On Sept. 11, singer-songwriter Conan Gray kicked off his Wishbone Tour in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, marking the start of his newest era. The tour began after his latest album, Wishbone, debuted on Aug. 15.
The show opened with flashing lights and the sound of breaking glass before Gray appeared on stage wearing a white pajama-style outfit to match the tour’s theme. The crowd screamed as he began singing “My World,” one of the singles from “Wishbone.” The energy in the arena was loud but emotional, exactly what fans have come to expect from Gray.
Over the years, Gray has built a reputation for writing about heartbreak, friendship, and growing up. His earlier albums, “Kid Krow” (2020), “Superache” (2022), and “Found Heaven” (2024), all showed different sides of his life and emotions. But “Wishbone” feels different, older, and more honest.
In interviews, Gray has said this album is about learning to let go and finding peace after years of writing about sadness.
Hemlocke Springs was the opening act for the North American shows. She brought her own fun and quirky style to the stage before Gray performed. The tour, which included 19 cities in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico before wrapping up in Monterrey on Oct. 19, was filled with playful and memorable moments.
In every show, Gray broke a giant wishbone on stage to determine which surprise song he would perform, a ritual that added a sense of intimacy to each concert. A screen behind him occasionally displayed different phrases like “Act I: A Wishbone Never Breaks Even,” “Act II: I Got the Short End of the Stick,” “Act III: I Took the Long Way to Realization,” and, lastly, “Act IV: I Wished for Love, and I Found It,” creating entertainment and enjoyable moments for the audience. He also rode a bicycle across the stage during select songs and “slept” on the bed set out on stage.
Fans were also treated to a mix of humor and connection. Conan interacted with grandmas in the audience, engaged with excited fans in the front rows, and referenced fellow artist and best friend Olivia Rodrigo, creating shared inside jokes and laughter. These moments reinforced the personal feeling of the concerts.
The Wishbone Tour felt like a celebration of how far Gray’ has come. His has been a journey built on talent, perseverance, and genuine passion for his craft. Born in Lemon Grove, California, and raised in small-town Texas, he often cites feeling “in between everything” geographically, culturally, and emotionally as a motivation behind his songwriting.
He began posting videos on YouTube as a teenager, where his heartfelt covers and original songs quickly attracted attention. By the time he released his debut album, “Kid Krow” (2020), Gray had already built a devoted online following, composed largely of Gen Z fans who connected with his honesty, humor, and relatability.
Over the years, his fanbase has grown into a global community. Gray has been praised for writing songs that speak directly to young people navigating heartbreak, identity, and growing up. Social media has amplified this connection: fans share concert clips, lyrics, and personal stories about how his music resonates with their lives. His ability to blend confessional storytelling with catchy pop has made him one of the defining voices of his generation.
From his early days posting videos online to performing for sold-out arenas, Gray has transformed from a teenage internet sensation into a confident, thoughtful artist with a deep connection to his fans.
The Wishbone Tour is more than just a series of concerts–it is a testament to his growth, creativity, and the community he has built along the way. This tour gave fans a chance to experience his music, humor, and heart in person.
