Last night we ventured out to the Clay Aiken show at Verizon Theatre. To be honest, I am not a big fan of his music, but I’m certainly a fan of him. We had a good interview for this piece in this week’s issue which started endearing me to him, but when he turned on the ‘tude last night and chatted up his elder audience, he had all the makings of a sassy queen. Several precious moments were to be had as he threw people under the bus, made fun of top 40 radio and took delight in the lack of men in the audience — or at least had fun with it when he cited only six men in the front rows.
“Did she drag you here?” he would ask. Pretty great.
My apologies to any people behind me as I tweeted the night away, but hey, I wasn’t holding my phone up videoing the guy. Here are my tweet-thoughts from the evening and current thoughts (in bold) the day after (after the jump) along with my colleague’s take on the evening.
@GetRichinDallas
Can’t explain the random applause that breaks out @ClayAiken show. Maybe I missed some moments, but seriously, the audience of about 500 would just start clapping in the middle of a song. I guess it’s a Clay Nation thing.
@ClayAiken just owned the couple that walked in late. #snaps “Show starts at 8, folks,” he snarked. I would totally love to hang out with the Aiken based on this comment alone.
Wow. @ClayAiken claims not to know the words to songs from “8 years ago”. Crowd WAY disappointed. #meh I don’t get this. I mean people wanted to hear “Invincible” “Invisible”and he wasn’t gonna give it to them. Admittedly, we left before the encore so maybe he doled it out at the end. Nonetheless, moving into his new big band sounds isn’t reason enough to not do songs fans want to hear.
Keanu somebody skatting while @ClayAiken changes. The music isn’t my thing so much but some major precious moments. Two updates here — it was Quiana Parler and he never changed out of his blah outfit.
@ClayAiken just threw @ke$ha under the top 40 bus. #leftfieldburn. He called her the new voice of this generation, but in that sassy ironic tone. It was priceless but guess you had to be there.
“Turn your balls on” – @ClayAiken before he sings Miley’s “Party in the USA.” #whatthewhat Aiken joked with the audience who brought glowsticks and other similar items “to get his attention.” Yeah, they told him that and it worked. He started making fun of auto-tune and said any singer now doesn’t even have to know how to sing. And then he busted into the Miley Cyrus hit. The sass was on a roll and it was pretty hilarious — because he was also kinda right.
Respectable version of “Suspicious Minds” by @ClayAiken. But his blue jean outfit is unshowmanlike. OK, I don’t expect glitter and glam, but jeans and a frumpy sweater. And both faded for that matter? Not sure what he was going for. If he’s going for big band sound, at least put the look into it. But this was my favorite song of the night.
It just got Audrey Hepburn all up in here w “Moon River” as performed by @ClayAiken. #slowdown Yeah.
“Even Loretta Lynn didn’t sit down this much at her concert.”‘- Chance B. @ClayAiken. Colleague’s observations.
Musical suggestions requested by @ClayAiken. #Honkytonk made for an awkward racist moment. #maybejustme Aiken said his bass and drum guys were the backbone of the music and could make any song sound like any other genre. The two guys were black and for whatever reason, Aiken says something to the effect of, “I wouldn’t think you know what honkytonk is.” Kid you not.
Hmmm. @ClayAiken keeps talking about doing his songs big band style but he gotta 4-piece backing him up. #fouraintbig Yeah, this was annoying the heck out of me.
The concert never ebbed and flowed with energy. The songs weren’t too up or too down, but what made the show was more of his banter than his songs. The concert wasn’t bad necessarily, but it was blah. His just off the street appearance, the minimal set and the low energy never made it exciting and personally, his appearance was insulting. I’m harping on that because it felt like the equivalent of phoning it in.
But low energy is good for his fans of silver-haired moms and grandmas and that’s not a criticism. He just knows who his crowd is and gives them just enough of that safe good ol’ gay boy schtick. And they ate it up.
