The Pieces of Me Tour was the debut concert tour by American singer-songwriter Ledisi. Although the tour was intended to showcase songs from her sixth studio album, Pieces of Me, (2011) the set list also featured songs from her previous albums.
Background and development
I’ve been waiting to do something like this for years…but, honestly, I was afraid of headlining. To headline, there’s a pressure that comes with it. Expectations get higher and higher as the night goes on. You’re worried if people are going to hear their favorite songs or not. I’m a people pleaser, which is horrible. I really want my fans to be pleased. But I’m actually enjoying this. There’s a lot of work that comes with the show, before you go out and sing a song. But it’s rewarding to do your own show, too, so I’m all the way in it. I’m glad I’m doing it.
Prior to the commencement of The Pieces of Me Tour in support of her sixth studio album Pieces of Me, Ledisi performed as the opening act of American singer Kem's Intimacy Tour. Fan-club tickets and VIP packages for the tour were made available for pre-order in August 2011 on Ticketmaster.[2][3] The tour kicked off on October 10 at the North Carolina Theatre in Raleigh, North Carolina, with the first ending in North America. The second leg started at the Scala in London, England on January 20, 2012. The Pieces of Me Tour eventually visited twenty-eight in total.
Ledisi revealed that one of the hardest aspects of the show was working with lights as well as picking a longer set list of songs.[4] In an interview with Baltimore Afro-American, she revealed that she had one month to pull the entire show together.[5] She also implemented wardrobe changes throughout each concert.
Concert synopsis
Timothy Bloom, who was also the tour's opening act, performed with Ledisi as her duet partner during the performance of "Stay Together".[6] A highlight for many fans was her performance of "Pieces of Me". During the tour, Ledisi entered the crowd and gave the microphone to different fans to sing along with her.[5]
Critical reception
The Pieces of Me Tour received positive reviews from music critics. The Baltimore Afro-American's Alexis Taylor attended the concert in Baltimore at Lyric Opera House. Taylor wrote "Ledisi gave listeners every penny they paid for the show and then some. Leaving her all on the stage, Ledisi effectively re-baptized followers and converted unsuspecting first timers into faithful fans."[5] Melody Charles of SoulTracks commented "Ledisi had turned the evening into ‘Love Thyself 101’".[6]
