John Mayer Reflects On Life-Changing Inaugural Solo Tour

Guitarist John Mayer concluded his inaugural solo tour on Friday at Kia Forum outside Los Angeles. Mayer wrote a heartfelt Instagram post after the 19-date trek wrapped and explained how the “tour has changed [him]” thanks in large part to fans who attended each concert.

The run, which will be followed by another North American solo tour this fall and 2024 UK/European Solo Tour dates, started in Newark, New Jersey on March 11. Along the way, Mayer dueted with Sheryl Crow, debuted a new original, covered the Grateful Dead and played a song request game on a fan's sign, among many other highlights.

“When I had the idea to embark on a solo tour, I was thinking about the technical aspect of it; how to pull off a show where it was just me up there,” Mayer began his note. “What I didn’t – and couldn’t – factor in was how the audience would add a kind of magic I’d never experienced before. I quickly realized that what made these shows special was my bringing my intentions to the stage and then letting the people in the room steer the night.

“Set lists became mere sketches, and with an open mind and a lot of vulnerability, the best version of the show would emerge,” the guitarist added. “There was no mark to hit or miss… only the challenge to myself to be fully there, with you all, in real time. This tour has changed me. It’s changed my view of my own work, stripping it of its former metrics as songs released on albums and taking on new life as an expression of something we all feel together.”

He went on to discuss how songs like “Stop This Train” had new meaning for him upon witnessing the reaction from crowds. “You never know when you make art, what’s going to resonate and what’s not. I’ve had high hopes for things that didn’t take flight, and in the case of this tour, I have been stunned by what can happen when the moment is right for something, when the intention is pure, and when 15,000 people bring their hearts and souls in the room, seemingly to say ‘if you open yours we’ll open ours,'” Mayer wrote. “Regardless of what the musical arrangement on stage will be down the line, there is no turning back now. Thank you for showing me the next steps in my life and in my career… a tour! A tour did this. Thank you, I love you, and I hope I see you again soon.”

Next up for John Mayer is “The Final Tour” from Dead & Company. View John’s Instagram post, photos from Friday’s finale and all of Mayer’s tour dates below.

L.A. Photos by Steve Rose