Lorde's first major show was at Splendour in the Grass on 28 July 2013, where she served as a last-minute replacement for Frank Ocean, who had to cancel his appearance at the Australian music festival.

"[7] Lorde prepared three segments of her show, demonstrating to American audiences the areas where she grew up, saying: I had this idea I wanted it to be divided into three parts.

[8] In an interview with Christopher Holder of AudioTechnology, James Mac, a keyboardist for Lorde, mentioned that he used two MacBook Pros installed with music software Ableton Live as part of the sound stage.

"[9] When asked what front of house sound Lorde wanted on stage, Philip Harvey mentioned that she opted to have "big, loud and dynamic" audio for her set.

[9] Drummer Ben Barter was responsible for activating samples on a Roland SPD, an electronic drum percussion instrument.

Harvey also mentioned that the use of auxiliary send through various instruments at low information helped to modify the aux master for each song.

The main show began with Lorde standing behind a black curtain, with one white spotlight[10] and a faint chandelier onstage as she performed "Glory and Gore".

[11] The black curtain dropped to reveal a scarcely decorated set during "Biting Down"; three picture frames hung overhead.

[16] During "Tennis Court", smoke and green light illuminated the stage;[17] a video of boys playing a rugby match in the rain was shown in the background.

[18] The next song "Buzzcut Season" showcased another video documenting Lorde as she walked on a Devonport, New Zealand, pier and looked at the city's street lights.

[11] Before introducing "Still Sane", Lorde briefly mentioned her tour visuals, all filmed in Auckland, saying, "I've taken these places with me all around the world, all through America.

[18] She introduced "Ribs" with a short monologue on the inspiration for the song; it was written during the month of February 2013 after she and her sister threw a party.

[11] Lorde changed into a white pant suit, a crop top, and a coat before covering Kanye West's 2013 song "Hold My Liquor".

[29] Rachel Bache of The New Zealand Herald commented on Lorde's improved stage presence and enhanced vocal ability as well, stating that she "returned to her home town with a newfound boldness.

"[18] PopMatters's William Carl Ferleman reviewed The Midland concert in Kansas City positively, stating that "it italicized an emerging artist who can solidly deliver her songs within a live setting" with few mistakes.

Lorde changed the covers as the tour progressed, including Kanye West's "Flashing Lights" and "Hold My Liquor" as well as Bon Iver's "Heavenly Father".