Chance’s take:
When asked to accompany RLo to the Clay Aiken concert, I’m not going to lie, I was skeptical at first, but was instantly reminded of the Kathy Griffin bit when she says, “No matter if you aren’t an American Idol fan, a gay man or a woman over 50, when Clay Aiken comes to your town, gooooooooo…it is possibly the gayest show on the face of the earth!” Since I had no pressing engagements, I decided to pile in and make the pilgrimage to Verizon.
As soon as I got a beer and got to my seat, which was near the back of the mid-section, I was almost immediately offered upgraded seats in the closest section. As much as I loved the upgrade, I was slightly saddened to leave the two Claymates I had found myself trapped between, were popping off about their disdain for David Cassidy. If that doesn’t give you an idea for the demographic I was dealing with, then I don’t know what will.
As soon as I got to my upgraded seat, I flipped on ye ol’ Grind’r and see what sort of representation we had there. It was meager…only three or four within 500 feet.
Finally, Clay takes the stage and though many of the maybe 500 Claymates in attendance were flipping their shit, none of them stood for the big reveal of Ms Aiken. As Aiken blasted out the classics, which were a bit of a yawn, I found more joy in people watching and enjoying how much others were enjoying the show.
Clay had a great sense of humor about himself and about the circumstance, so that was refreshing, but I will say his showmanship was lacking. He was essentially wearing an ill-fitting sweater from Gap and some meh-denim. Also he took multiple breaks to go off stage, for what I’m not so sure, while some other randar blasted out other unknown classics. Also, he sat on a stool a lot. I mean I’ve seen Loretta Lynn several times, and yes she requires a chair to sit during her performances, but I’m going to be bold and say Clay out-sat 78 year old Loretta.
All in all the show was generally precious. There were a few songs I mildly enjoyed, I’ll write this concert off as a bucket list item I wasn’t aware that I needed to check off.
Interesting concert review, picture with a view of the audience. A lot of empty seats there.
Commentary: Clay Aiken Album Sales
I won tickets to see the concert and agree with a lot of your postings. To me he seemed bored with his own style of music. I am a Clay Aiken fan from the get go but not necessarily a fan of his music style. The night was a blast but maybe it was because we are just fun people. When Adam Lambert comes to town can you send me tickets to his show 🙂
I made the mistake of starting conversation with 2 silverhaired ladies behind us who were going on and on about meet and greets, and being to 20 of his concerts. If anyone around tried to input experiences they did not like being one upped. A lot of what happened on the stage last night was exactly what had happened during other concerts….staged maybe. How ironic that Linda was on the phone with her friend at the show. I read somewhere today that the concert the night before in TN was cancelled. Maybe this had something to do with Clkay being a bit out of it. I took a wonderful friend of mine, we enjoyed the show and had a wonderful time……
Condescending little article here. I wasn’t there, am not a fan but seriously, are you the only demo in the world that matters. can’t stand your tude! Know nothing about Clay aiken but I dislike the writer immensely for his ageism. SHAME!!!!
You gotta know, when Clay asked us before this tour started, what we would really miss in a concert of his, and what we could do without, this is what we said: We can do without the orchestra. We don’t need a fancy stage set-up. We would really miss his banter and his jokes.
Basically, this is what we love – just Clay. The basics – him singing, sitting on a stool, close to the audience(for one concert, he spent a fair amount of time sitting on the edge of the stage,) talking and singing to us. We like the personal connection, the intimacy. He said in most of his interviews that this tour was going to be very laid-back.
As for his outfits – believe it or not, fans of *every* age have loved how he’s looking on this tour, including many who haven’t been too thrilled with his look a lot lately. Yes, we like him in suits, but a lot of us prefer him when he’s more casual – jeans are almost always good! For the first several concerts, his outfit included a tie. Recently, he ditched even that.
