Rosalía: Lux Tour Debuts & Apology for Picasso Comments

Rosalía’s Lux tour officially launched tonight at the LDLC Arena just outside of Paris, marking the first live performances of a significant portion of the tracks from last year’s critically acclaimed album. The kickoff followed a week where the Spanish superstar addressed and apologized for comments made on the Spotify Presenta podcast regarding Pablo Picasso, a conversation that sparked immediate backlash.

During the Paris show, Rosalía debuted fourteen songs live for the first time: “Sexo, violencia y llantas,” “Porcelana,” “Divinize,” “Mio Cristo piange diamanti,” “Sauvignon blanc,” “La yugular,” “Dios es un stalker,” “La Rumba Del Perdón,” “Novia robot,” “Focu ’ranni,” “Magnolias,” and more. The setlist represents a deep dive into the sonic and thematic world of Lux, an album that’s already cemented Rosalía’s position as a leading force in contemporary pop.

A Delicate Balance: Art, the Artist, and Accountability

The tour launch comes on the heels of a public apology Rosalía issued earlier this week after expressing a view on separating the art from the artist when discussing Picasso. The comments, made during an appearance on Spotify’s Spotify Presenta podcast, ignited a swift and critical response, particularly given the well-documented history of abuse perpetrated by the late painter. As British Vogue detailed in a 2023 article, Picasso’s treatment of women was often deeply problematic and controlling.

In a video posted to X (formerly Twitter), Rosalía addressed the controversy directly, stating, “I’m not comfortable with what happened when I talked about Picasso’s topic. I’m not at peace with what I said about Picasso.” She explained that her initial perspective stemmed from a lack of awareness regarding the extent of Picasso’s abusive behavior. “It’s essential not to talk about certain things when you don’t have enough knowledge,” she continued. “I personally thought Picasso was a great man, as people have said before. But I didn’t grasp there were real cases of abuse.”

Rosalía’s apology went on to express regret for any insensitivity displayed during the conversation with Mariana Enriquez, and for a “lack of empathy with those women and their testimonies.” The incident highlights the ongoing debate surrounding how to reconcile artistic achievement with problematic personal conduct, a conversation that’s become increasingly prevalent across various art forms.

From Flamenco Roots to Global Pop Icon

Rosalía’s career trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable. Initially gaining recognition for her innovative fusion of traditional flamenco with contemporary sounds, she quickly transcended genre boundaries. Her 2018 debut album, Los Ángeles, established her as a rising star within the flamenco world, but it was 2019’s El Mal Querer that propelled her to international fame. El Mal Querer, a concept album inspired by a 13th-century Occitan novel, was lauded for its experimental production, evocative storytelling, and Rosalía’s captivating vocal performance. The album earned her a Latin Grammy Award for Album of the Year.

Following the success of El Mal Querer, Rosalía continued to push creative boundaries, collaborating with artists like Travis Scott, Billie Eilish, and The Weeknd. Her 2022 album, Motomami, further solidified her status as a genre-bending innovator, blending elements of reggaeton, electronic music, and experimental pop. Lux, released in 2023, represents another evolution in her sound, exploring themes of love, loss, and self-discovery with a newfound vulnerability and emotional depth.

The Stakes of a Global Tour Launch

The Lux tour is a major undertaking for Rosalía, with dates scheduled across Europe and North America throughout 2024 and 2025. The tour’s success is crucial not only for Rosalía’s continued artistic momentum but also for her broader business interests. Live performances remain a significant revenue stream for artists, and a well-executed tour can significantly boost album sales, streaming numbers, and merchandise revenue.

The LDLC Arena, located in Croix, France, is a state-of-the-art venue with a capacity of over 10,000, providing an ideal setting for the tour’s kickoff. The choice of Paris as the launch city is also significant, given the city’s reputation as a global hub for fashion, art, and music. The tour’s production is reportedly lavish, featuring elaborate stage designs, cutting-edge lighting effects, and a dynamic visual aesthetic that complements the music’s themes.

Navigating the Current Landscape of Artist Accountability

Rosalía’s apology and the surrounding controversy reflect a broader shift in the entertainment industry towards greater artist accountability. In recent years, there’s been increasing scrutiny of artists’ past actions and statements, with fans and critics alike demanding that they take responsibility for harmful behavior. This trend has led to numerous artists issuing apologies, facing career setbacks, or being removed from projects. The conversation around separating the art from the artist remains complex, with no easy answers.

The incident also underscores the importance of artists being well-informed about the historical context surrounding their influences. Rosalía’s willingness to acknowledge her lack of knowledge and issue a sincere apology has been praised by some as a positive step towards greater accountability. However, others argue that the apology doesn’t go far enough and that artists have a responsibility to educate themselves about the problematic aspects of their influences before publicly discussing them.

What’s Ahead for Rosalía and the Lux Tour

Following the Paris kickoff, the Lux tour will continue with dates in major cities across Europe, including London, Berlin, and Amsterdam. The North American leg of the tour is scheduled to begin in August 2024, with stops in cities like Novel York, Los Angeles, and Miami. Ticket sales for the tour have been strong, indicating a high level of demand for Rosalía’s live performances.

Beyond the tour, Rosalía is expected to continue exploring new creative avenues. She has expressed interest in expanding her work into film and television, and she remains a sought-after collaborator for artists across various genres. Her ability to seamlessly blend tradition and innovation, coupled with her undeniable talent and charisma, positions her as a major force in the global music landscape for years to reach.