{{Short description|2023–2024 concert tour by SZA}} {{Use mdy dates|date=February 2024}}
{{Infobox concert | concert_tour_name = SOS Tour | image = SOS Tour.png | image_size = 220 | border = yes | alt = The cover art for the SOS album, with SZA's name and tour dates for the first leg superimposed | caption = Poster for first leg | artist = SZA | location = {{Flatlist| * Europe * North America * Oceania * South America }} | album = ''SOS'' | start_date = {{Start date|2023|02|21}} | end_date = {{End date|2024|08|04}} | number_of_shows = 81 | support_acts = {{Flatlist| * Omar Apollo * Raye * D4vd }} | attendance = | gross = $113.1{{nbsp}}million | last_tour = Good Days Fall Tour<br>(2021)<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-10-14 |title=SZA announces "Good Days Fall 2021" tour |url=https://consequence.net/2021/10/sza-2021-fall-tour/ |access-date=2025-07-12 |website=Consequence |language=en}}</ref> | this_tour = '''SOS Tour'''<br>(2023–2024) | next_tour = Grand National Tour<br>(2025) }}
The '''SOS Tour''' was the third concert tour and first arena tour by American singer-songwriter SZA, in support of her second studio album, ''SOS'' (2022). It was announced on December 13, and commenced on February 21, 2023, in Columbus, Ohio. By its conclusion on May 2, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia, the SOS Tour comprised sixty-four shows.
Lasting for about 90 minutes, every show had a set list of over 30 songs, most of which were from ''SOS''. Some were taken from ''Ctrl'' (2017), her debut studio album. Select shows had surprise guests who performed with SZA songs on which they had collaborated. Omar Apollo, Raye, and D4vd were the opening acts for each leg, respectively.
A nautical visual motif persisted throughout the concerts, and theatrical and cinematic influences were apparent. This was intentional; with the tour, SZA aimed for catharsis: to "pop ass and cry and give theater". There was a loose plot where a fishing trawler sailed to sea and sunk, some moments referenced the films ''Titanic'' (1997) and ''Kill Bill'' (2003–2004), and the production was inspired by Broadway and Disney films like ''Cinderella'' (1950). Stage settings included a pier, the trawler, a lighthouse, and a seabed. Every show began and ended with SZA on a diving board, recreating the ''SOS'' cover art. To start the show, she appeared to jump off the board and into the waters below her, done through pre-filmed visual effects.
== Background ==
{{Multiple image | direction = horizontal | align = left | caption_align = center | image1 = Omar Apollo Interview Dec 2022 (cropped).png | alt1 = Omar Apollo in 2022 | image2 = Boardmasters2023 (93 of 171) (53120568405) (cropped).jpg | alt2 = Raye in 2023 | total_width = 300 | footer = Selected to be opening acts for the tour were Omar Apollo ''(left)'' and Raye ''(right)''. }}
SZA's debut studio album, ''Ctrl'', was released in 2017. Her next, ''SOS'', was highly awaited. This was in large part due to ''Ctrl''{{'s}} critical acclaim, as well as the five-year-long wait and the several delays that occurred surrounding ''SOS''{{'s}} release.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last1=Lee |first1=Cydney |last2=Lipshutz |first2=Jason |last3=Mamo |first3=Heran |last4=Robinson |first4=Kristin |last5=Unterberger |first5=Andrew |date=January 4, 2023 |title=Five Burning Questions: SZA Holds at No. 1 for Third Week with ''SOS'' Album |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/sza-sos-five-burning-questions-1235194018/ |url-status=live |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105121108/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/sza-sos-five-burning-questions-1235194018/ |archive-date=January 5, 2023 |access-date=February 21, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kornhaber |first=Spencer |date=December 14, 2022 |title=What Gives SZA Her Edge |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2022/12/sza-sos-2022-album-review/672462/ |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221226021827/https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2022/12/sza-sos-2022-album-review/672462/ |archive-date=December 26, 2022 |access-date=February 21, 2023 |website=The Atlantic |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":7">{{Cite magazine |last1=Chow |first1=Andrew R. |last2=Mendez II |first2=Moises |date=December 9, 2022 |title=Was SZA's ''SOS'' Worth the Wait? Breaking Down Its Best Songs and Big Themes |url=https://time.com/6239912/sza-sos/ |url-status=live |magazine=Time |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225142306/https://time.com/6239912/sza-sos/ |archive-date=December 25, 2022 |access-date=February 21, 2023}}</ref> In November 2022, SZA told ''Billboard'' that the album would come out the following month. She posted the track list via Twitter on December 5, and ''SOS'' was released four days later<ref>{{Cite web |last=Curto |first=Justin |date=December 5, 2022 |title=SZA Puts Fans on Alert, Announces New Album ''S.O.S'' |url=https://www.vulture.com/2022/12/sza-album-sos-release-date-details.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219211034/https://www.vulture.com/2022/12/sza-album-sos-release-date-details.html |archive-date=December 19, 2022 |access-date=February 21, 2023 |website=Vulture |language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Paul |first=Larisha |date=December 5, 2022 |title=SZA Taps Phoebe Bridgers, Travis Scott for ''S.O.S'' Album |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sza-phoebe-bridgers-travis-scott-sos-tracklist-1234641720/ |url-status=live |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221215144257/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sza-phoebe-bridgers-travis-scott-sos-tracklist-1234641720/ |archive-date=December 15, 2022 |access-date=February 21, 2023 |url-access=limited}}</ref> to critical and commercial success.<ref name="AmericanSongwriter">{{Cite web |last=Houghton |first=Cillea |date=December 21, 2022 |title=SZA Reflects on Success of ''SOS'': 'God Is Excellent' |url=https://americansongwriter.com/sza-reflects-on-success-of-sos/ |access-date=February 21, 2023 |website=American Songwriter |language=en-US |archive-date=December 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222122207/https://americansongwriter.com/sza-reflects-on-success-of-sos/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
In promotion of ''SOS'', SZA announced merchandise for the album on December 13. At the same time, she revealed she would go on tour in early 2023 in support of the album.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cowen |first=Trace William |date=December 14, 2022 |title=SZA Announces Details for First Arena Tour: 'Time to Take This Sh*t on the Road' |url=https://www.complex.com/music/sza-arena-tour |access-date=February 21, 2023 |website=Complex |language=en |archive-date=February 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210110110/https://www.complex.com/music/sza-arena-tour |url-status=live }}</ref> She wrote on Instagram, "Time to take this shit on the road!"<ref>{{Cite web |last=Abraham |first=Mya |date=February 7, 2023 |title=SZA's Reign at No. 1 Thwarted by K-Pop Group, Tomorrow X Together |url=https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/sza-sos-tomorrow-x-together-no-1-billboard-1234733435/ |access-date=February 21, 2023 |website=Vibe |archive-date=February 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209152940/https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/sza-sos-tomorrow-x-together-no-1-billboard-1234733435/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Tickets went on sale via SZA's website on December 16, at 12 pm local time,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shanfeld |first=Ethan |date=December 13, 2022 |title=SZA Announces ''SOS'' Arena Tour with Omar Apollo |url=https://variety.com/2022/music/news/sza-sos-tour-tickets-omar-apollo-1235459258/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221213154805/https://variety.com/2022/music/news/sza-sos-tour-tickets-omar-apollo-1235459258/ |archive-date=December 13, 2022 |access-date=February 21, 2023 |website=Variety}}</ref> with pre-sales hosted by Ticketmaster one day beforehand.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Graves |first=Wren |date=December 13, 2022 |title=SZA Announces 2023 'The SOS North American Tour' |url=https://consequence.net/2022/12/sza-2023-s-o-s-north-american-tour/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113011241/https://consequence.net/2022/12/sza-2023-s-o-s-north-american-tour/ |archive-date=January 13, 2023 |access-date=February 21, 2023 |website=Consequence |language=en-US}}</ref> Several publications called the tour one of 2023's most anticipated;<ref name="Uproxx2">{{Cite web |last=Spinelli |first=Adrian |date=January 10, 2023 |title=The Most Anticipated Concert Tours of 2023 |url=https://uproxx.com/music/most-anticipated-concert-tours-2023/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230119085000/https://uproxx.com/music/most-anticipated-concert-tours-2023/ |archive-date=January 19, 2023 |access-date=February 21, 2023 |website=Uproxx |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Tingley |first=Anna |date=March 8, 2023 |title=The Most Anticipated Tours of 2023 — and How to Buy Tickets |url=https://variety.com/shop/where-to-find-cheap-concert-tickets-online-1235193383/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309012026/https://variety.com/shop/where-to-find-cheap-concert-tickets-online-1235193383/ |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="LATimes">{{Cite web |last1=Brown |first1=August |last2=Draughorne |first2=Kenan |last3=Exposito |first3=Suzy |author-link3=Suzy Exposito |last4=Wood |first4=Mikael |date=January 1, 2023 |title=The 23 Concerts and Albums We're Most Excited For in 2023 |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2023-01-01/2023-preview-taylor-swift-coachella-blink-182-sza-joni-mitchell |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220140929/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2023-01-01/2023-preview-taylor-swift-coachella-blink-182-sza-joni-mitchell |archive-date=February 20, 2023 |access-date=February 21, 2023 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="Pitchfork2">{{Cite web |last1=Hogan |first1=Marc |author-link1=Marc Hogan |last2=Arcand |first2=Rob |last3=Bloom |first3=Madison |last4=Monroe |first4=Jazz |last5=Torres |first5=Eric |last6=Corcoran |first6=Nina |last7=Pierre |first7=Alphonse |last8=Hussey |first8=Allison |last9=Strauss |first9=Matthew |date=January 5, 2022 |title=The 40 Most Anticipated Tours of 2023: Taylor Swift, SZA, Blink-182, Arctic