from the trek with GRAMMY.com. Take a look at the 10 snapshots, and hear from Rogers about what makes them memorable.
All photos were taken by Jakob Wandel.
Sept. 8, Austin, TX: Singing in my LOVESUIT designed by Troy Dylan Allen.
Sept. 13, Kansas City, MO: I learned how to do my own makeup for this tour — and by "learned how to do my own makeup," I mean I glued sparkly stars to my face.
Sept. 13, Kansas City, MO: Back bends are brought to you by Yoga with Adriene.
Sept. 20, Detroit, MI: The first time the audience held up their flashlights I cried on stage. So surreal.
Sept. 21, Columbus, OH: This was taken during my song "Cause of a Scene" — always one of my favorite moments of the night.
Sept, 23, New York, NY: This was right after sound check at Madison Square Garden. I was shook.
Sept. 23 New York, NY: Performing "House of Memories" with Panic! At The Disco to a sold-out Madison Square Garden.
Oct. 13, Salt Lake City, UT: This was my first tour and my first arena tour at the same time. So magical.
Oct. 19, Los Angeles, CA: Pointing directly at my photographer Jakob!
Oct. 21, Las Vegas, NV: Pure joy in Las Vegas.