The sold-out crowd sings along as Malcolm Todd performs “Obsessica” at ACL Live at the Moody Theater on Sept. 5, 2026.
Electric energy swept through the crowd as a live video began rolling, introducing Malcolm Todd and his band in a UFC-style manner. Running out to fans chanting his name, Todd set the tone for his third show of the “Do That Again Tour.”
Following the release of his sophomore album and tour namesake Do That Again in June, Todd returned to Austin Saturday for the first time since his 2024 Austin City Limits Music Festival performance. Although he now possesses over 3.2 billion streams on Spotify, Todd performed at ACL Live, a relatively small venue that made the performance feel like a ‘90s garage band gig with easy charisma and laid-back energy.
“I’m not blowing smoke up your ass, but this has been a very special show on the road,” Todd said. “I don’t usually look around this much, sometimes I get a little shy and if I make eye contact with someone, I feel a little shy about it. But I feel like I’ve looked around at everyone tonight.”
Opening with “Jean Skirt,” Todd forwent his typical tank top in favor of baggy jeans, a guitar and, to fans’ disappointment, a grey long sleeve. “Breathe” introduced the first of many fan interactions of the night, with Todd telling the audience “good job” as they sang along to lyrics faster than most in the indie-pop singer’s discography.
Todd’s unique stage presence strays away from the typical popstar, leaning into his clumsy, awkward dance moves and actions. During “Malcolm In The Middle,” Todd almost dropped his iconic red mic stand off the stage, playing the situation off with a spin, almost falling over in the process.
“Difficult Love,” switched the atmosphere. No longer focusing on himself, Todd sang about his ex, bringing more vulnerability and vocal diversity to the track compared to the studio version. Telling a story with his performance, the screen lit up saying “bitch is not a nice word,” while he sang the lyrics “you could rip my heart out, just like you did last time, bitch.”
Showing off his abs and quirky rhythm during “You Owe Me,” Todd gave in to fans cheering for him to take his shirt off before picking up a red phone during “X’s & O’s,” where he pined for a girl through a drunken voicemail.
“Take my shirt off?” Todd asked while laughing. “I feel like the consensus is for me to put a shirt on. But the people who love me want me naked, and I love you for that. Maybe later.”
Once again fostering connection, Todd started a clap-along to “Sweet Boy,” taking out his in-ears to listen to fans singing along to one of his most popular songs. In-ears still out, the performer smirked to calls of “me” as the question “can anyone make me a better man?” appeared above him.
As Todd sat at a piano for “Gun To My Head” and “Good Bye,” the audience held up flashlights. The singer looked around in surprise with a smile so wide it contradicted the song’s lyrics of saying goodbye to a relationship.
Iconic couples from “Up,” “Titanic” and “Dirty Dancing” showed on screen during “Chest Pain (I Love)” before Todd acted out a comedic bit to transition into his most popular song, “Earrings.”
“Holy shit! Woah, hold on. Sorry, I didn’t mean to swear, this is actually really important. On a serious note, I’ve been looking everywhere for these things,” Todd said as the camera panned down to a pair of earrings on the floor.
After running off stage, Todd returned, this time shirtless – much to fans’ delight. “Do That Again” turned his hair increasingly disheveled before closer “Roommates” got the entire crowd jumping along with Todd and his band.
Walking off stage, Todd left the audience with a message: “I hope everyone loves themselves and loves everyone around them.”