Monkeys, Beyoncé, and More |url=https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/most-anticipated-tours/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220330070809/https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/most-anticipated-tours/ |archive-date=March 30, 2022 |access-date=February 21, 2023 |website=Pitchfork |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Brathwaite |first=Lester Fabian |date=February 14, 2023 |title=Your Guide to 2023's Biggest Tours |url=https://ew.com/music/2023-concert-tour-festival-guide/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215201134/https://ew.com/music/2023-concert-tour-festival-guide/ |archive-date=February 15, 2023 |access-date=February 21, 2023 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Muhammad |first=Latifah |date=February 15, 2023 |title=Biggest Music Tours & Festivals of 2023: How to Get Tickets to Madonna, SZA, Blink-182 & More |url=https://www.billboard.com/culture/product-recommendations/biggest-music-tours-and-festivals-how-to-get-tickets-1235203027/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125004511/https://www.billboard.com/culture/product-recommendations/biggest-music-tours-and-festivals-how-to-get-tickets-1235203027/ |archive-date=January 25, 2023 |access-date=February 21, 2023 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="NME2">{{Cite web |last=Daly |first=Rhian |date=January 4, 2023 |title=The Biggest Gigs and Tours to Look Forward To in 2023 |url=https://www.nme.com/features/music-features/biggest-gigs-tours-look-forward-to-2023-3374213 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205050224/https://www.nme.com/features/music-features/biggest-gigs-tours-look-forward-to-2023-3374213 |archive-date=February 5, 2023 |access-date=February 21, 2023 |website=NME |language=en-GB}}</ref> some cited the critical acclaim of ''SOS''<ref name="NME">{{Cite web |last=Daly |first=Rhian |date=January 4, 2023 |title=The Biggest Gigs and Tours to Look Forward To in 2023 |url=https://www.nme.com/features/music-features/biggest-gigs-tours-look-forward-to-2023-3374213 |access-date=February 21, 2023 |website=NME |language=en-GB |archive-date=February 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205050224/https://www.nme.com/features/music-features/biggest-gigs-tours-look-forward-to-2023-3374213 |url-status=live }}</ref> and the years-long wait for SZA's album as reasons.<ref name="Uproxx">{{Cite web |last=Spinelli |first=Adrian |date=January 10, 2023 |title=The Most Anticipated Concert Tours of 2023 |url=https://uproxx.com/music/most-anticipated-concert-tours-2023/ |access-date=February 21, 2023 |website=Uproxx |language=en-US |archive-date=January 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230119085000/https://uproxx.com/music/most-anticipated-concert-tours-2023/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Pitchfork">{{Cite web |last1=Hogan |first1=Marc |author-link1=Marc Hogan |last2=Arcand |first2=Rob |last3=Bloom |first3=Madison |last4=Monroe |first4=Jazz |last5=Torres |first5=Eric |last6=Corcoran |first6=Nina |last7=Pierre |first7=Alphonse |last8=Hussey |first8=Allison |last9=Strauss |first9=Matthew |date=January 5, 2022 |title=The 40 Most Anticipated Tours of 2023: Taylor Swift, SZA, Blink-182, Arctic Monkeys, Beyoncé, and More |url=https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/most-anticipated-tours/ |access-date=February 21, 2023 |website=Pitchfork |language=en-US |archive-date=March 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220330070809/https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/most-anticipated-tours/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
The SOS Tour is SZA's second concert tour—following Ctrl the Tour which ended in 2018<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wang |first=Steffanee |date=December 14, 2022 |title=SZA Announced Her First-Ever Arena Tour Set for Spring 2023 |url=https://www.nylon.com/entertainment/sza-sos-2023-tour-dates-openers-how-to-buy-tickets |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221227110708/https://www.nylon.com/entertainment/sza-sos-2023-tour-dates-openers-how-to-buy-tickets |archive-date=December 27, 2022 |access-date=February 21, 2023 |website=Nylon |language=en}}</ref>—and also her first arena tour.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hussey |first=Allison |date=December 13, 2022 |title=SZA Announces 2023 North American Arena Tour |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/sza-announces-2023-north-american-arena-tour/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230109064017/https://pitchfork.com/news/sza-announces-2023-north-american-arena-tour/ |archive-date=January 9, 2023 |access-date=February 21, 2023 |website=Pitchfork |language=en-US}}</ref> She was set to perform only in North America, with dates in 17 cities across Canada and the United States.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hudson |first=Alex |date=December 13, 2022 |title=SZA Announces 2023 North American Tour |url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/sza_announces_2023_north_american_tour |access-date=February 21, 2023 |website=Exclaim! |language=en |archive-date=January 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230114181035/https://exclaim.ca/music/article/sza_announces_2023_north_american_tour |url-status=live }}</ref> Omar Apollo, who never toured in arenas before, was announced as the concerts' opening act.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilkes |first=Emma |date=December 13, 2022 |title=SZA Announces North American Arena Tour for 2023 |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/sza-announces-north-american-arena-tour-2023-3366137 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229002301/https://www.nme.com/news/music/sza-announces-north-american-arena-tour-2023-3366137 |archive-date=December 29, 2022 |access-date=February 21, 2023 |website=NME |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name="RSTour">{{Cite magazine |last=Turner-Williams |first=Jaelani |date=February 22, 2023 |title=SZA Lives Up to All the Anticipation as She Launches Her ''SOS'' Tour |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-live-reviews/sza-sos-tour-launch-1234684064/ |url-status=live |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230223065154/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-live-reviews/sza-sos-tour-launch-1234684064/ |archive-date=February 23, 2023 |access-date=February 23, 2023 |url-access=limited}}</ref> The first concert was on February 21, 2023, in Columbus, Ohio, and the last was on March 23, 2023, in Inglewood, California. One date in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, scheduled for March 2, was postponed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=DeLuca |first=Dan |date=March 2, 2023 |title=SZA's Philly Concert at the Wells Fargo Center Is Postponed |url=https://www.inquirer.com/entertainment/music/sza-concert-postponed-philadelphia-wells-fargo-center-sos-tour-20230302.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302171012/https://www.inquirer.com/entertainment/music/sza-concert-postponed-philadelphia-wells-fargo-center-sos-tour-20230302.html |archive-date=March 2, 2023 |access-date=March 5, 2023 |website=The Philadelphia Inquirer |language=en}}</ref>
Three weeks after the second Inglewood show, SZA announced 30 more shows for the SOS Tour due to high demand. It included a new leg in Europe,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dunworth |first=Liberty |date=April 11, 2023 |title=SZA announces new UK, Europe and US 2023 'SOS' tour dates |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/sza-announces-new-uk-europe-and-us-2023-sos-tour-dates-buy-tickets-here-3428698 |access-date=April 12, 2023 |website=NME |language=en-GB}}</ref> with 11 dates in seven countries.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.instagram.com/p/Cq8_HMqLv1J/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== | title=Instagram }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://opener.pl/en/line-up-2023 | title=Line-up 2023 - Open'er Festival }}</ref> Pre-sales happened on April 12, 2023, starting 10 am local time, and an on-sale is planned for April 14 if there are leftover tickets.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Aswad |first=Jem |date=April 11, 2023 |title=SZA Unveils More 'S.O.S.' Tour Dates in North America and Europe |url=https://variety.com/2023/music/news/sza-announces-more-s-o-s-tour-dates-1235579307/ |access-date=April 12, 2023 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref> British singer Raye performed as the opening act in nine of the dates.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 11, 2023 |title=SZA Adds 2023 North American Tour Dates |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/sza-adds-2023-north-american-tour-dates/ |access-date=April 12, 2023 |website=Pitchfork |language=en-US}}</ref> After touring Europe, SZA returned to North America<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cohen |first=Jonathan |date=April 11, 2023 |title=SZA Expands ''S.O.S.'' World Tour |url=https://www.spin.com/2023/04/sza-world-tour/ |access-date=April 12, 2023 |website=Spin}}</ref> for 21 concerts in the United States and another concert in Canada. The set of 21 US shows includes the postponed Philadelphia date. Pre-sales are on April 13 at 10 am local time, and tickets go on sale on April 14 at 12 pm local time.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Bowenbank |first=Starr |date=April 11, 2023 |title=SZA Extends S.O.S. Tour in North America & Europe: See the Dates |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/sza-sos-tour-2023-more-dates-1235300938/ |access-date=April 12, 2023 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref> In a November 2023 ''Variety'' interview with SZA for the magazine's Hitmaker of the Year award, author Jem Aswad revealed that a fourth leg set in Latin America and Oceania will take place in 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Aswad |first=Jem |date=November 29, 2023 |title=SZA, Variety's Hitmaker of the Year, Unpacks ''SOS'', Her 9 Grammy Noms, and Says 'F— You' to Song Leakers |url=https://variety.com/2023/music/features/sza-hitmaker-of-the-year-sos-grammy-song-leakers-1235810535/ |access-date=December 8, 2023 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref>
== Concert synopsis == thumb|upright=0.9|alt=A pre-recorded, silhouetted video of SZA in which she jumps off a diving board and into the water|Water is a recurring visual motif in the concerts. During the intro, a projection of SZA as she dives into the ocean is shown on the stage screen.
