LANY • Soft Tour • March 28, 2026 • Delta Center
Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe
LANY has developed a special relationship with the state of Utah. From their early days playing Kilby Court to multiple Delta Center stops to headlining last year’s Electric Revival Fest and everywhere in between, LANY has been a staple in the live music scene here in Utah. They even played a secret album release show at The Depot a few years back. We have had the honor of covering LANY since 2019. Every time we’ve covered them, we’ve witnessed the special bond between this band and their Utah fans.
Here’s some information from LANY’s press release concerning their Soft Era.
LANY have quietly cracked the mainstream on their own terms as one of the most ubiquitous, unpredictable, and undeniable alternative rock bands of this era. Tallying billions of streams, selling out legendary arenas, and earning widespread critical acclaim, the platinum-certified Los Angeles group consistently deliver rafter-reaching anthems anchored by airtight songcraft and the outsized personality of enigmatic frontman and songwriter Paul Jason Klein. Thus far, they’ve earned four gold singles—“Malibu Nights,” “Super Far,” “I Quit Drinking” [with Kelsea Ballerini], and “Mean It” [with Lauv]—in addition to scoring platinum status with “ILYSB.”
LANY released their brand new album “Soft” this October, but found time outside of the studio earlier in the year to play two special nights with The National Symphony Orchestra at The Kennedy Center in DC before headlining Seoul Jazz Festival in May. In 2026, they will canvas the globe on their “Soft World Tour”; part 1 highlights of the 300,000+ headline ticket run, including first-times headlining the Intuit Dome locally in LA, Barclays Center in Brooklyn and OVO Wembley Arena in London. Previously nominated for “Best Pop Tour” by Pollstar, the band’s energetic, entrancing, and ever- evolving live show continues to captivate fans on multiple continents.
The set began with lead singer Paul Klein in front of a huge curtain. The silhouettes of the rest of the band appeared in flashes. As they opened with “Soft,” the title song to their new album, the curtain came down, and the band was revealed. The audience went crazy, and we were off and running!
The stage design embraced a minimalist aesthetic, leaning on soft lighting, pastel tones, and subtle visuals that reflected the mood of their Soft era. Rather than relying on overwhelming production, the band created space for the music to breathe and for the audience to settle into the experience. It felt intentional, almost like an invitation to slow down and listen more closely.
Paul Klein carried the night with a presence that was both relaxed and magnetic. He didn’t overplay the arena setting; instead, he approached it with a conversational ease that made the venue feel smaller than it is. Between songs, he spoke candidly, often with a tone that felt more like a late-night reflection than typical stage banter. That authenticity translated directly into the performance. Whether he was pacing the stage during upbeat tracks or standing still in quieter moments, there was a consistent emotional thread tying everything together.
Klein had plenty to say about Salt Lake City as well. He told us that he looks forward to playing this show, “Every day of every year! I love Salt Lake City, Baby!” He recognized how good SLC has been to LANY. I have no doubt that this is a tour stop LANY looks forward to. This crowd was so into this show. It’s like that every time I’ve seen them here.
The setlist unfolded with a natural sense of progression. Early songs brought a surge of energy, quickly pulling the crowd into full participation. Fans sang along loudly and without hesitation, turning nearly every chorus into a shared moment. There’s a particular kind of audience that shows up for LANY. They’re fans who know the lyrics, feel them deeply, and aren’t afraid to express them.
As the show moved forward, the pacing revealed one of its greatest strengths. Upbeat songs were balanced with slower, more introspective tracks, creating a rhythm that never felt stagnant. The quieter moments when Paul Klein would often move to the keyboard were especially effective. Stripped-back arrangements allowed the emotional core of the songs to take center stage, and in those moments, the entire arena seemed to lean in. Phone lights flickered on, voices softened, and there was a palpable sense of stillness.
What stood out most about this tour was its commitment to the idea of “softness” as a strength. The performance didn’t try to mask vulnerability with spectacle. Instead, it leaned into it fully. Themes of love, loss, and uncertainty were presented without hesitation, and that honesty resonated. It’s not always easy to maintain that level of emotional openness in a large venue, but LANY managed to do so without it feeling forced or exaggerated.
A little past the midway point in the show, Klein and Jake Goss moved through the crowd to the other side of the Delta Center to a B Stage. They performed a stripped-down four-song set to the delight of the arena. Particularly, the fans on that side of the venue. Paul Klein invited a young woman to join him on stage to dance with him. Her boyfriend then joined her, and Klein invited his fiancée onto the B Stage to dance with him. The couple was understandably so excited! It was fun to capture their delight.
Of course, the energy returned in waves when LANY returned to the main stage. The band transitioned back into more upbeat material, and the crowd responded instantly. The contrast between the softer segments and the more energetic ones gave the show a dynamic quality that kept it engaging from start to finish. It never felt like a one-note performance, even though it maintained a consistent emotional tone throughout.
The encore served as a fitting conclusion. Rather than going for a dramatic or explosive ending, the band opted for something more reflective. It felt aligned with the overall theme of the night—less about spectacle and more about connection. As the final notes faded, there was a lingering sense of calm rather than a rush to leave, as if the audience wanted to hold onto the moment just a little longer.
If there’s any critique to be made, it’s that the show occasionally leaned into familiar patterns. Fans who have followed LANY for a while might recognize the structure and flow of the performance. However, if there was any familiarity, it didn’t detract from the experience. In many ways, it reinforced it. The consistency allowed the emotional elements to land more effectively, giving the audience exactly what they came for while still feeling fresh in its presentation.
Ultimately, LANY’s performance in Salt Lake City wasn’t about redefining what an arena concert can be. It was about refining what they already do so well. By focusing on atmosphere, emotion, and connection, they delivered a show that felt cohesive and intentional from beginning to end.
Before Paul Klein left the stage, he stated, “You have not been shy about your love for us. And we are not shy about our love for Salt Lake City.” He also shared, “I will remember tonight for the rest of my life, Salt Lake City. You have been so, so good to us. Thank you! I hope we can keep coming back for the rest of our lives. We love you so much!” The bond between band and fan is extremely strong in Salt Lake City. I expect these fans will hold them to it. They’ll be stopping here for the rest of their lives!
