Go see Rufus Wainwright live, and you’re pretty much guaranteed to get your money’s worth — and then some. The guy worships at the temple of pure spectacle; putting on a show is what he lives for. And his performance last night at NYC’s Radio City Music Hall was extra special for two reasons. First, it was Valentine’s Day, and second, it was the final date of a lengthy world tour in support of last year’s Release the Stars. ("This is the afterparty," he quipped. "The aftermath, more like it.") So, over the course of a marathon three-hour concert, my lovely date and I got to see…
- Stagecraft extremes: Rufus played with a baroque seven-piece backing band in front of an enormous sequin-spangled American flag. Radio City’s pyrotechnic rockets showered Rufus and co. with multicolored sparks several times. In contrast, one early highlight had Rufus performing a humble Irish folk song in honor of John McCormack, the early 20th-century tenor who popularized the tune, without any amplification or backup at all.
- Costume changes: He opened the show in a lime-green leisure suit covered in sparkly brooches (pictured), then played a second set in lederhosen, a nod to Release the Stars‘ Berlin recording. After another intermission, he came back for a third set in a fluffy snow-white bathrobe — only to don earrings, lipstick, heels, and a hat after a few songs, dropping the robe to reveal a trim blazer and his shapely, pantyhose-clad legs. (More on that later!)
- Guest stars: The question at a Rufus show is generally,"How many Wainwright family members will we see tonight?" This time,his sister Martha and mother Kate McGarrigle appeared during the encorefor a three-way family-harmony take on Kate’s "Talk to Me of Mendocino." Then opening act Sean Lennon joined them onstage, which brings us to…
- Late legends channeled: The robe-clad Rufus next did his heartrending cover of Sean Lennon’s dad’s "Across the Universe," with Sean on acoustic guitar and backing vocals. Extraordinary. Earlier in the show, he’d played a couple of his favorite Judy Garland interpretations as well.
- Outrageous dance numbers: For the show’s grand drag finale, Rufus did Judy’s "Get Happy" in the aforementioned outfit.Dancing right alongside him were his seven bandmates, all dressed asnuns and doing their best to keep up with the original 1950choreography. Then they returned to their instruments (still in habits)and closed the night with an anthemic "Gay Messiah," spraying Rufus with Silly String at the song’s climax.
That "Get Happy" routine really needs to be seen to be believed, soa similar performance from last summer is below, though it’s sadlylacking in the nun-costume department. In the meantime, can anyonesuggest another artist who could give you all that at a single show?
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I would love to see Rufus live someday. I got a DVD of his live performance in San Francisco with the Want II CD package and loved it. So talented and so fun.
I saw Rufus and Ben Folds in concert and honestly, Rufus was horribly boring. Dont get me wrong, I love his music but after Ben played, myself, and even a lot of the audience was clamoring for Folds to come back out.
Rufus Wainwright is fabulous! I saw him live in August of last year, and it certainly was a spectacle (which by the way, did include Get Happy and fantastic costumes). Rufus is the kind of performer who will be remembered for centuries and he is also just a really nice and funny guy. I love Rufus!
He does have some killer stems– and so does his sister Martha. They have good genes in more ways than one.
Agreed — it was a great show. Far exceeded my expectations.
There is nothing better than a Rufus show. I saw his show in June and memories of it still give me warm, fuzzy feelings.
he is cool. I love him very much. I heard from my friends that he joined celebrities and wealthy club “Searching Millionaire dot com”. recently. I really expected that I could meet him there.
That sounds like an awesome show. That clip is great. Rufus is so talented! And I wish I had legs like that.
I got to see him on one of the solo dates he did in early January… What a great night! I was so impressed with his musicianship and charisma.
It was an evening to remember! This handsome young act is a great talent; I am new to Rufus; I don’t usually love so many tunes at once!
In terms of your second question: Rufus does not stand second to anyone; however, I have been noticing lots of new & great talent. One hard worker is Justin Timberlake! I would love to see them both on same bill! Justin’s pyrotechnics are dangerous. I’m not sure Rufus would want that high-tech a show; still I would love to hear him get greater applause! I want to hear a realy wildly enthusiastic Rufus Wainwright Concert and that will come. I would also love to hear Mick Jaegger do his material! Especially the Sanssouci song. I was sorry Rufus did not do Chocolote Milk & Cigareetes.
It was an evening to remember! This handsome young act is a great talent; I am new to Rufus; I don’t usually love so many tunes at once!
In terms of your second question: Rufus does not stand second to anyone; however, I have been noticing lots of new & great talent. One hard worker is Justin Timberlake! I would love to see them both on same bill! Justin’s pyrotechnics are dangerous. I’m not sure Rufus would want that high-tech a show; still I would love to hear him get greater applause! I want to hear a realy wildly enthusiastic Rufus Wainwright Concert and that will come. I would also love to hear Mick Jaegger do his material! Especially the Sanssouci song. I was sorry Rufus did not do Chocolote Milk & Cigareetes.
He must’ve really improved. It wasn’t too long ago (at the release of Want One) that my wife and I went to see him, and he, um, suuuuuuuucked. Disjointed, late, no timing, probably drunk out of his mind. One of the worst concert experiences I ever had. Sad to leave early… but he deserved it.
I was totally bummed to miss this tour…he came to Boston last summer but I was out of town. Looks like I missed a great show, dang it!
Woah! Is that Rufus Wainright or is the The Riddler? Ugly, UGLY suit! Amazing voice though, and it got even better now that he’s off drugs.
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