The SOS Tour's concerts were around 90 minutes long.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Rietmulder |first=Michael |date=March 17, 2023 |title=SZA's Therapeutic Party Slays Sold-Out Climate Pledge Arena |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/music/review-szas-therapy-session-party-elates-climate-pledge-arena-crowd/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325080915/https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/music/review-szas-therapy-session-party-elates-climate-pledge-arena-crowd/ |archive-date=March 25, 2023 |access-date=April 4, 2023 |website=The Seattle Times |language=en-US}}</ref> Every show featured prominent nautical visual elements,<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Mikael |date=March 23, 2023 |title=At the Forum, the Enthralling Confessions of SZA |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2023-03-23/sza-sos-kia-forum-concert-review |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404023315/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2023-03-23/sza-sos-kia-forum-concert-review |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |access-date=April 4, 2023 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref> and critics divided one show into four or five acts based on the stage scenery.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Olivier |first=Bobby |date=March 5, 2023 |title=SZA, N.J.'s Hottest Superstar, Dominates at Milestone Madison Square Garden Concert |url=https://www.nj.com/entertainment/2023/03/sza-njs-hottest-superstar-dominates-at-milestone-madison-square-garden-concert-review.html |access-date=April 4, 2023 |website=NJ.com |language=en |archive-date=March 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308123200/https://www.nj.com/entertainment/2023/03/sza-njs-hottest-superstar-dominates-at-milestone-madison-square-garden-concert-review.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Stith |first=Deborah Sengupta |date=March 10, 2023 |title=SZA Takes an Austin Audience on an Epic Aquatic Adventure at the SOS Tour |url=https://www.statesman.com/story/entertainment/music/2023/03/10/sza-austin-sos-tour-moody-center-aquatic-adventure/69993845007/ |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311192130/https://www.statesman.com/story/entertainment/music/2023/03/10/sza-austin-sos-tour-moody-center-aquatic-adventure/69993845007/ |archive-date=March 11, 2023 |access-date=April 4, 2023 |website=Austin American-Statesman |language=en-US}}</ref> The setup included footage of waters, projected onto video screens, alongside several large props like a boat or anchor, reinforcing the tour's visual theme.<ref name=":15" /> Accompanying SZA was a three-person band that flanked the stage throughout the concerts.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4">{{Cite magazine |last=Graff |first=Gary |author-link=Gary Graff |date=February 25, 2023 |title=SZA Takes Fans Through Emotional Seaside Journey During SOS Tour Stop in Detroit |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/sza-sos-tour-detroit-concert-review-1235260884/ |url-status=live |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330185600/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/sza-sos-tour-detroit-concert-review-1235260884/ |archive-date=March 30, 2023 |access-date=April 4, 2023}}</ref> Four backup dancers were present<ref>{{Cite web |last=Alvarado |first=Holly |date=March 23, 2023 |title=SZA's SOS Tour Takes Fans on an Emotional Voyage in Inglewood |url=https://www.dailybreeze.com/2023/03/23/szas-sos-tour-takes-fans-on-an-emotional-voyage-in-inglewood |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330115102/https://www.dailybreeze.com/2023/03/23/szas-sos-tour-takes-fans-on-an-emotional-voyage-in-inglewood/ |archive-date=March 30, 2023 |access-date=April 4, 2023 |website=Daily Breeze |language=en-US}}</ref> to perform interpretative dances;<ref name=":16">{{Cite magazine |last=Havens |first=Lyndsey |date=March 23, 2023 |title=SZA Celebrates the Final Stop of Her ''SOS'' Tour: 'I Never Thought I Would Be Here' |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/sza-sos-tour-los-angeles-final-stop-recap-1235291551/ |url-status=live |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330000126/https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/sza-sos-tour-los-angeles-final-stop-recap-1235291551/ |archive-date=March 30, 2023 |access-date=April 4, 2023}}</ref> at times they were dressed as sailors.<ref name=":10" />
Set lists had over 30 songs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pointer |first=Flisadam |date=February 22, 2023 |title=What Songs Should You Expect SZA to Play on Her 'SOS Tour?' |url=https://uproxx.com/music/sza-setlist-sos-tour/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230223082244/https://uproxx.com/music/sza-setlist-sos-tour/ |archive-date=February 23, 2023 |access-date=February 23, 2023 |website=Uproxx |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":13">{{Cite web |last=Johnston |first=Maura |author-link=Maura Johnston |date=March 1, 2023 |title=SZA Makes a Strong Connection at the TD Garden |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/03/01/arts/sza-makes-strong-connection-td-garden/ |url-access=subscription |url-status= |access-date=March 2, 2023 |website=The Boston Globe |language=en-US}}</ref> Apart from the standard ''SOS'' tracks, SZA performed various songs from ''Ctrl'', such as "Love Galore", "Broken Clocks", and "Garden (Say It like Dat)".<ref name="ConsequenceTour">{{Cite web |last=Kress |first=Bryan |date=February 22, 2023 |title=SZA Smoothly Sails Through 'SOS Tour' Opener in Columbus, Ohio: Setlist + Video |url=https://consequence.net/2023/02/sza-sos-tour-setlist-video-watch/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230223075327/https://consequence.net/2023/02/sza-sos-tour-setlist-video-watch/ |archive-date=February 23, 2023 |access-date=February 23, 2023 |website=Consequence |language=en-US}}</ref> She also included covers of "Bag Lady" (2000) by Erykah Badu and her collaborations with other artists, which include "All the Stars" (2018) with Kendrick Lamar and "Kiss Me More" (2021) with Doja Cat.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Graff |first=Gary |author-link=Gary Graff |date=February 25, 2023 |title=SZA Sizzles at Little Caesars Arena Concert |url=https://www.theoaklandpress.com/2023/02/25/sza-sizzles-at-little-caesars-arena-concert |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230304184607/https://www.theoaklandpress.com/2023/02/25/sza-sizzles-at-little-caesars-arena-concert/ |archive-date=March 4, 2023 |access-date=April 4, 2023 |website=The Oakland Press |language=en-US}}</ref> Other song choices were "PSA"<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 24, 2023 |title=Discovering The Easter Eggs In SZA's Dreamy 'S.O.S Tour' |url=https://uproxx.com/music/sza-sos-tour-review-easter-eggs/ |access-date=December 26, 2023 |website=UPROXX |language=en-US}}</ref> and in some shows "DTM",<ref>{{Cite web |last=Roa |first=Ray |date=September 23, 2023 |title=Review: At Sold-Out Tampa Show, SZA Brings Healing, and Happiness, to Amalie Arena |url=https://www.cltampa.com/tampa/review-at-sold-out-tampa-show-sza-brings-healing-and-happiness-to-amalie-arena-photos/Slideshow/16395654/16395678 |access-date=December 26, 2023 |website=Creative Loafing Tampa Bay |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Olivier |first=Bobby |date=October 2, 2023 |title=SZA N.J. Concert Review: Inside the Huge ''SOS'' Tour Homecoming for Jersey's Hottest Star |url=https://www.nj.com/entertainment/2023/10/sza-nj-concert-review-inside-the-huge-sos-tour-homecoming-for-jerseys-hottest-star.html |url-access=limited |access-date=December 26, 2023 |website=NJ.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Aswad |first=Jem |date=February 22, 2023 |title=SZA to Release Deluxe Edition of ''SOS'' with 10 Bonus Tracks |url=https://variety.com/2023/music/news/sza-sos-deluxe-edition-bonus-tracks-1235532134/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231203000612/https://variety.com/2023/music/news/sza-sos-deluxe-edition-bonus-tracks-1235532134/ |archive-date=December 3, 2023 |access-date=December 19, 2023 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref> both of which are unreleased songs set to appear on the reissue of ''SOS'', ''Lana''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kelly |first=Tyler Damara |date=September 11, 2023 |title=SZA Reveals Forthcoming Deluxe Edition of Her Album, ''SOS'', Is Called ''Lana'' |url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/sza-reveals-forthcoming-deluxe-edition-of-her-album-sos-is-called-lana |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211131309/https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/sza-reveals-forthcoming-deluxe-edition-of-her-album-sos-is-called-lana |archive-date=December 11, 2023 |access-date=December 11, 2023 |website=The Line of Best Fit |language=en-US}}</ref> Select shows featured surprise guests; most were artists with whom she had worked on songs in the past.