When I left my house to attend a Pitbull concert, I expected a good time, but nothing could’ve prepared me for the pandemonium I witnessed.
From the moment I stepped off the train and made my way to Manchester’s Co-op Live, it became apparent that not only was Pitbull in this city, he had taken it over… and I hadn’t even laid eyes on him yet.
I was greeted by a sea of bald caps and raucous crowds singing Fireball, hundreds of whom then gathered outside the venue for somewhat of a lairy flash mob.
It was a sight like no other because, well, where else will you find a bunch of people wearing suits and boasting bald heads and patchy beards other than maybe the White House?
Without question, the Pitbull Party After Dark was created by his fans, and the celebrations kicked off long before his entrance.
So, by the time Mr. Worldwide himself was before me, to say I was hyped would be an understatement.
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Bounding out in his iconic black attire, the chart-topping rapper soaked up the euphoric cheers before launching into the only tune he could’ve possibly opened with: Don’t Stop the Party.
With the earlier portion of the set including Hotel Room Service, International Love, and Gasolina, Pitbull took time after each to bask in the reception, beaming beneath his aviators as fans who have built him up to God-like status screamed.
To them, he was their hero, and he didn’t have to do anything to earn the title.
Subsequent songs included Rain Over Me, I Feel Good, and Feel This Moment, the latter typically featuring vocals by Christina Aguilera.
But it didn’t matter that she wasn’t there, nor did anyone care that Kesha didn’t show for Timber or Usher was absent for DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love—they just wanted Pitbull.
Despite a predominantly English-speaking audience, Pitbull found space for his own heritage in the set, teaching us lyrics in Spanish and professing his love for home city Miami.
As far as personal touches go, though, that was where they ended (save for his declaration of love for all the baldies out there).
Make no mistake, I love a mushy concert moment. If anything, I feel like I haven’t had the full experience unless tears have been shed. Whether it’s a heartfelt speech from Taylor Swift about her lyrics or Harry Styles reminding me I can ‘be whoever I want to be in this room tonight,’ nothing brings me joy like connecting with an artist on an emotional level.
However, for once, it was nice not to have that.
At one point, Pitbull said music is the ‘universal language we all speak,’ which was all he needed to do to ensure unity.
No one had any expectations of him. No one was crestfallen that he didn’t wave a flag or felt bitter about his lack of political lecture. Pitbull’s one job was to host a party, and he knew how to deliver.
Not once was his foot taken off the pedal. Whether it be his dad at a wedding-esque grooving or flirting with the dancers in skimpy outfits, there was a visual feast around every corner.
Even when he wasn’t on stage, Pitbull maximised the opportunities to keep the good vibes flowing.
While most musicians use a costume change to play some artsy VT, Pitbull puts his band front and centre with DJ sets. From start to finish, fans had zero chance to come up for air.
As his set concluded, Pitbull pulled out the big guns: On the Floor, Time of Our Lives, and number one banger Give Me Everything, which had my high school in a chokehold in 2011.
It was the perfect way to round off his string of hits, fans now breathless but clearly willing to do it all again.
Ultimately, the very essence of Pitbull is a cultural phenomenon. While Swifties have friendship bracelets and Harry Styles fans have feather boas, Pitbull supporters show up in force with blazers, bald caps, and Sharpies.
What it is about him, I’m yet to decipher. You can’t argue that he’s the most profound lyricist with lines like, ‘This biggity boy’s a diggity dog,’ nor could you say he’s a master of choreography and staging, because that was all pretty standard.
Perhaps it’s just the simplicity. Let’s face it, in 2025, it’s not common to find a celebrity male in his fourth decade of life without a one-way ticket to cancellation station. But with Pitbull, people just seem to like that he’s… Some Guy. He’s just a dude in his forties, giving it large and not trying to be anything else.
Regardless, it was rather beautiful to watch, eradicating any sliver of doubt in my mind about the Pitbull hype being worth it.
He’s proven that, after first breaking into the industry in the Noughties, his dance anthems will stand the test of time. Long after Pitbull is gone, his spirit will live on through baldness, black sunnies, and skinny jeans, because if his concert has taught me anything, it’s that people don’t just view Pitbull as a musician—he’s a way of life.
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