The Underground in Charlotte, NC — February 18, 2026

Almost three years ago, I watched Ruel take the stage at Terminal 5 in New York for the first time ever. And now, in the present; I watched him perform at The Underground in Charlotte, North Carolina for the first time. To have one your musical heroes tour in your home state will always give you such a familiar rush. He’s matured, more in tune with himself and his music, and the way he charms an entire room feels just the same as the last.

The “Kicking My Feet” tour presents a new side of Ruel van Dijk. With his sophomore album making waves and buzzing new and old fans, he’s able to share a much more grounded version of himself and his art on stage while also letting his roots shine as well. “Wild Guess,” “Destroyer,” and a stripped back performance of “No News Is Good News,” all from his latest record translate perfectly live and I wish I could sit in those moments forever. Dipping back into his older era’s. “Face to Face”, “Japanese Whiskey,” “You Against Yourself,” and “Dazed & Confused” brought out the true spirits of day one fans and left me smiling ear to ear the whole night.

Closing out the night with title track “Kicking My Feet,” it’s evident; the road this 23-year-old musician stands on is one full of an authentic, love filled, admirable journey of making music with his incredible gifted team and sharing it with those who are willing to listen. Ruel remains to be at the top of his own ever-growing game.

Words & Photography: Isaiah Pate