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ruiz |first=Matthew Ismael |date=March 5, 2023 |title=Watch Phoebe Bridgers and Cardi B Join SZA at MSG |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/watch-phoebe-bridgers-and-cardi-b-join-sza-at-msg/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230305112300/https://pitchfork.com/news/watch-phoebe-bridgers-and-cardi-b-join-sza-at-msg/ |archive-date=March 5, 2023 |access-date=March 5, 2023 |website=Pitchfork |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":23">{{Cite news |last=Paige |first=DeAsia |date=March 8, 2023 |title=SZA Triumphs Over Glitches on Dazzling Emotional Voyage |language=English |work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |url=https://www.ajc.com/things-to-do/concert-review-sza-triumphs-over-glitches-on-dazzling-emotional-voyage/HSFY2IPX6NBFVHWFVU2EVKS4SM/ |url-status=live |access-date=March 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309015250/https://www.ajc.com/things-to-do/concert-review-sza-triumphs-over-glitches-on-dazzling-emotional-voyage/HSFY2IPX6NBFVHWFVU2EVKS4SM/ |archive-date=March 9, 2023}}</ref>
A concert began with SZA's recreation of the album's cover art—which shows her atop a diving board in the middle of the ocean—backed by "PSA". The screen projected a pre-filmed scene in which, through visual effects, her silhouette throws her microphone at the ocean and dives into the water headfirst.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harrington |first=Jim |date=March 15, 2023 |title=Here's How SZA Delivered the Show to Beat in 2023 |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2023/03/15/review-fantastic-sza-sos-tour-is-now-the-show-to-beat-in-2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323002615/https://www.mercurynews.com/2023/03/15/review-fantastic-sza-sos-tour-is-now-the-show-to-beat-in-2023/ |archive-date=March 23, 2023 |access-date=April 4, 2023 |website=The Mercury News |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Campbell |first=Erica |date=March 6, 2023 |title=SZA Live in New York City: a Star-Studded Spectacle at the Garden |url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/live/sza-live-in-new-york-city-a-star-studded-spectacle-at-the-garden-3408567 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230401113308/https://www.nme.com/reviews/live/sza-live-in-new-york-city-a-star-studded-spectacle-at-the-garden-3408567 |archive-date=April 1, 2023 |access-date=April 4, 2023 |website=NME |language=en-GB}}</ref> Emerging for "Seek & Destroy", SZA and her backup dancers appeared behind the first stage setting, a pier into which a fishing trawler is docked.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Hanskamp |first=Emilie |date=February 26, 2023 |title=SZA Brought Theatrics to Toronto — but All She Really Needed Was the Mic |url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/sza_concert_review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403092322/https://exclaim.ca/music/article/sza_concert_review |archive-date=April 3, 2023 |access-date=April 4, 2023 |website=Exclaim!}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Karp |first=Katie |date=March 10, 2023 |title=Bringing Comeback SOS to Austin, SZA Remains a Relatable Queen |url=https://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/music/2023-03-10/bringing-comeback-sos-to-austin-sza-remains-a-relatable-queen/ |access-date=April 10, 2023 |website=www.austinchronicle.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
When SZA performed "Shirt", visuals of puddled, gushing water followed her and her dancers across the stage.<ref name="RSTour" /><ref name=":14">{{Cite web |date=March 20, 2023 |title=The SOS Tour: SZA Onstage Is Sensational |url=https://www.independent.com/2023/03/20/review-the-sos-tour-sza-onstage-is-sensational/ |access-date=April 9, 2023 |website=The Santa Barbara Independent |language=en-US}}</ref> After a brief costume change backed by "Smoking on My Ex Pack", SZA appeared on top of a life-sized sailboat beside a pier. Following a performance of her rock song "F2F", in which she and her guitarist headbanged to channel a mosh pit, the screen and stage floor projected a scene of a turbulent sea, leading her to retreat to a floating life raft. It took SZA to the opposite end of the arena, on which stood a lighthouse {{convert|20|ft|m}} tall.<ref name="RSTour" /><ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last1=Amorosi |first1=A. D. |last2=Aswad |first2=Jem |date=March 5, 2023 |title=SZA Brings Out Cardi B and Phoebe Bridgers at Dazzling, Hit-Filled Madison Square Garden Show |url=https://variety.com/2023/music/concert-reviews/sza-cardi-b-phoebe-bridgers-madison-square-garden-concert-review-1235543402/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307151742/https://variety.com/2023/music/concert-reviews/sza-cardi-b-phoebe-bridgers-madison-square-garden-concert-review-1235543402/ |archive-date=March 7, 2023 |access-date=March 8, 2023 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref>
SZA performed a medley of "Supermodel" (''Ctrl''), "Special", "Nobody Gets Me", and "Gone Girl", as the raft transported her across the venue.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Braboy |first=Mark |date=February 23, 2023 |title=SZA Brings Her Fans on an Emotional Voyage on ''SOS'' Tour |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/z3yan8/sza-sos-tour-recap-chicago |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230224062532/https://www.mtv.com/news/z3yan8/sza-sos-tour-recap-chicago |archive-date=February 24, 2023 |access-date=February 24, 2023 |website=MTV News |language=en}}</ref> The storm-themed backdrop ended once she reached the other side. There, she did another costume change. She wore red biker pants and a motor suit with a spiked ball and chain in hand, recreating her outfit in the music video for "Kill Bill". Her prop was a callback to a scene in ''Kill Bill: Volume 1'' (2003) where Gogo Yubari fought the protagonist, the Bride, at the House of Blue Leaves using a meteor hammer.<ref name="RSTour" /><ref name=":1" />
A bookending performance of "Good Days" marked the concert's encore. SZA concluded the show back on the diving board, as the screen projected a scene of the sun either rising or setting.<ref name="RSTour" /><ref name=":1" /> In some shows, "20 Something" (''Ctrl'') was the final song. Home videos of her deceased grandmother, who died in 2019, played during the performance.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Kevin C. |date=October 12, 2023 |title=SZA Sizzles, Shines in Sold-Out St. Louis Homecoming Show at Enterprise Center |url=https://www.stltoday.com/life-entertainment/local/music/sza-sizzles-shines-in-sold-out-st-louis-homecoming-show-at-enterprise-center/article_1e00561c-6902-11ee-98d4-57d3343a4d63.html |access-date=December 25, 2023 |website=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Masley |first=Ed |date=October 30, 2023 |title=SZA's Pirate-Themed Phoenix Concert Was a Swashbuckling Spectacle |url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/music/2023/10/30/sza-concert-review-2023-phoenix/71346910007/ |access-date=December 25, 2023 |website=The Arizona Republic |language=en-US}}</ref> After the concert, the screen projected an image of stars arranged to form the phrase "The End". Credits rolled, beginning with the acknowledgment of SZA as the creative director. Also included were the truck drivers, technical crew, dancers, choreographers, and backing musicians.<ref name=":16" /><ref name=":9" /> After the credits appeared a teaser for a music video for the ''SOS'' track "Low", which depicts SZA as she uses a flamethrower.<ref name="ConsequenceTour" /><ref name=":23"/>
== Aesthetic ==
=== Theater and film influences === [[File:SZA_-_Kill_Bill_(SOS_Tour,_Toronto).png|alt=The "Kill Bill" performance|thumb|The SOS Tour visually references films such as ''Kill Bill'' (2003–2004).]]
