Kanye West’s ‘Sunday Service’ Brings Thousands to The Gateway
Oct 5, 2019, 3:48 PM | Updated: 8:55 pm
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Security guards earned their money at The Gateway today.
Because, when a big-name musician like Kanye West shows up to perform for free, things can get a little hectic.
“Dude, I couldn’t be more excited. I’ve been listening to Kanye since college since… go!” said one fan, who cut the interview short as the gates opened.
Gates just opened up for the “Sunday Service” concert #KanyeWest is throwing at The Gateway. #SundayService pic.twitter.com/eOimqqOgh6
— KSL 5 TV (@KSL5TV) October 5, 2019
However, this wasn’t a rap concert.
It was Kanye West’s Sunday Service. On Saturday.
“This is insane. There are so many people here. It’s crowded. There are people on the roof over there. It’s pretty crazy,” said one fan with a laugh as she tried to get a better spot to see Kanye.
Yes, church, so to say, was packed.
Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes was part of the team to get Kanye and his crew to Salt Lake City.
A lot of people working behind the scenes at The Gateway for safety. We ran into Utah Attorney General @SeanReyesUT. Extra officers have been pulled in to help with safety. #SundayService #KanyeWest pic.twitter.com/kVOHmbfMdn
— KSL 5 TV (@KSL5TV) October 5, 2019
They only had a two-day notice, but word spread fast.
“I think we’re just blessed here in Utah. Our reputation is one where we’re a very welcoming community,” said Reyes while looking at the crowd of people. “This is more than I expected, and they have estimated there will be thousands and thousands of more joining us.”
It might not be coincidence that Kanye is doing this service in downtown Salt Lake City on General Conference weekend for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
However, Reyes says it’s all about bringing people together to worship.
“No matter what you might call that higher being, to us it’s a bringing together of lots of different faiths and friends and family,” said Reyes. “This is great.”
The service included a 150-member choir, then a sermon talking about Jesus and salvation.
@kanyewest is the guy in the white shirt in front of the guy with the yellow cap. Concert about to start. pic.twitter.com/btTh2fZ8dV
— Alex Cabrero (@KSL_AlexCabrero) October 5, 2019
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About an hour and a half later, Kanye started singing Gospel music.
The crowd absolutely loved it.
Kanye also spoke about being a President Donald Trump supporter, the Whig Party, Abraham Lincoln, and freeing slaves.
It certainly wasn’t your traditional church service in Utah.
However, for this crowd, it worked.
“Pretty crazy,” said one of Kanye’s fans. “I don’t think very many people can pull this off.”
At the Gateway today, @kanyewest is hosting a free concert. @KSL5TV sent me to check it out. There are thousands here. I hope we give the same coverage to @coldplay when they come back to town. pic.twitter.com/dvobkG2K1u
— Alex Cabrero (@KSL_AlexCabrero) October 5, 2019
