Ruel: The Time and The Place at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Written by Claire Hookstra

On July 18, 2025, Ruel played an unannounced show at The Masonic Lodge in Los Angeles at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery to celebrate the release of his latest single, "I Can Die Now."

Photo courtesy of Spotify

Hinting at his next album release, the Australian indie rocker, Ruel, released his latest single, “I Can Die Now,” on July 17, 2025. The very next night, after posting cryptic promotional posters around the Los Angeles area, he had an unannounced show “The Time and The Place” at the Masonic Lodge at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery on July 18.

Fans eagerly awaited under the breathtaking California sunset to enter the lodge. The slightly musty and carpeted room of the cemetery-turned concert venue was eerie to say the least, but the perfect backdrop for a secret Los Angeles show. With only one hour to wait after doors and no opening act, the room bustled with excitement when the lights dimmed at 9 p.m. and Ruel ran in from the back of the room. 

Jumping straight into “Painkiller,” the sold-our crowd erupted in unison, singing the infamous chorus so loud you could barely hear Ruel on the microphone. Around me, fans hugged their friends and jumped up and down with joy, making the show feel more like a celebration than your typical concert. The giddiness continued with the star onstage, as Ruel blushed looking into the crowd of fans who knew every word to just about every song. 

Image via Hollywood Forever Cemetery

“Face to Face” boomed through the speakers as the crowd danced on the creaky floor of the lodge. Ruel treated the audience to two unreleased songs from his upcoming project, “Wild Guess” and “Suburbs.” Typically, unreleased songs are greeted by a sea of iPhones and flashes; however, this night fans seemed to want to truly live in the moment. Phones were definitely up in the air for every song, but they were more scarce or only up for a singular verse or chorus. Frankly, it was refreshing to see a room of people who simply wanted to live in the experience playing out before them.  

Jokingly, Ruel teased after playing “Wild Guess” that he likes playing unreleased songs to a crowd of fans who simply stare back confused. After fans screaming almost louder than himself, it was a sharp contrast hearing a deadly silent crowd, taking in every new lyric and beat with intent. 

As the show neared its end, the singer played “Free Time,” much to the crowd’s delight, “Younger,” and “GROWING UP IS___.” Ruel danced along with fans throughout the night, as the quick 50-minute show concluded with “I Can Die Now.” With the single only being released the day prior, just about every person in the room knew the chorus by heart, Ruel holding out the microphone to the crowd with a proud smile upon his face. 

A quick break less for under a minute preceded the encore, where Ruel announced to the crowd that everyone was getting a limited edition poster (we love a freebie) and that he would sing one more song he had yet to decide on. A muffled yell came from the front of the crowd that he quickly responded to, saying, “Yeah! That one!” Anxious to hear what would be next after a night of danceable tracks, Ruel broke into the solemn “Japanese Whiskey.” 

The almost visceral reaction of the crowd to every song this night, new or old, released or not, showed the unvarying dedication of Ruel’s fanbase. When the new album releases (and trust, based off those unreleased tracks it's going to be a hit) those tour tickets will be flying off the website.