SZA's approach with the tour was to "pop ass and cry and give theater", aiming for catharsis through cinematics and theatrics. She told ''Billboard'': "I want it to be smart and exhilarating and exhausting and exciting like a party, but also like a therapy session."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wang |first=Steffanee |date=February 23, 2023 |title=Ten New SZA Songs Are On the Way |url=https://www.nylon.com/entertainment/sza-sos-deluxe-album-10-new-songs-tracklist |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331052611/https://www.nylon.com/entertainment/sza-sos-deluxe-album-10-new-songs-tracklist |archive-date=March 31, 2023 |access-date=April 4, 2023 |website=Nylon |language=en}}</ref> Broadway performances were her primary basis for the tour's production. She fused these inspirations with the visual styles of circus shows from Cirque du Soleil. Another aesthetic influence SZA cited was the film ''Suspiria'' (1977), which is dominated by vibrant, saturated colors.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Abraham |first=Mya |date=February 27, 2023 |title=SZA's ''SOS'' Tops ''Billboard'' 200 for 10th Nonconsecutive Week |url=https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/sza-sos-billboard-200-10-weeks-1234738425/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230319180855/https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/sza-sos-billboard-200-10-weeks-1234738425/ |archive-date=March 19, 2023 |access-date=April 4, 2023 |website=Vibe |language=en-US}}</ref>
The tour's cinematic and theatrical proclivities are apparent in several ways. Included are the use of credits alongside elaborate set designs and props. Bolstering the film influences are homages to ''Titanic'' (1997)—showed through the sunken-ship setting and SZA's open-arms pose at the trawler's bow—and the ''Kill Bill'' duology, showed through SZA's meteor hammer and Crazy 88 reference.<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":9" /><ref name=":10" />
Disney films also influenced the SOS Tour's production. SZA described it as a "''Cinderella'' moment where there's weird, ethereal, mystical, soft things" combined with a "hardcore edge", reflected through the sets and costumes.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Exposito |first=Suzy |author-link=Suzy Exposito |date=February 23, 2023 |title=Your Favorite Artist's Favorite Artist: How SZA Went from Cult Star to Pop Superstar |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2023-02-23/sza-sos-glows-up-in-public |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230223161432/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2023-02-23/sza-sos-glows-up-in-public |archive-date=February 23, 2023 |access-date=February 24, 2023 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":1" /> While performing the medley, SZA wore a yellow tulle gown for the shows' third outfit, <!--"Gone Girl" (2022) was part of the medley in select shows-->reminiscent of the character Belle from ''Beauty and the Beast'' (1991).<ref name="RSTour" /><ref name=":1" /> Apart from this and ''Cinderella'' (1950), the stage design and outfits took inspiration from other Disney films such as ''Aladdin'' (1992), ''Treasure Planet'' (2002) and ''The Little Mermaid'' (1989).<ref name=":1" />
{{clear}}
=== Outfits === [[File:A yemoja statue at badagry.JPG|thumb|alt=A statue of Yemaya above water|SZA wore a hockey jersey with the name "Yemaya" printed on the back. Yemaya is a water spiritess of the Yoruba peoples in West Africa.]]
There were six wardrobe changes throughout the concerts.<ref name=":4" /> When SZA began with "PSA", she wore a variant of the St. Louis Blues hockey jersey, with its number substituted for an "S" to recall the ''SOS'' cover art.<ref name=":23"/> Printed on the back was "Yemaya", the name of a water spiritess of the Yoruba peoples in West Africa.<ref name="RSTour" /><ref name=":15">{{Cite news |last=Caramanica |first=Jon |author-link=Jon Caramanica |date=March 5, 2023 |title=On Her Biggest Tour Yet, SZA Makes Small Feelings Huge |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/05/arts/music/sza-sos-tour-review.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331004924/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/05/arts/music/sza-sos-tour-review.html |archive-date=March 31, 2023}}</ref>
Alejandra Hernandez styled SZA's garments, having collaborated since 2016 for the "Drew Barrymore" music video. Many designers contacted SZA before the tour and pitched ideas for her outfits, but she turned everyone down. Trusting Hernandez, she believed they had to "make [their] own thing". Comfort was the point behind curating SZA's looks, in two senses of the word. SZA wanted the outfits to feel comfortable, and she wanted to feel comfortable being herself.<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |last=Wheeler |first=André-Naquian |date=March 17, 2023 |title=Thrifted Jerseys and Men's Jeans: How SZA's Stylist Dresses the Star |url=https://www.vogue.com/article/thrifted-jerseys-and-mens-jeans-how-szas-stylist-dresses-the-star |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403203611/https://www.vogue.com/article/thrifted-jerseys-and-mens-jeans-how-szas-stylist-dresses-the-star |archive-date=April 3, 2023 |access-date=April 5, 2023 |website=Vogue |language=en-US}}</ref>
Part of SZA's fashion sense was an affinity for oversized varsity jackets, reflected on the first costume, so Hernandez knew to always have several in their wardrobe. SZA also favored baggy men's jeans, and vintage menswear from the 1990s and early 2000s. Her clothes for many live appearances preceding the tour were frequently varsity jackets and conventional men's apparel.<ref name=":11" />
It was Hernandez's first time being a stylist for arena tours. She constructed many of the garments by hand, and she ensured the designs were practical for the swift wardrobe changes. During the first dress rehearsal, however, the crew realized it was not the case. Now aware their collection was too extravagant, she and her tailor overhauled the entire wardrobe by upcycling the elaborate pieces into something simpler. They cut up many bottom wear to turn them into upper wear. She told ''Vogue'' about the third outfit: "The raft jacket she wears when she floats over the audience? That's a jacket I had to hand sew. That piece didn't exist in the wardrobe, it was gonna be worn under a skirt."<ref name=":11" />
=== Analysis ===
[[File:SZA_-_All_the_Stars_(SOS_Tour,_Toronto).png|alt=The "All the Stars" performance|thumb|upright=0.95|Critics interpreted the trawler's voyage as a metaphor for healing.]]
