Setlist History: Fiona Apple's Very First US Show

Darling bad girl of the '90s, Fiona Apple, emerged into the booming alt-pop scene with her very coy and sexy single "Criminal," accompanied by an equally sultry music video. This was how we found out about new music back in those days by the way, MTV and VH1 music videos.

Apple emerged onto the scene after her demo tapes caught the attention of Sony Music Group big-ups. Her songwriting skills could not be ignored, she was classically trained on the piano at a young age, after all. Which is why it's no surprise that she wrote her debut album Tidal when she was only 17-years-old. The album sold 2.7 million copies and was certified three times platinum in the U.S. after its release on July 26, 1996. "Criminal" was actually her third single that came from the acclaimed album, but it was the one that reached the top 40 in the Billboard Top 100.

Her Tidal tour took place that same year, 1996, and the New Yorker's USA debut was at Los Angeles' Troubadour on this day (September 10) 22 years ago. Apple shyly took the stage in an iconic midriff-baring outfit. The 18-year-old then lead the crowd to believe she's lived a lifetime with her deep, husky-sounding voice that sang of romantic remorse and world-weariness. She proved this with songs like "Sullen Girl" and "The Child is Gone."

Listen to live audio of "Slow Like Honey" from that night below. You can hear her sweet banter with the crowd and sing with so much soul, you'll hardly believe it's her first time.

Fiona Apple live @ the Troubadour in West Hollywood, CA on September 10th

Each track that night was a live debut and all licks off of Tidal. She sang nine songs total and ended on "Never is a Promise." Apple rarely plays a majority of these cuts anymore, many being retired before the millennial era even hit. Check out the full setlist below.

Fiona Apple

Apple hasn't released an album since 2012, and her last full tour was in 2013, but she is still actively writing music. Early this year, she released a new single titled "I Can't Wait to Meet You" as part of a collaborative album in which all the songs are written by pregnant women. She also recently posted a tribute to the recently deceased rapper Mac Miller, which you can check out over on Pitchfork.

"Sleep to Dream" remains her most performed song to this day. We hope our favorite "criminal" makes her way back to the studio and stage soon enough!

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Last updated: 28 Mar 2024, 14:59 Etc/UTC