LEWIS: Internet sensation ian plays grand slam show to packed Lincoln crowd

Ian performs at the Bourbon Theatre on Friday, March 7, 2025, in Lincoln. Photo by Izzy Lewis.

Concertgoers at the Bourbon Theatre were rushing toward the barricade on March 7 ahead of 19-year-old artist ian’s performance. Fans were so eager to see the viral sensation, the staff had to direct people to step back. 

ian is a rapper, songwriter and producer based in Dallas, Texas. His music is characterized by its synth backing, autotune and trap beats. It is an experimental hip-hop feel that borders on alternative rock at times. 

ian first started publishing mixes in 2018 on SoundCloud under the moniker Suburbancerberus. It wasn’t until 2023 that he started releasing music under his own name. In May 2024, he released his debut mixtape, “Valedictorian,” which debuted at #54 on the Billboard 200. 

In October 2024, he released his debut studio album, “Goodbye Horses.” It was a slight shift in ian’s sound, with more melodic elements incorporated. 

ian kicked off his “IAN TOUR” in November 2024 with just 10 stops. Near the end of that run, he announced over 20 additional dates as part of “IAN TOUR PT. 2” Lincoln’s show was toward the end of the lineup. 

The show started late, leaving fans anxious. Nearly 20 minutes after the posted showtime, Lucas Macaluso took the stage to hype up the crowd with a DJ set. He introduced ian and stayed on the stage to mix ian’s backing tracks for the rest of the show. 

ian opened with “Never Stop.” The lyrics of this song address ian’s haters and how he has stayed true to himself despite it. The crowd favorite song set the tone for ian’s set.  

“Grand Slam” with its heavy bass track was one of my favorites of the evening. It was one of ian’s first few songs that garnered widespread attention on social media when he first teased it in February 2024. 

Friday’s show was ian’s first time in Nebraska. In the middle of the show, he called out ever popular Husker football quarterback Dylan Raiola and running back Emmett Johnson who sat in an excluded section of the audience.  

“I was curious about Lincoln, Nebraska, what you guys were doing over here,” ian said. “I’m overjoyed this is going down my first time here.”  

ian performs at the Bourbon Theatre on Friday, March 7, 2025, in Lincoln. Photo by Izzy Lewis.

Throughout the show, ian was tossing out tour merch to the crowd. He sparked a connection with the audience. He even called out an individual who knew every word to his songs. 

“I love you guys,” ian said. “I cannot thank you enough for showing up like this. You’re the f****** best.” 

ian escalated his crowd work when he stepped down to the barrier as he sang “My Call.” Fans rushed to reach out and touch ian as he performed. 

Another highlight of the show was “Sh*t Sad” which was originally recorded with Chief Keef. Chief Keef’s part played over the speakers as ian rapped. The lyrics of this song evoked more emotion than others. 

ian definitely has a knack for introspective lyrics. Unfortunately, sometimes it was difficult to hear what he was saying over the autotune and boosted tracks. 

The best part of ian’s show was “End Up Gone.” Macaluso moved to the otherside to play keys under a single pin light, ian nowhere to be seen for the intro. ian returned and rapped over the sole piano. The stripped down texture was exceptional, making the whole song feel a touch more intimate. Some production eventually came in, but simple piano backing was effective.

ian himself took to the keys next, playing “Für Elise.” Macaluso provided commentary as the song surprisingly shifted into “3.5.” The crowd cheered as they recognized the transition into the synth intro of the song. 

Throughout the set, ian’s energy was insane. At one point, he went to change his shirt because he was so sweaty. 

Near the end of the set, ian performed “Hate Me” with Lil Yachty. ian introduced the song by asking what day it was. A line in the song is “I'm just prayin' I make it 'til Friday.” It was fitting for the Friday night show. 

ian came back on stage to the loud chants of “One more song!” He closed with “Magic Johnson” and invited Raiola and Johnson on stage with him as he did so. The crowd went crazy. 

All in all, ian made a lasting impression at his first show in Lincoln. His recent success has skyrocketed him into the mainstream. He brings a new, experimental energy to the scene that many admire. He has three more stops on his “IAN TOUR PT. 2.”

Published in the Daily Nebraskan, read here.