On the evening of July 23, Nelly kicked off the North American leg of his Where The Party At Tour at Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow, Virginia, treating thousands to a nostalgia-fueled, high‑octane set packed with hits spanning his quarter-century career.
Chris Castillo was there to photograph the show.
This overview was written by ChatGPT to accompany original photos by Chris Castillo!
Grammy-winning rapper Eve, the only woman on the tour, brought both nostalgia and inspiration. She performed classics including “Who’s That Girl?,” “Let Me Blow Ya Mind,” and “You Got Me”, all delivered with strength and polish. As a mother and mentor figure, she spoke candidly about touring with her young son and balancing life’s demands — her resilient spirit resonated deeply with fans.
Ja Rule took the stage early, delivering a potent opening performance fueled by early‑2000s R&B‑rap staples like “Always on Time,” “Put It On Me,” and “Livin’ It Up.” His gritty delivery and smooth hooks immediately stirred the crowd, evoking the era’s raw energy. The synergy with the audience was instant; Ja Rule’s charisma and familiarity warmed the pavilion for what was coming next.
Watch the official music video for “Always on Time” by Ja Rule featuring Ashanti on YouTube:
By the time Nelly appeared, the hiss of excitement turned into a full-on roar. Opening with “Country Grammar,” he established an immediate connection with fans, many of whom had tracked his evolution since the year 2000. The set wove through early hits like “Hot in Herre,” “Ride Wit Me,” and “Dilemma,” alongside newer tracks, including selections from his 2021 Heartland album. Each song was supported by crisp production and tight choreography, reminding the crowd why Nelly remains a genre-defining force.
Nelly’s interaction with the audience was dynamic call-and-response chants, shout‑outs to local fans, and an infectious enthusiasm that built into every bar. Highlights included an energetic mash‑up of “St. Louis & Eastside remix” interlaced with visuals of the St. Lunatics, creating both a performance and reunion vibe.
Jiffy Lube Live’s sprawling pavilion layout allowed clear sightlines across the lawn and amphitheater, and despite the summer heat, energy was at a fever pitch throughout the evening. The venue delivered solid acoustics and sightlines, enhancing the experience without blocking views, even for the lawn‑ticket holders.
Nelly closed the night with a high‑voltage finale, revisiting fan favorites and incorporating crowd participation moments that lingered long in memory. As the lights came up, drawled chants of “Nelly!” and “Where the Party At?” echoed across the lot, affirming a show that felt both celebratory and timeless.
Watch the official music video for “Where the Party At” by Jagged Edge featuring Nelly on YouTube:
The tour’s Jiffy Lube Live performance delivered the perfect blend of early‑2000s hip‑hop nostalgia and fresh energy — anchored by Ja Rule’s sharp opener, Eve’s magnetic confidence, and Nelly’s enduring showmanship. A stellar beginning to a 25‑year anniversary tour.
Here are some photos of Nelly performing live at Jiffy Lube Live on July 23, 2025. All pictures copyright and courtesy of Chris Castillo.
Here are some photos of Ja Rule performing live at Jiffy Lube Live on July 23, 2025. All pictures copyright and courtesy of Chris Castillo.
