Machine Gun Kelly Sets Barclays Center Ablaze with a High-Energy Pop-Punk Takeover

Photo by Jackie Spitz

On Saturday, December 13th, 2025, the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York was packed wall to wall with fans who traveled from near and far. Machine Gun Kelly (mgk) took the stage for an unforgettable night of live music. The energy in the arena was evident long before the show began. Fans filled the seats wearing mgk merch and punk-inspired outfits that reflected the artist’s unique style and influence. mgk is an artist I’ve wanted to see for so long, so having the privilege of being in the crowd was so amazing.

Photo by Jackie Spitz

Machine Gun Kelly, born Colson Baker, originally hails from Houston, Texas and began building his music career in Cleveland, Ohio. He released his first song in 2006, leading to a label deal in 2011, becoming a mainstream rapper in 2012, and making the switch to bring rock back in 2020. He first gained attention for his rapid-fire, heavy-hitting rap style, quickly developing a dedicated fanbase. Over the years, mgk has successfully reinvented himself, crossing into the pop-punk and alternative rock scene while still maintaining his raw, emotional edge. In addition to music, he has made a name for himself as an actor in Hollywood, appearing in major films such as Bird Box, Nerve, and The King of Staten Island, and self written and directed films such as Good Mourning, further proving his versatility as an artist and entertainer.

The night opened with Julia Wolf, a Long Island, NY born and raised singer, whose dark pop sound and emotionally charged lyrics have taken the internet by storm. From the moment she stepped on stage, she commanded the crowd’s attention with her powerful vocals and magnetic presence. Her ten-song set was met with enthusiastic cheers with each track pulling the audience in even closer. Wolf closed her performance with her viral hit “In My Room,” turning the massive arena into a sing-along as fans proudly shouted every word back to her. It was the perfect way to set the tone for the rest of the night. As a fan of Julia’s music, I’m so glad she opened the night. Having seen her live multiple times prior, her performances always hold up. 

After a brief intermission, the lights dimmed and the crowd erupted as Machine Gun Kelly finally took the stage. He opened the show with “Outlaw Overture,” a track from his most recent studio album Lost Americana, immediately igniting the arena with high energy and flashing lights. At the start of the show, his guitar was stuck in the air and did not fall from the hook as planned; but somehow this made his performance more endearing and real. Throughout the performance, mgk jumped seamlessly between different albums and eras of his career, giving longtime fans and newer listeners something to connect with.

Photo by Jackie Spitz

A major highlight of the night was his decision to perform his 2020 album Tickets to My Downfall in full.This is one of my favorite albums of all time.To celebrate the five-year anniversary of the project that helped redefine his sound and solidify his place in the pop-punk scene was surreal. Everyone was jumping and dancing, creating beautiful energy. Fans screamed along to every song, creating an electric atmosphere that felt both nostalgic and emotional.

Halfway through the show, mgk surprised the audience by leaving the main stage and making his way through the crowd to a smaller, more intimate B stage at the back of the floor by the soundboard. This unexpected moment brought him closer to fans, creating a personal and almost surreal experience as he performed four songs up close.

In true mgk fashion, he even smoked a fan’s cigarette, a spontaneous moment that sent the crowd into a frenzy. He then made his way back to the main stage to perform his cover of Iris with Julia. He performed the second half of Tickets finishing the night strong with a dance break and powerful closing sequence from his newest project.

By the end of the show, the Barclays Center was filled with pure euphoria. Fans left buzzing from the energy of the performance, the connection between artist and audience, and the unmatched feeling of hearing their favorite songs performed live. It was a night that perfectly captured the magic of live music and reminded everyone why Machine Gun Kelly continues to be one of the most dynamic performers of his generation.

Written by Kai Garcia

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