Joshua Bassett at YouTube Theater: Review

Photos and Review By: Sarah Hyun

Joshua Bassett, one of the stars of “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” and a talented singer-songwriter and pop artist from Oceanside, Calif., performed the last date of his North American “The Golden Years” tour at the YouTube Theater in Los Angeles’ Inglewood neighborhood on September 3rd, 2024. Thomas Day, singer-songwriter from Nashville who gained his recognition from making it far in season fifteen of America’s Got Talent, joined 23-year-old Bassett as the opener. He did not disappoint with his phenomenal set full of dancing, jumping, belting, and incredible singing. The energy was truly palpable, and excited fans at the barricade held up signs in support. One fan was spotted with a sign that read, “Thomas Day? Thomas BAE.” 

After Thomas’s set, the flashing lights dimmed and the room quieted down — but the crowd was still abuzz with excitement. The pre-show playlist was full of hit songs that kept fans hyped — Chappell Roan, One Direction, Harry Styles, Billie Eilish and many more. After the last song of the pre-show playlist ended, the lights turned off.

Deafening screams. The rumble of a bass. Another uproar. Then, the deep boom of a drum, followed by loud cries from anticipating fans.

And then Bassett, emerging from seemingly nowhere, ran onto the stage singing his title track, “The Golden Years.” Fans responded hysterically as he scaled across the stage with unmatched energy, greeting fans, shaking hands, walking up to the barricade and kicking his feet high into the air. After singing his recent song “Cherry Blossom,” Bassett handed out signed CDs to four lucky concertgoers. Shortly after, he invited three fans to the stage to teach him a dance after reading their sign that said, “let’s take you in CIRCLES, dance with us.” 

Later, Bassett left the stage and re-emerged through the back doors, where he greeted

fans in the seated sections and upper balconies. Fans dressed in merch, flowy skirts, glittery tops and cowboy hats screamed in excitement as Bassett made his rounds to every part of the venue. Young girls, teenage fans, fathers and grandparents alike watched him in amazement as he sprinted through the stairs and rows in his sparkly outfit. Bassett has done this at past shows, proving time and time again his honest love and dedication to his fans. 

A true highlight of the night was when Bassett brought out Jenna Raine—20 year old pop artist and actress who was featured on Joshua’s latest album—during their song, “Don’t Let Me Down.” Their voices blended in harmony like butter, and concertgoers listened in awe, soaking in their performance. At the end of the night, Joshua jumped off of his piano stage during his song, “Set Me Free,” which again, triggered a round of screams from his excited fans. Seeing Bassett in concert is an experience that everyone should have at least once in their lifetime, if given the chance. Even if you don’t particularly listen to his music, the vibes of his shows are truly magnificent — never before have I seen another artist bring 110% of their energy to a single night. Seeing him in Inglewood was my second time attending one of his shows for a reason.