When I got to my seat at the iconic Radio City Music Hall on Wednesday night, I was surprised by the number of parents there with their kids. As the opening act bülow closed her wonderful set, I noticed a particularly reluctant father seated right next to me. If “I don’t want to be here right now,” had a face it would have been his. Although- this dad may not have been a Conan Gray fan, he was there to share the night with his daughter and that was sweet. However, I got to watch as his attitude slowly changed.
The lights went out at Radio City, screams overtook the venue causing the reluctant dad to cover his ears. A video screen with a crow in a birdcage lit silhouettes on the stage. Co-nan, Co-nan, Co-nan chants carried throughout the sold-out crowd. As the bird on the screen broke out of its cage, the lights turned on with Conan on top of the video board. The notes of ‘Wish You Were Sober’ started the show in an incredible way.
‘Telepath’ was the second song and as Conan Gray sang the words of the chorus his voice shined. It was easy to see that this would be a special show. Following the song, Gray noted, “It’s been my dream to play this venue for many years.” Conan continued, “Who is here with a friend? Give them a hug.” Hugs were passed around in the sold out venue, and visually it was impressive to see the amount. “And for those of you without a friend tonight, I am your friend for the night,” Conan said as he gestured an air hug to the crowd. The band went on to play ‘Comfort Control.’ Although we were only three songs in, the evening had a strong and special feeling.
Conan Gray
When Conan Gray began singing ‘Fight or Flight’ it was accompanied with a spectacular light show. The video screen strobed while dozens of overhead spotlights swirled. The sight was enough to draw a video recording from the dad next to me. At first, I thought it was the spectacular light show that invoked the recordings. However, the trend continued in the next four songs.
What once was a reluctant dad covering his ears to the screams between songs, transformed into a fan recording and applauding to every song Conan Gray sang. The 23-year-old artist was dynamic and put on an amazing show. Audibly it was fantastic. Gray’s vocals rang beautifully throughout the venue. But visually it was also striking.
The video screen surprisingly opened up to a bedroom display. Suddenly fans were transported to Conan’s room where the songs were likely written and where fans likely listen. Gray laying back on the bed sang the heartbreaking ‘The Cut That Always Bleeds’ and it felt as real as when it was written.
The visuals didn’t end there. At one point Gray appeared locked in the video box for the intro of ‘Overdrive.’ It then led to an electric performance of ‘Affluenza’ before the band left the stage.
Acoustic
With his band off the stage, Gray sat seated center stage. Conan stated, “I’m going to be super depressing for a minute.” He went on to introduce a song about his childhood and pass along the encouraging message to fans saying “for anyone wondering if life gets better, it does.” A stunning visual of a cornfield with a cotton candy skied sunset took over the video screen for an emotional performance of his hit song ‘The Story.’
Conan Gray captivated the crowd from his very first note. Other highlights include the performance of a song he was “terrified to release” with a performance of “Jigsaw.” There was an excellent lyric visual for “People Watching,” during which Gray raced through the sold-out venue. Running within steps from where I was seated there was a pure bliss smile on his face. What started as him calling the night a dream come true truly felt that way.
Conan Gray announced his last song with not-so-subtle winks to the crowd saying to “give it their all.” The lyrics of ‘Maniac’ played on the video screen as the 5,906 seated venue shouted every word. Gray then thanked the crowd and left the stage. The Co-nan shouts again echoed through the venue seeking for an encore.
Heather
Before long Gray returned to the stage. This time through the video change after an outfit change. Appearing in a plaid skirt and sweater vest the star played his hit song ‘Heather’ as the crowd went wild. It was one of those moments of live music magic. The perfect cap to a beautiful evening. An evening where a young artist’s dreams came true, and fans gathered for an unforgettable performance.
The magic in the night was felt by many. However, the best way I saw it was with the people next to me. A dad there only to support his daughter, but soon became lost in the music. The face that reflected disinterest at the beginning of the night was focused on stage with an accompanying smile. As Gray left the stage for the final time the once reluctant dad received a full embrace from his loving daughter with the words “I love you, dad. Thank you so much. I’m so glad that you liked it.”
Conan Gray and his wonderful music brought people together and left fans with a giant smile and a night well spent.
Catch Conan Gray live by visiting his website www.conangray.com.
For more visit Road Trip Playlists.