Leon Thomas Brings Rock Star Energy and Soul Power to MUTTS DON'T HEEL Tour
The MUTTS DON'T HEEL Tour brought raw soul and rock-tinged passion to Atlanta.
On a chilly November night in downtown Atlanta, Tabernacle transformed into a church of modern R&B as Leon Thomas delivered one of the most electrifying performances the venue has seen this year. Fresh off his six Grammy nominations (the most by any R&B artist this year), the Brooklyn native proved exactly why he’s being hailed as the genre’s next generational star.
From the moment the lights dimmed and Thomas stepped on the luxuriously designed stage with “HOW FAST,” the sold-out crowd was locked in. This wasn’t just a concert; it was a sonic experience that bridged classic soul sensibilities with psychedelic rock textures, showcasing the full range of his critically acclaimed MUTT and Electric Dusk projects.
The setlist was a carefully curated journey through heartbreak, self-discovery, and that complicated space between love and toxic independence. Leon’s vocals floated effortlessly over guitar-driven production, while his live band brought visceral energy to every note. Leon also made sure the crowd knew that he was a multi-instrumentalist by playing several guitars and playing the drums throughout the show. Yeah, there were insane levels of talent on display. The man can do everything!
The most magical moment? When Thomas covered Floetry’s “Say Yes” seamlessly blended with his own “YES IT IS.” It was a master class in paying homage while making something entirely his own. It was at that moment that he knew he had the entire crowd in the palm of his hand. Leon has a clear reverence for soul music’s past and a thirst for his own forward-thinking sound. It’s exactly what R&B needs right now.
Personal favorites hit different in person. “Breaking Point” had the entire venue in their feelings, while “VIBES DON’T LIE” had a collective swoon and sway ripple through the venue. And when he finally performed “MUTT” (the platinum-certified, chart-topping anthem), the energy was unmatched. This is the song that’s been sitting at #1 on R&B charts and climbing the Hot 100, and hearing it live with that full band arrangement? Chef’s kiss.
The MUTT Deluxe: HEEL tracks proved they deserve just as much love as the OGs. “NOT FAIR” brought a hypnotic bounce while “PARTY FAVORS” showcased Thomas’s ability to be vulnerable without losing his edge. The double encore was everything. “SAFE PLACE” served as a perfect farewell, bringing the evening full circle with its raw introspection.
What sets Leon Thomas apart isn’t just his voice (though those runs are lethal) or his songwriting. It’s his commitment to pushing R&B forward without abandoning broader influences. The live instrumentation featured guitar solos that would make Prince proud, drum breaks that hit like those of The Roots, and vocal arrangements that nod to Maxwell, all while maintaining his own distinct sound.
Ambré’s opening set was also a standout, priming the crowd with her own brand of alternative R&B that complemented Thomas’ aesthetic perfectly.
If the Atlanta stop was any indication of what the rest of the MUTTS DON’T HEEL Tour has in store, the rest of the world is in for a treat. Leon Thomas isn’t just carrying the torch for R&B. He’s lighting a whole new fire.
For the love of R&B,
— YAMS Magazine
He is amazing! Absolutely love his new sound.