On Monday, March 23, Corbyn Besson performed his first solo show in ten years at The Gramercy Theatre in NYC. The (Head) First Tour’s two-date mini run rings in a new journey for the former boy band member, marking the live debut of his new EP, HEAD FIRST, and the start of a successful solo career.
The 27-year-old singer-songwriter is best known for being a member of LA-based boy band Why Don’t We. Founded in 2016, the band consisted of Besson, Jack Avery, Zach Herron, Jonah Marais, and Daniel Seavey. Heavily inspired by Justin Bieber and 5 Seconds of Summer, Why Don’t We released two studio albums and six EPs before disbanding in 2025. After a three-year legal battle, where the bandmates accused their management of “emotional, mental, and financial abuse,” Avery, Herron, Marais, and Besson each owed $1 over breach of contract in a mixed verdict. Although the former bandmates lost usage of the name Why Don’t We and ownership of their music, they are “excited to put this behind [them] and continue [their] solo careers,” according to a statement made in February 2025.
Fans both old and new found themselves at The Gramercy Theatre to witness a moment years in the making for Besson. The Limelights, the official fandom name for Why Don’t We, made themselves known by wearing shirts from previous WDW tours and holding full-size posters of an 18-year-old Besson.
Finally able to pursue his own music career without hesitation, Besson’s genre-bending R&B-Pop sound fuses the swagger of his boyband days with a more grown, authentic presentation. Set starter “Kiss,” a high-tempo R&B track complete with full choreography, brought the energy level up the second Besson’s drummer hit the first beat. A simple empty stage highlighted the starpower of Besson and his entourage of two dancers and a drummer. Sometimes, there’s no need for extra visuals when the talent and choreography shine through.
Stripping down to just a microphone and guitar mid-set, Besson spoke candidly about the challenges the past few years have brought (alluding to the legal battle and disbandment). He repeatedly expressed his gratitude for the fans who’ve stuck with him before covering “BIRDS OF A FEATHER” by Billie Eilish – a song that’s kept him going on his musical journey.
The Limelights were in for a treat when the former boy band member announced he’d play a few songs from his past. “I think you might know these songs,” the artist stated with a grin, before playing the band’s most famous songs – “8 Letters” and “Fallin.”
“Blink,” Besson’s top-streamed song featuring TZUYU of K-pop group Twice, was a standout to see performed live. The track itself oozes with a flirtatious back-and-forth between Besson and TZUYU. Crowd interactions between the singer and his crew were amplified, as Besson navigated the stage and hip-hop choreography while pointing out fans, singlehandedly making them swoon in the process.
Boy bands – both current and former – have some of the most devoted, loyal fanbases out there. As the crowd left Gramercy, it was abundantly clear that the venue was full of people who’d been waiting 3+ years to see Besson perform again. Sporting their old WDW shirts while carrying their freshly-purchased Corbyn Besson merch, fans demonstrated they’re here to stay for all of Besson’s endeavors – past, present, and future.
Corbyn Besson – The Gramercy Theatre – March 23, 2026
Setlist: Kiss, Tied Up, Love Me Better, Don’t Run, Panic, SUMMER, No One Else, BIRDS OF A FEATHER (Billie Eilish Cover), Hyptonized, 8 Letters (Why Don’t We), Fallin (Why Don’t We), Blink
Encore: Ruin Me
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