WORDS MATTY BEZ / IMAGES DESH KAPUR
On a sticky humid night in Manchester, I ventured into the world of Christine and the Queens for the very first time. The atmosphere was palpable, with anticipation hanging as heavy as the humity was in the air. The Manchester Academy stage was adorned with ancient looking statues, setting the stage for an evening that would prove to be nothing short of theatrical brilliance.
As the first notes reverberated through the venue, the crowd was instantly captivated. Héloïse Adélaïde Letissier, now known as Red, the creative force behind Christine and the Queens, stepped into the spotlight, and from that moment, it was clear we were in for something special. Him/Her voice, a marvel in itself, filled the air with a mesmerizing quality that held the audience in rapt attention.
The pulsating bass lines coursed through the crowd, adding an extra layer of intensity to the performance. It was more than just a gig; it was an immersive experience. The stage design, with its statues and the atmospheric lighting, contributed to the overall theatricality of the evening, transporting us into Red’s world of artistry and emotion.
The night reached its electrifying peak when Christine and the Queens unleashed, “True Love.” As the opening notes of music pulsed through the sultry air, the crowd erupted. Red’s voice, dripping with charisma.
For a first-time viewer like myself, the night was an eye opening. The energy, the passion, and the sheer talent on display were clear to see. Christine and the Queens didn’t just perform; they created a living, breathing work of art on that stage.
The light show, perfectly synchronised with the music, added to the sensory overload, enhancing the emotional impact of each song. It was a night where music transcended its boundaries, and we, the audience, were fortunate witnesses to this transformative journey.
In the sweltering heat of that summer night, Christine and the Queens delivered a memorable performance. It was more than a gig; it was an exploration of the depths of creativity and the power of live music. it was sexual, seductive, gentle, angry, thought provoking and very very powerful. As I left the Academy that night, I couldn’t help but feel that I had just witnessed something extraordinary.
SET LIST
PARANOIA
1/ TEARS CAN BE SO SOFT
2/ MARVIN DESCENDING
3/ A DAY IN THE WATER
4/ FULL OF LIFE
5/ ANGELS CRYING IN MY BED
6/ TRACK 10
ANGELS
7/ FLOWERY DAYS
8/ I MET AN ANGEL
9/ TRUE LOVE
10/ LET ME TOUCH YOU ONCE
TRUE LOVE
11/ SHINE
12/ WE HAVE TO BE FRIENDS
13/ LICK THE LIGHT OUT
14/ TO BE HONEST
15/ BIG EYE
FOLLOW CHRISTINE AND THE QUEENS
My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago