BIG TIME RUSH “the definition of nostalgia”
I had the absolute pleasure of being able to attend probably something my 14 year old self would have gone insane for. Jones Beach Theater was sold out for the one and only Big Time Rush. A crowd of custom t-shirts and hats filled the stands at one of the most beautiful venues I had ever been to. Right on the water The Northwell at Jones Beach is exactly where I would want to be to listen to my childhood favorite band while the sun is setting on the water. The energy in the crowd was electric from the moment the gates opened, and by the end of the night, it was clear: Big Time Rush hasn’t missed a beat.
The show kicked off with Stephen Kramer Glickman (yes, Gustavo Rocque) hyping the crowd up with viral TikTok hits, setting the tone for what would become a perfect blend of nostalgia and high-energy fun. Even the guitar player couldn’t help but steal the spotlight, ripping through riffs with contagious facial expressions that matched the crowd’s excitement.
Katelyn Tarver, aka Joe from the Big Time Rush TV days, was next. Her entrance instantly brought the crowd to their feet. She leaned into her iconic role but quickly reminded everyone she’s carved out her own musical path. Her performance ended on a high with her latest track, “Number One,” and in a full-circle moment, she gifted the shirt she wore on stage to a fan.
Then came the main event. As the opening theme of the Big Time Rush show played through the speakers, the amphitheater erupted. The group promised to perform every song from every episode, and they delivered. Even the security guards couldn’t help but dance.
Gustavo made his return mid-show to throw in a few jokes (and sing BTR's “Nobody’s Around”) before the group playfully teased him about his glasses, calling him a “minion” and keeping the laughs going. Kendall and Gustavo later shared a heartfelt piano duet to “Cover Girl,” followed by Carlos giving Kendall flowers for his songwriting skills.
In a standout moment, each band member performed a solo with Gustavo on stage, culminating in James singing the final song we would hear in the TV show, “We Are.” They even serenaded Gustavo with the infamous “Turd Song”, a hilarious inside joke for diehard fans.
True to boyband tradition, they took a moment to introduce their band and made their way into the crowd to sing from the center of the venue. And in one of the most memorable moments of the night, four lucky fans were brought onstage to be serenaded during “Worldwide.”
From start to finish, it was a night of full-circle moments, goofy banter, and genuinely powerful performances. At Jones Beach, Big Time Rush proved they’re more than just a throwback they’re a full-blown live experience.