Critics analyzed the nautical motif as metaphors for themes frequent to SZA's music.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Gendron |first=Bob |date=February 24, 2023 |title=SZA Packs the United Center for Her ''SOS'' Tour, an Arena Headliner on the Rise |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/music/ct-ent-sza-chicago-united-center-review-20230223-ke3jigengzhhlm2gcunljhbecm-story.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230223162735/https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/music/ct-ent-sza-chicago-united-center-review-20230223-ke3jigengzhhlm2gcunljhbecm-story.html |archive-date=February 23, 2023 |access-date=February 24, 2023 |website=Chicago Tribune}}</ref> Many of those critics wrote the tour's voyage premise, through props like the submarine and lighthouse, symbolized navigation of one's self to heal from a turbulent past.<ref name="RSTour" /><ref name=":8" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Kelly |first=Chris |date=February 28, 2023 |title=SZA Takes a Deep Dive into Unknown Waters at Capital One Arena |language=en-US |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2023/02/28/sza-concert-review/ |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307163241/https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2023/02/28/sza-concert-review/ |archive-date=March 7, 2023}}</ref> One interpretation of SZA's diving into the ocean was it was a metaphorical diving, or contemplation, into the complex variety of emotions she channeled throughout the set list.<ref name=":132" /> Another compared it to her willingness to take risks with romances filled with uncertainties. The ocean, according to the interpretation, represented the highs and lows of love: "SZA's voyage mirrors the turbulence and good times that can be had in any relationship. Throughout the storms and moments of confusion, love always finds its way home.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |last=Shaw |first=A. R. |date=March 8, 2023 |title=SZA Navigates Rough Seas of Love and Relationships with ''SOS'' Tour |url=https://atlantadailyworld.com/2023/03/08/sza-navigates-rough-seas-of-love-and-relationships-with-sos-tour/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315182842/https://atlantadailyworld.com/2023/03/08/sza-navigates-rough-seas-of-love-and-relationships-with-sos-tour/ |archive-date=March 15, 2023 |access-date=April 4, 2023 |website=Atlanta Daily World |language=en-US}}</ref>
Mikael Wood of the ''Los Angeles Times'' wrote an analysis of the "Special" performance, done by the lighthouse. To contextualize, he wrote the song discusses regrets about a man who failed to appreciate the best, special version of someone. In Wood's view, the lighthouse searchlight helps the concert attendee feel seen, reflecting the vulnerable, confessional qualities of "Special" and SZA's works as a whole. He said: "She puts all the detailed complexities of a messy personal life, with its betrayals and disappointments and compromises, into a highly focused beam that somehow makes her listeners feel uniquely [acknowledged]."<ref name=":5" />
== Commercial performance ==
According to ''Billboard'', the SOS Tour finished 2023 as the year's 38th best-selling tour, grossing $57{{nbsp}}million and attracting at least 420,000 attendees within the boxscore tracking period. In total, the tour grossed $95.5 million and sold 674,000 tickets in 2023.<ref name=":2">{{Cite magazine |last=Frankenberg |first=Eric |date=December 7, 2023 |title=Top 10 Highest Grossing R&B Tours of the Year |url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/top-rb-tours-2023/ |access-date=December 9, 2023 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref> ''Billboard'' wrote the "slow-burning success" of ''Ctrl'' on the US albums chart was a major contributor to the tour's commercial performance. To promote the album, SZA performed in places that could accommodate around 1,000 people, a relatively low capacity, such as Brooklyn Steel in New York City. ''Ctrl''{{'s}} five-year run on the chart<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Aniftos |first=Rania |date=February 10, 2023 |title=SZA Is Billboard's 2023 Woman of the Year |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/sza-billboard-woman-of-the-year-2023-honoree-1235250233/ |access-date=May 2, 2023 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref> was a sign of anticipation for new music and thus, according to them, bolstered high demand for a tour that involved larger venues. This was the cause of the exponential rise in boxscore compared to the Ctrl Tour.<ref name=":12" />
The SOS Tour's first leg sold 238,000{{Nbsp}}tickets and grossed $34.5{{Nbsp}}million, based on figures reported by ''Billboard''. On average, each show earned $1.9{{Nbsp}}million and drew 12,812{{Nbsp}}attendees.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martinez |first=Jose |date=April 6, 2023 |title=SZA's SOS Tour Reportedly Earned Nearly $35 Million |url=https://www.complex.com/music/sza-sos-tour-earned-almost-35-million-dollars |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407032924/https://www.complex.com/music/sza-sos-tour-earned-almost-35-million-dollars |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |access-date=April 7, 2023 |website=Complex |language=en}}</ref> Dispersion of tickets sold per night was low, ranging from 11,069 in Atlanta and 14,383 in Toronto. San Diego attendance was an outlier. Due to the arena's relatively small capacity, it attracted only 8,700 people.<ref name=":12">{{Cite magazine |last=Frankenberg |first=Eric |date=April 6, 2023 |title=SZA's Explosive Touring Growth, from Ctrl to SOS, by the Numbers |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/sza-tour-growth-ctrl-sos-by-the-numbers/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406163558/https://www.billboard.com/pro/sza-tour-growth-ctrl-sos-by-the-numbers/ |archive-date=April 6, 2023 |access-date=April 7, 2023 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref> The nights that had the most attendees and biggest revenue were the back-to-back dates. The New York City and Inglewood concerts, respectively, sold 27,000 and 25,000{{Nbsp}}tickets. Grossing $4.7 million were the New York City concerts, and grossing $3.9 million were the Inglewood concerts.<ref>{{Cite web |last=A. |first=Aron |date=April 6, 2023 |title=SZA Grossed over $30 Million on ''S.O.S'' Tour |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/655995-sza-grossed-over-30-million-on-s-o-s-tour-report |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407032923/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/655995-sza-grossed-over-30-million-on-s-o-s-tour-report |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |access-date=April 7, 2023 |website=HotNewHipHop |language=en-US}}</ref>
At Emo's in Austin, SZA performed to an audience of 1,550, grossing $31,000. When she revisited the city and performed in the Moody Center, the show's attendance multiplied sevenfold, and she earned 55 times the 2017 show's revenue. Her back-to-back New York City shows saw 1,376% more concertgoers and at least 10,000% more gross compared to when she earned $45,000 from 1,800 attendees at the Brooklyn Steel concert.<ref name=":12" />
== Accolades ==
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" ! scope="col"| Organization ! scope="col"| Year ! scope="col"| Award ! scope="col"| Recipient(s) ! scope="col"| Result ! scope="col" class="unsortable"| {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |- ! scope="row" rowspan="2" | ''Pollstar'' Awards | rowspan="2" | {{Center|2024}} | Hip-Hop Tour of the Year |rowspan="2" | The SOS North American Tour | {{nom}} | rowspan="2" | {{Center|<ref name=Pollstar>{{Cite web |date=February 7, 2024 |title=''Pollstar'' Awards 2024|url=https://www.pollstar.live/website/54914/pollstar-awards/ |access-date=July 5, 2024 |website=Pollstar |archive-date=May 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240521185110/https://www.pollstar.live/website/54914/pollstar-awards/ |url-status=live }}</ref>}} |- | R&B Tour of the Year | {{nom}} |}
== Set list == ;2023 This set list is from the Columbus show. It is not intended to represent all dates throughout the tour.<ref name="ConsequenceTour" />
{{Div col}} #"PSA" #"Seek & Destroy" #"Notice Me" #"Conceited" #"Love Galore" #"Broken Clocks" #"Forgiveless" #"Used" #"Bag Lady" (Erykah Badu cover) #"Blind" #"Shirt" #"Too Late" #"Smoking on My Ex Pack" #"All the Stars" #"Prom" #"Garden (Say It like Dat)" #"F2F" #"Drew Barrymore" #"Doves in the Wind" #"Low" #"Open Arms" {{small|(Interlude)}} #"Supermodel" #"Special" #"Nobody Gets Me" #"Gone Girl" #"SOS" #"Kiss Me More" #"Love Language" #"Snooze" #"Kill Bill" #"I Hate U" #"The Weekend" ;Encore # <li value=33>"Good Days"</li> {{Div col end}}
;2024 This set list is from the first Melbourne show. It is not intended to represent all dates throughout the tour.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stubbs |first=Winnie |date=April 23, 2024 |title=SZA in Melbourne: S.O.S Tour Tickets, Times, Set List and Everything You Need to Know |url=https://www.timeout.com/melbourne/news/sza-in-melbourne-s-o-s-tour-tickets-times-set-list-and-everything-you-need-to-know-042324 |access-date=July 5, 2024 |website=Time Out}}</ref>
{{Div col}} #"Seek & Destroy" #"Love Galore" #"Broken Clocks" #"Forgiveless" #"Ghost in the Machine" #"Blind" #"Shirt" #"Awkward" #"All the Stars" #"Low" #"Prom" #"Garden (Say It like Dat)" #"Open Arms" #"F2F" #"Drew Barrymore" #"Supermodel" / "Special" #"Nobody Gets Me" #"Normal Girl" #"Kiss Me More" #"Love Language" #"Snooze" #"I Hate U" #"Kill Bill" #"The Weekend" #"Good Days" #"Go Gina" ;Encore # <li value=27>"20 Something"</li> {{Div col end}}
=== Surprise guests ===
{{Multiple image | direction = horizontal | caption_align = center | image1 = Cardi B 2021 02.jpg | alt1 = Cardi B in 2021 | image2 = Phoebe Bridgers (52509918107).jpg | alt2 = Phoebe Bridgers in 2022 | total_width = 250 | footer = Surprise guests included Cardi B ''(left)'' and Phoebe Bridgers ''(right)''. }}
The following is a list of surprise special guests that accompanied SZA during the SOS Tour. A dagger indicates a collaboration between SZA and the guest.