As for the energy/enthusiasm of the crowd, Clay himself remarked that this seems to be a common thing with southern audiences. In NY recently, they were definitely screaming!
And, part of it, I am sure, is about the low ticket sales for this tour(reality check time.) He had to know that he would be mostly playing to long-time and/or core fans. And, he knew he’d have to do this one on a smaller budget than usual. It just so happens that what works for him financially is exactly what we wanted. This has been one of the most widely-enjoyed tours throughout the fandom. And, most are saying it’s near or at the top of the list of their favorites that he’s done.
@ Marie. Had you suffered thru an hour + of Clay and Keanu’s shenanigans, I’d let you finish, but I’m going to have to stop you. This review is a KIND assessment! Having suffered thru the show myself, I’d say this piece cleverly accentuates the character of the show and those attending the show. This concert could be way further under the bus than it is in this review, in my humble opinion. Rich we love your wit and honesty, keep it coming!!! And the ageism you speak of Marie, is simply honest. I don’t think Rich intended the comments as a slight, rather an obvious observation that Clay’s fan-base is largely made up of post-menaupasal women! If you choose to be offended by that, you should take up that with your therapist!
I find it cute when folks write about Clay’s clothing. Seriously? I’m thinking you can’t afford those jeans and cashmere sweater. I find it odd that folks are concerned about the way he dresses. Doesn’t affect his voice. Doesn’t affect his stage presence. Doesn’t affect his charm or humor. His fans requested a stripped down tour and we got exactly what we asked for, up close and personal Clay without the frills.
It amazes me what people see and don’t see at Clays concerts. When he became famous, concert reviews always stated that his fans were old gray ladies so I guess others just like to copy. I have been
to many of his concerts and their are always lots of men and younger fans and what I really like is that his concerts are always family friendly. To get more great reviews guess he will have to change it up to a lot of garbage and x rated stuff like some others. Then the older fans and younger fans would not attend. Myself I like familly friendly and love this concerts.
Listen Stargazer, I get it, you are a Claymate living in Claynation! I am not, however, and at $70 for a ticket, I’m sorry, but I expect more than ratty jeans. We didn’t come to see Willie Nelson, after all. I want my Gaiken to be the Vegas Showgirl she was born to be! I’m all for an intimate show, and even the style of music is fine, but let’s follow the lead of Harry Connick Jr. and Robbie Williams when they’ve done similar tours/albums. I mean, pretty sure Dean Martin is rolling over in his grave right about now…
I agree Jamie, I’m all for a good clean show. I mean take Ke$ha for example. I wish more young ladies could sing about having Jesus on her nack-a-lace, without offending Clay, so I resent him throwing our good Christian Ke$ha under the bus!!! This Claymate is pissed!!! I
I have to completely agree with this statement from Vickie:
[You gotta know, when Clay asked us before this tour started, what we would really miss in a concert of his, and what we could do without, this is what we said: We can do without the orchestra. We don’t need a fancy stage set-up. We would really miss his banter and his jokes.
Basically, this is what we love – just Clay. The basics – him singing, sitting on a stool, close to the audience(for one concert, he spent a fair amount of time sitting on the edge of the stage,) talking and singing to us. We like the personal connection, the intimacy. He said in most of his interviews that this tour was going to be very laid-back.]
This post menopausal woman just can’t wait for her trip to his SF concert!
My hostility at this article would be the name calling, the gay slang references, and the clothing insults.
When did music reviews start basing the likability of the singers singing, based on what they are wearing, whether they sit, stand, lay down, the demographics, etc.??
I really enjoy a straight up music concert review, that deals with the singers musical talents that brought the reviewer there in the first place, whether they liked the music or not. Nothing else matters.
I agree with Lun, Clay does not dress for the concerts at all… You would never see Michael Buble come on stage looking like Mr. Rogers.
I am a Clay fan, but really disappointed.
