In 2025, Sam Smith is rewriting the rules of pop stardom. Rather than embarking on another massive world tour, the multi-award-winning artist is choosing intimacy over spectacle, launching exclusive live residencies at two of the most iconic venues in the United States: The Castro Theatre in San Francisco and The Warsaw in Brooklyn, New York.
These residencies, dubbed by fans as “The Castro & Warsaw Story,” reflect a new creative era for Smith, one that’s deeply personal, musically raw, and emotionally rich.
A Tale of Two Cities: The Castro & Warsaw Experience
The Castro Theatre: San Francisco’s Cultural Heart
Built in 1922, the Castro Theatre stands as one of America’s most cherished Art Deco landmarks. Nestled in San Francisco’s historic LGBTQ+ neighborhood, it’s a venue that has long symbolized freedom, creativity, and identity themes that resonate deeply with Sam Smith’s journey as an artist.
Performing in such a venue isn’t just symbolic; it’s full-circle. Smith’s music has often celebrated love and individuality, mirroring the inclusive spirit that defines the Castro district.
According to Billboard, the theatre’s ongoing restoration under Another Planet Entertainment aims to blend modern acoustics with its vintage charm, making it a perfect home for Smith’s soul-infused 2025 live shows.
“There’s something magical about a smaller stage; it allows me to truly connect,” Smith shared in a recent interview.
The Warsaw: Brooklyn’s Indie Soul
Across the country, Warsaw Brooklyn, a legendary music hall inside a Polish community center, represents the heart of New York’s indie scene. Known for hosting both rising stars and cult favorites, Warsaw’s vibe is intimate yet electric.
For Sam Smith, this venue is more than a stop; it’s a personal milestone. Years ago, a teenage Sam mentioned in an early interview, “I’ll live in New York one day; it’s where I feel I belong.”
That statement has now become prophecy. In 2025, Smith not only calls New York home but is also debuting music inspired by the city’s pulse, diversity, and unfiltered authenticity.
Performing at Warsaw aligns perfectly with this creative rebirth, a chance to be closer to fans, away from stadium lights, in a space that celebrates artistry over production.
Why Sam Smith Chose Smaller, Personal Stages?
After years of global tours and arena-sized crowds, Sam Smith’s decision to opt for residencies at smaller, historically rich venues marks a deliberate artistic shift.
Here’s why this approach makes sense:
- Emotional Intimacy: Smith’s latest music explores themes of love, renewal, and belonging best experienced in intimate, acoustic-forward settings.
- Artistic Control: A residency format allows Smith to curate every detail from stage design to nightly variations in the setlist.
- Community Connection: Both venues reflect Smith’s long-standing advocacy for inclusivity and personal freedom.
- Creative Rebirth: Following the global success of Gloria (2023), this era represents a refinement and a return to artistry and storytelling.
Music journalists have called it “a conscious uncoupling from mainstream pop touring,” focusing instead on music as shared emotion rather than spectacle.
Setlist Predictions And Fan Expectations
While Sam Smith has yet to reveal the official setlist for the Castro & Warsaw residencies, fan forums and insiders have speculated that the shows will blend beloved hits with unreleased tracks from the upcoming album.
Expected Highlights:
- “Stay With Me” is performed in an acoustic gospel arrangement.
- “Unholy” reimagined with live strings and minimal beats.
- “Love Me More” an anthem of self-acceptance, a likely encore.
- New Songs (2025 album) is inspired by Smith’s New York chapter, exploring themes of new love and creative rebirth.
Industry insiders hint that Smith has been experimenting with stripped-back versions of Too Good at Goodbyes and Latch, reconnecting with their earliest musical roots.
“It’s not just a concert, it’s storytelling through song,” said one member of Smith’s touring team.
Fans can expect an emotionally charged journey from heartbreak to hope with Smith’s signature vocals, piano intimacy, and raw stage presence driving the experience.
The Unique Magic of These Shows
What sets these residencies apart isn’t just their exclusivity, it’s their immersive energy. Both venues seat fewer than 1,500 guests, ensuring every attendee feels part of something personal and profound.
What Makes the Castro & Warsaw Shows Special?
- No Two Nights the Same: Sam is known for spontaneous changes — alternating intros, storytelling moments, and emotional speeches.
- Venue History: Each stage carries decades of cultural and musical legacy, amplifying the emotional weight of each performance.
- Fan-Centric Design: Fans describe the shows as “soul circles,” where Smith interacts directly with the crowd.
- Visual Storytelling: Expect minimalist, cinematic visuals — emphasizing Sam’s voice and narrative rather than heavy production.
These residencies prove that intimacy is the new luxury in live music. Rather than chasing scale, Sam Smith is chasing connection.
What Fans Are Saying?
Since the announcement, social media has exploded with anticipation. On X (formerly Twitter), #SamSmithLive2025 trended globally within 24 hours.
Fan reactions include:
“Finally, a concert where Sam’s voice won’t get lost in the arena echo.”
“The Castros and Warsaws’ residencies feel like Sam returning to their roots.”
“If you ever loved Sam for their honesty, this is the era you can’t miss.”
Ticket demand has already surpassed expectations, with verified fan pre-sales closing within hours.
A Redefinition of Pop Performance
In an age where pop concerts often feel like grand productions, Sam Smith’s 2025 residencies bring back what truly matters: emotion, storytelling, and shared experience.
By performing in two culturally rich venues that embody diversity and inclusivity, Sam is creating more than a show; it’s a celebration of music as a human experience.
This decision places Smith in the company of artists like Adele and Harry Styles, who have also opted for smaller residencies to connect more deeply with audiences.
It’s a trend that reflects a shift in fan desire, too away from spectacle, toward sincerity.
Experience Sam Smith’s Journey Beyond the Stage
Sam Smith’s Castro & Warsaw residencies mark not only a musical milestone but also a symbolic homecoming. From teenage dreams of living in New York to achieving global success and returning to smaller, heartfelt performances, it’s the full circle of artistry.
Watch Sam Smith’s early journey in the exclusive documentary featuring rare interviews, unseen footage, and the emotional story of how a dreamer became one of music’s most celebrated voices.
Relive the evolution of an artist who found love, purpose, and power both on stage and within.