{{Div col}} # Phoebe Bridgers for "Ghost in the Machine" (2022){{sup|{{dagger}}}} #* March 4, 2023 – New York City<ref name="Shutler">{{Cite web |last=Shutler |first=Ali |date=March 5, 2023 |title=Watch SZA Perform with Phoebe Bridgers and Cardi B at Madison Square Garden |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/watch-sza-perform-with-phoebe-bridgers-and-cardi-b-at-madison-square-garden-3408444 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306070433/https://www.nme.com/news/music/watch-sza-perform-with-phoebe-bridgers-and-cardi-b-at-madison-square-garden-3408444 |archive-date=March 6, 2023 |access-date=March 8, 2023 |website=NME |language=en-GB}}</ref> #* March 23, 2023 – Inglewood<ref name="Garcia">{{Cite web |last=Garcia |first=Thania |date=March 24, 2023 |title=SZA Performs with Lizzo and Phoebe Bridgers at Final ''SOS'' Tour Stop, Jennifer Lopez and More Celebs Attend |url=https://variety.com/2023/music/news/sza-lizzo-phoebe-bridgers-jennifer-lopez-sos-1235563656/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324164333/https://variety.com/2023/music/news/sza-lizzo-phoebe-bridgers-jennifer-lopez-sos-1235563656/ |archive-date=March 24, 2023 |access-date=March 25, 2023 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref> # Cardi B for "I Do" (2017){{sup|{{dagger}}}} and "Tomorrow 2" (2022) #* March 4, 2023 – New York City<ref name="Shutler"/> # Summer Walker for "No Love" (2022){{sup|{{dagger}}}} #* March 7, 2023 – Atlanta<ref name=":23"/> # Lil Baby for "Forever" (2022) #* March 7, 2023 – Atlanta<ref name=":23"/> # Lizzo for the "Special" remix (2023){{sup|{{dagger}}}} #* March 23, 2023 – Inglewood<ref name="Garcia"/> # Travis Scott for "Love Galore" (2017){{sup|{{dagger}}}} and "Low" (2022){{sup|{{dagger}}}} #* June 1, 2023 – Amsterdam<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hynes |first=Hayley |date=June 2, 2023 |title=SZA Taps Travis Scott to Perform 'Love Galore' & 'Low' in Amsterdam |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/685127-sza-travis-scott-amsterdam-low-love-galore-video |access-date=June 2, 2023 |website=HotNewHipHop |language=en}}</ref> #* June 13, 2023 – Manchester<ref name="Galindo">{{Cite web |last=Galindo |first=Thomas |date=June 14, 2023 |title=SZA Brings Out Travis Scott on SOS Tour |url=https://americansongwriter.com/sza-brings-out-travis-scott-on-sos-tour/ |access-date=June 16, 2023 |website=American Songwriter |language=en-US}}</ref> #* June 17, 2023 – London<ref name="Galindo"/> # Sexyy Red for "Rich Baby Daddy" (2023){{sup|{{dagger}}}} #* October 11, 2023 – St. Louis<ref>{{Cite web |title=Watch SZA and Sexyy Red's Live Debut of "Rich Baby Daddy," Their Collab Off Drake's 'For All the Dogs' |magazine=Complex Networks |date=October 12, 2023 |url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/jose-martinez/sza-sexyy-red-live-video-debut-rich-baby-daddy-drake}}</ref> # Aliyah's Interlude for "It Girl" (2023) #* April 26, 2024 – Sydney
{{Div col end}}
== Tour dates ==<!-- DO NOT ADD UNCITED ATTENDANCE/REVENUE FIGURES. ONLY THE TORONTO, NYC, ATLANTA, AND INGLEWOOD SHOWS ARE VERIFIED.--> {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |+List of concerts ! scope="col" style="width:12em;" | Date ! scope="col" style="width:10em;" | City ! scope="col" style="width:10em;" | Country ! scope="col" style="width:18em;" | Venue ! scope="col" style="width:10em;" | Opening act |- ! scope="row" | February 21, 2023 |Columbus | rowspan="3" |United States |Schottestein Center | rowspan="18" |Omar Apollo |- ! scope="row" |February 22, 2023 |Chicago |United Center |- ! scope="row" |February 24, 2023 |Detroit |Little Caesars Arena |- ! scope="row" |February 25, 2023 |Toronto | Canada |Scotiabank Arena |- ! scope="row" |February 27, 2023 |Washington, D.C. | rowspan="11" |United States |Capital One Arena |- ! scope="row" |February 28, 2023 |Boston |TD Garden |- ! scope="row" |March 4, 2023 | rowspan="2" |New York City | rowspan="2" |Madison Square Garden |- ! scope="row" |March 5, 2023 |- ! scope="row" |March 7, 2023 |Atlanta |State Farm Arena |- ! scope="row" |March 9, 2023 |Austin |Moody Center |- ! scope="row" |March 10, 2023 |Dallas |American Airlines Center |- ! scope="row" |March 13, 2023 |San Diego |Viejas Arena |- ! scope="row" |March 14, 2023 |Oakland |Oakland Arena |- ! scope="row" |March 16, 2023 |Seattle |Climate Pledge Arena |- ! scope="row" |March 18, 2023 |Portland |Moda Center |- ! scope="row" |March 19, 2023 |Vancouver |Canada |Rogers Arena |- ! scope="row" |March 22, 2023 | rowspan="2" |Inglewood{{Efn|Promoted as Los Angeles.}} | rowspan="2" |United States | rowspan="2" |Kia Forum |- ! scope="row" |March 23, 2023 |- ! scope="row" |June 1, 2023 | rowspan="2" |Amsterdam | rowspan="2" |Netherlands | rowspan="2" |Ziggo Dome | rowspan="5" | Raye |- ! scope="row" |June 3, 2023 |- ! scope="row" |June 5, 2023 |Paris |France |Accor Arena |- ! scope="row" |June 7, 2023 |Zürich |Switzerland |Hallenstadion |- ! scope="row" |June 9, 2023 |Berlin | rowspan="2" | Germany |Mercedes-Benz Arena |- ! scope="row" |June 11, 2023 |Cologne |Lanxess Arena |rowspan=3 {{N/A}}{{efn|name=RayeCancel|Raye cancelled her appearances in Manchester and Glasgow, due to exhaustion.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jackson |first=Daisy |date=June 15, 2023 |title=Raye Cancels Live Appearances After 'Being on Steroids Since Parklife' |url=https://themanc.com/trending/raye-cancels-live-appearances-after-being-on-steroids-since-parklife/ |access-date=August 8, 2023 |website=The Manc |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=June 14, 2023 |title='Devastated' singer forced to CANCEL appearance at Glasgow show TOMORROW |url=https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/scottish-news/23589447.raye-cancel-appearance-sza-gig-ovo-hydro-glasgow/ |access-date=June 16, 2023 |website=Glasgow Times |language=en}}</ref>}} |- ! scope="row" |June 13, 2023 |Manchester |England |AO Arena |- ! scope="row" |June 15, 2023 |Glasgow |Scotland |OVO Hydro |- ! scope="row" |June 17, 2023 | rowspan="2" |London | rowspan="2" |England | rowspan="2" |The O<sub>2</sub> Arena | rowspan="6" |Raye |- ! scope="row" |June 18, 2023 |- ! scope="row" |June 21, 2023 | rowspan="2" |Dublin | rowspan="2" |Ireland | rowspan="2" |3Arena |- ! scope="row" |June 22, 2023 |- ! scope="row" |June 25, 2023