Front Stage Music Blog
No, he didn’t sing “Invincible” because that is not one of his songs. I believe he did sing a portion of “invisible”, however. At least he did at the concert I attended–and it was complete with the sweater tug which his fans all loved. Clay knows what his fans love and he delivers it.
If you “get Clay Aiken”, no explanation is necessary. It you don’t, none is possible. I don’t think this reviewer gets Clay Aiken, but I’m glad to know that he is a “fan of the man”.
@Martigyrl: Sweetie, if you don’t want ready anything connecting Clay Aiken with gay stuff, then don’t read interviews/stories/reviews about him on gay websites.
I have to say, I’m really disappointed in this review. The pre-concert article was great, I thought. This review is as lacking as you claim Clay’s show was….which it SO was not!!!!!!!! It’s sad that they continue to consider you a “journalist” here at DallasVoice because you didn’t even research your sources. You don’t know Clay’s sense of humor, which explains why you thought his remark about honky tonk was racist when it wasn’t. You also used informal tweets for half of your review, which I consider SO highly unprofessional…and believe me, I am well aware that Twitter is all the rage but does that override good journalism and writing skills the way that auto tuning overrides good singing?!! And honestly, Clay didn’t perform that show to impress you all anyway…he does his shows for the fans who keep coming back for more. He knew we would want him to sing the songs from 8 years ago…and guess what…He did!!! But because you didn’t research your source, you weren’t able to recognize it. And by the way, the name of the song is “Invisible” not “Invincible”…get it right next time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You got me. The “Invincible” to “Invisible” mark has been fixed in the post. I apologize for that error.
@Rich. These Claymates are letting you have it!! Thou hath angered a great god! Claynation is turning into Libya up in here!!
I like that you are a fan of the man, Rich, and can appreciate that you may not be a fan of his music. Music is subjective. You did seem to enjoy his snark and Clay does like snarking on the men in his audience. His concerts are more than just singing. He entertains.
Your “tweeting” can’t really be compared to those holding up cellphones though. Their attention is still fully on Clay and not typing messages which had to divert your attention to some degree. Not the same.
A bit of research and on youtube, you would have seen that glitter/sparkles are not Clay Aiken. Most of his shows this tour have been great looking sweaters, shirt, tie (until recently), nice slacks, and the jeans. Sweaters are new, not frumpy at all. Other concerts were also low-key clothes.
Clay has an amazing voice and continues to sing songs that many today would not even attempt. Plus, this tour, he is out front just himself, his voice and his music. How many can or would even try that today. Not many. Loud music, dancers, light shows, etc. can hide the bad singing by many performers on the scene now. Most times you can’t even hear them sing.
Maybe Grand Prairie was not like the shows I saw. There was a nice collection of men and women, young and old. If “good ol’ gay boy schtick” is what snarking and being funny is called today, then I’ve learned something new.
KG’s remark about Clay’s show being the “gayest show on the face of the earth”? huh? What the hell does that mean? He sings like no one else today, his band is amazing, his backup singer(s) are also amazing. When did that become a “gay show”. I must have missed something along the way here.
I appreciate that your friend, Chance, did go and enjoyed watching the crowd enjoying the show. Sad that he didn’t or couldn’t get into the fun. I saw Clay’s outfits from a front row….. I think you need glasses, Chance.
All in all, thanks for attending, Rich. Thanks for the pre-show interview.
Rich, can you sing ? Are you funny on stage ? Do you keep your audience entertained ? Do you have a foundation to help anyone who is less fortunate that you are. Do you donate large sums of money to charities ? Do you go to Washington and fight for gay kids who are being bullied ? Do you speak up for gay rights in this country ? Do you travel around the world to help children ?
What is it about Clay Aiken that you don’t like ? It can’t be his voice because you really don’t know what you are listening to if you can rag on his singing. So, tell us what the hell it is about Clay Aiken you don’t like. And what do you do for a living ?
The illusion of movement can be entertaining with claymation although the technique is relatively outdated.