Reluctant Gay Icon

Thanks to the kindness of a friend I was able to see Rufus Wainwright at the Pabst Theater Monday night. Strange thing is, until I was offered the tickets, I had no idea he was even playing. I also knew none of his new songs and hadn't heard anything of his since the Poses era stuff, 3 albums ago. Granted I'd seen Rufus at the 9:30 Club way back in 2002, but my have things changed. No longer was he the long haired youth playing the piano alone; now he confidently stood in front of a large band, occasionally tickled the keys, and played the guitar; along with 3 other guitarists, a bass player, drummer, and 2/3 horns. But his voice is still unique and powerful. I went with no expectations but the hope to hear "Cigarettes & Chocolate Milk".

Performing to a packed crowd at the Pabst, Milwaukee's gay community came out in full force. It is worth noting a few things: the band were in absurd designer costumes, there was less playful banter than before, and the whole event was being taped for a DVD. Therefore they redid songs and re-started songs a few times. I didn't realize how popular the guy was/is until the show, not only was the venue packed, but fans knew every song, stood, screamed, and were emotionally moved at every lyric. I enjoyed it, but have to admit I was yawning at points and often more interested in watching the roving filmmakers than the band. That isn't to say it was a dull show, just that I was tired, knew none of his music, and frankly preferred the mellow tunes to the slightly dance and rock oriented numbers being thumped about.

The early set consisted of mellow tracks with heavy acoustic guitars. My references are limited, so it reminded me of Dreamland era Aztec Camera and Ryuichi Sakamoto. Later there were straight up dark tracks, then a slew of Judy Garland covers, some Celtic ballads, and rocking stuff from the new cd.

I have nothing else to say about the show other than the random things it brought to my mind. For example, my brother had an idea that music fans are like sports fans and instead of talking about athletes we talk about this drummer from this band is moving to this band, instead of the linebacker is being traded from The Bears to The Falcons. I know it is a strange idea, but kinda true, especially with most music buffs not to athletic (not even into armchair athletics). Having missed 5 years of Rufus' music reminded me of my own inability to stay in touch with pro sports when I once knew minor league goalies who later went to the NHL All-Star team. Or I think that Mark Messier is still playing in Edmonton (FYI he retired after NYC). I feel the same way about music, that when I stopped listening, time stopped. Rufus Wainwright should still have long hair, smoke during the set (which he didn't do), be on dope, and sing "Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk". Well, 5 busy years came and went and people did stuff, and changed, and well, that is life. I just can't be bothered.

What else, hmmm...Rufus dressed in Lederhosen for the Milwaukee crowd which was a nice touch. He also invited fans and his current lover on stage for some antics. At the end of the show (which approached 2 hours!) the guitarist played a banjo to two swooning girls up front and I looked back at the mad crowed cheering for an encore and thought of the Joe Strummer show I saw 5 years ago and how the fans still cheered and wouldn't budge after 2 encores and the bouncers commenting that they'd never seen such devotion. I remember that show and almost cried remembering the acoustic version of "Island Hopping" Joe did as his 2nd encour . Anyway, enough indulgence. I left the show with my friend without seeing the encore. I guess I'll get a 2nd chance in 2012. Dag.

After arriving at home tired and bleary eyed, I couldn't go to bed because the perfect weather and full moon just demanded my attention!

FYI: I later read that the show went 3 hours, he dressed in drag, and did a choreographed dance with the band! Maybe we shoulda stayed a little while longer.