| rowspan="2" |London | rowspan="2" |England | rowspan="2" |The O<sub>2</sub> Arena |- ! scope="row" |June 26, 2023 |- ! scope="row" |June 29, 2023{{efn|Part of Open'er Festival.}} |Gdynia |Poland |Lotnisko Gdynia-Kosakowo |{{N/A}} |- ! scope="row" |September 20, 2023 |Miami | rowspan="20" | United States |Kaseya Center | rowspan="20" | D4vd |- ! scope="row" |September 22, 2023 |Tampa |Amalie Arena |- ! scope="row" |September 24, 2023 |Nashville |Bridgestone Arena |- ! scope="row" |September 26, 2023{{Efn|Originally scheduled for March 2, 2023.}} |Philadelphia |Wells Fargo Center |- ! scope="row" |September 28, 2023 |Baltimore |CFG Bank Arena |- ! scope="row" |September 30, 2023 |Boston |TD Garden |- ! scope="row" |October 1, 2023 |Newark |Prudential Center |- ! scope="row" |October 6, 2023 | rowspan="2" |Brooklyn | rowspan="2" |Barclays Center |- ! scope="row" |October 7, 2023 |- ! scope="row" |October 10, 2023 |Chicago |United Center |- ! scope="row" |October 11, 2023 |St. Louis |Enterprise Center |- ! scope="row" |October 14, 2023 |Houston |Toyota Center |- ! scope="row" |October 15, 2023 |San Antonio |Frost Bank Center |- ! scope="row" |October 18, 2023 |Denver |Ball Arena |- ! scope="row" |October 19, 2023 |Salt Lake City |Delta Center |- ! scope="row" |October 22, 2023 | rowspan="2" |Los Angeles | rowspan="2" |Crypto.com Arena |- ! scope="row" |October 23, 2023 |- ! scope="row" |October 26, 2023 |San Francisco |Chase Center |- ! scope="row" |October 28, 2023 |Paradise{{Efn|Promoted as Las Vegas.}} |T-Mobile Arena |- ! scope="row" |October 29, 2023 |Phoenix |Footprint Center |- ! scope="row" |March 16, 2024{{efn|Part of Lollapalooza Argentina.}} |Buenos Aires | rowspan="1" | Argentina |Hipodromo de San Isidro |rowspan=5 {{N/A}} |- ! scope="row" |March 17, 2024{{efn|Part of Lollapalooza Chile.}} |Santiago | rowspan="1" | Chile |Parque Cerrillos |- ! scope="row" |March 22, 2024{{efn|Part of Festival Estereo Picnic.}} |Bogotá | rowspan="1" | Colombia |Simón Bolívar Park |- ! scope="row" |March 24, 2024{{efn|Part of Lollapalooza Brazil.}} |São Paulo | rowspan="1" | Brazil |Interlagos Circuit |- ! scope="row" |April 3, 2024{{efn|Part of Dreamville Festival.}} |Raleigh | rowspan="1" | United States |Dix Hill |- ! scope="row" | April 13, 2024 | rowspan="3" |Auckland | rowspan="3" | New Zealand | rowspan="3" | Spark Arena | rowspan="11" | Sir<ref>{{Cite web |last=Newbury |first=Emma |date=April 12, 2024 |title=Opener for SZA's Australian & New Zealand Tour Revealed |url=https://themusic.com.au/news/opener-for-sza-s-australian-new-zealand-tour-revealed/QZT_VVRXVlk/12-04-24 |access-date=April 14, 2024 |website=The Music |language=en}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" | April 15, 2024 |- ! scope="row" | April 16, 2024 |- ! scope="row" | April 19, 2024 | rowspan="2" |Brisbane | rowspan="8" | Australia | rowspan="2" |Brisbane Entertainment Centre |- ! scope="row" | April 20, 2024 |- ! scope="row" | April 23, 2024 | rowspan="3" |Sydney | rowspan="3" |Qudos Bank Arena |- ! scope="row" | April 24, 2024 |- ! scope="row" | April 26, 2024 |- ! scope="row" | April 29, 2024 | rowspan="3" |Melbourne | rowspan="3" |Rod Laver Arena |- ! scope="row" | April 30, 2024 |- ! scope="row" | May 2, 2024 |- ! scope="row" |May 5, 2024{{efn|Part of Sol Blume.}} |Sacramento | rowspan="2" | United States |Discovery Park |rowspan=12 {{N/A}} |- ! scope="row" |May 25, 2024{{efn|Part of Gazebo Festival.}} |Louisville |Waterfront Park |- ! scope="row" |June 1, 2024{{efn|Part of Primavera Sound 2024.}} |Barcelona |Spain |Parc del Fòrum |- ! scope="row" |June 2, 2024{{efn|Part of We Love Green.}} |Paris |France |Bois de Vincennes |- ! scope="row" |June 6, 2024{{efn|Part of Primavera Sound 2024 Porto.}} |Porto |Portugal |Parque da Cidade |- ! scope="row" |June 22, 2024{{efn|Part of Summerfest.}} |Milwaukee |United States |American Family Insurance Amphitheater |- ! scope="row" |June 29, 2024{{efn|Part of BST Hyde Park.}} |London | rowspan="2" |England |Hyde Park |- ! scope="row" |June 30, 2024{{efn|Part of Glastonbury Festival 2024.}} |Pilton |Worthy Farm |- ! scope="row" |July 3, 2024 |Dublin |Ireland |Malahide Castle |- |- |- ! scope="row" |July 6, 2024{{efn|Part of Roskilde Festival.}} |Roskilde |Denmark |Dyrskuepladsen |- ! scope="row" |August 2, 2024{{efn|Part of Lollapalooza.}} |Chicago |United States |Grant Park |- ! scope="row" |August 4, 2024{{efn|Part of Osheaga Festival.}} |Montreal |Canada |Jean-Drapeau Park |- ! colspan="5" | Total |}
===Canceled shows=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |+ List of canceled concerts, showing date, city, country, venue and reason for cancellation<ref>{{Cite web |last=LaPierre |first=Megan |date=December 8, 2023 |title=SZA Cancels Toronto Show (Again) |url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/sza_cancels_toronto_show_again |access-date=December 9, 2023 |website=Exclaim!}}</ref> ! scope="col" style="width:12em;" | Date ! scope="col" style="width:10em;" | City ! scope="col" style="width:10em;" | Country ! scope="col" style="width:18em;" | Venue ! scope="col" style="width:10em;" | Reason |- ! scope="row" |October 4, 2023 | Toronto | Canada | Scotiabank Arena |Illness |}
== Box office score data == {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" ! scope="row" |Venue ! scope="row" |City ! scope="row" |Attendance ! scope="row" |Gross |- |Scotiabank Arena |Toronto |14,383 / 14,383<ref name=":12" /> |{{N/A}} |- |Madison Square Garden |New York City |26,574 / 26,574<ref name="MarchBoxscore">{{cite magazine |last=Frankenberg |first=Eric |date=April 20, 2023 |title=March Billboard Boxscore |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/coldplay-march-2023-boxscore-report-number-one/ |url-access=limited |access-date=May 1, 2023 |magazine=Billboard}}</ref> |$4,738,096<ref name="MarchBoxscore" /> |- |State Farm Arena |Atlanta |11,069 / 11,069<ref name=":12" /> |{{N/A}} |- |Kia Forum |Inglewood |25,026 / 25,026<ref name="MarchBoxscore" /> |$3,862,099<ref name="MarchBoxscore" /> |- ! colspan="2" |Total |77,052 / 77,052 (100%) |$8,600,195 |}
== Notes == {{Notelist}}
== References == {{reflist}}
{{SZA}}
<references group="lower-roman" />
Category:2023 concert tours Category:2024 concert tours Category:Concert tours of North America Category:Concert tours of Canada Category:Concert tours of the United States Category:Concert tours of the Netherlands Category:Concert tours of France Category:Concert tours of Switzerland Category:Concert tours of Germany Category:Concert tours of the United Kingdom Category:Concert tours of Ireland Category:Concert tours of Poland Category:Concert tours of Europe Category:Concert tours of New Zealand Category:Concert tours of Australia Category:Concert tours of Oceania Category:SZA