Despite feeling a little under the weather, the ever-charismatic Mika put on an intimate acoustic show last night that would put even the healthiest pop stars to shame. The singer played to New York City's Le Poisson Rouge, a small-ish downtown club, with a full orchestra whose members donned some very festive glitter hats on a stage that was even sparklier. The whole thing shimmered more than Edward Cullen sunbathing, really. But it wasn't just the stage setup that shined, it was Mika's roughly hour-and-a-half show. Click through to the jump for a full concert review.
Breaking with concert convention, Mika opened the show with arguably his most well-known single, "Grace Kelly." While the venue's layout made it nearly impossible for anyone in the back to see Mika while he played the piano for this tune, the crowd came with every intention of dancing and singing along and that they did. Mika announced it was their "last intimate party" before the release of his upcoming EP Songs for Sorrow.
But don't let the words "intimate" or "acoustic" fool you. While Mika's stage set may have looked like a subdued lounge show, it all became downright madness soon. Following "Kelly" was "Lady Jane" in which Mika vocally channeled Rufus Wainwright. He then segued into a new tune, "Lonely Alcoholic," which he dedicated to writer Michael Musto, who had recently interviewed him. And after another newbie ("Blue Eyes") and an oldie ("Billy Brown"), the show turned the corner from solid set to unabashedly carefree fun. During the always-great "Big Girl (You Are Beautiful)" the ceiling dropped silver confetti (more sparkly stuff!) onto the crowd and we had a full-blown dance party on our hands. Not wanting to let things slow down, Mika and crew dove into "Love Today."
Having maintained a good rapport with the crowd all evening — Mika joked about on-the-fly set list changes and on-stage mishaps — he invited us in for a sing-a-long for another new song with the echoing chorus "Blame it on the boy/blame it on the girl." But it was the less showy, but undeniably powerful "Happy Ending" that solidified the show for me. While Mika hit notes that would make Freddie Mercury proud, the truly heartbreaking tune (which has a bigger impact live than it does on Life in Cartoon Motion) managed to bring the house down without lowering the general good spirits in the room. No small feat.
Next, when Mika broke out a trash can for a Stomp-style jam, unleashed a torrent of giant balloons on the crowd, and wore a Willy Wonka-like crown for the joyous cautionary tale "Lollipop," things got downright raucous. After exiting the show for a very brief time, Mika came back for two encores which included "Relax, Take it Easy," "My Interpretation," the new (and oddly Enigma-like) "Rain" and wrapping up with a second helping of "Love Today."
While I didn't, well, love "Love Today" popping up again (he should have simply ended the show with it, not had it twice), when he allowed a large portion of the crowd to jump onstage and dance with him, all was forgiven. Smaller shows like this one, if you were lucky enough to see them, were a great introduction not only to Mika's upcoming album, but to his undeniable knack for being a great showman. Besides walking out exhilarated, albeit slightly tired and a little bit sweatier, all I could ponder was, "Why in the world isn't this guy more famous?"
What do you think, Music Mixers? Are you a Mika fan as well, or is the hubbub beyond you? Did you get a chance to check out the Le Poisson Rouge show, too? We want to hear your opinions!
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The show last night was INCREDIBLE! I am still in shock. Quite possibly the best show I have ever seen. The entire show it seemed as if Mika was radiating happiness, warmth, and glitter. He certainly knows how to put on a show, and I think the crowd made sure he knew that. The show was madness from the start, but once he belted out “Big Girl” the entire show was one crazy, giant, mess (I say that in the best and most lovingly way possible! its a compliment!) that I wish would never end. Ahhh, the freshness of Mika. He truely makes me smile and not want to stop for days and days and days.
I’m a Mika fan. An even bigger Rufus Wainwright fan. Need to find “Lady Jane” to hear if your comparison is worthy.
megan said pretty much everything i wanted to say, but i just wanted to second it.
i would relive that show forever and ever. love love LOVED it.
I agree that it was one of the best shows I have EVER seen. I saw four Mika shows this month (including his gigs in London and Paris) and he always puts on a great performance but the NYC show exceeded my wildest expectations.
Great review, but there is a piece of information that is inaccurate. This was his last intimate show after the release of his EP Songs for Sorrow and before the release of his second full length album, next fall.
I was there! Flew in from Florida JUST for the show and back home afterwards – have been up for 3 DAYS and queued for the show for 22 HOURS! And YES -I was the FIRST one in … and Y E S it was MORE then worth it! MIKA is the MOST amazing artist in the WORLD (and I am also a HUGE Rufus fan) BUT, you can hardly compare the two – it is SO totally different. I cannot even find words strong enough to express the show last night. . . let’s just say it was BETTER then the BEST Mika dream I have ever had (and that is saying A LOT) I am speechless and dazed even today. It all feels like it wasn’t real . . . and I still have not woke up from the dream. I doubt I will EVER have the opportunity to experience SUCH an intimate Mika show again. SO I thank the stars above that I threw all caution to the wind and JUMPED on a plane! I would not have wanted to miss this for the world – for there is no greater prize that can be won or gift that could be given then the one I was given last night!
Why isn’t he more famous? Three reasons: 1)Like Scissor Sisters, he has been deemed “too gay” for mainstream success in the US. 2)Unlike Scissor Sisters (and Rufus Wainwright and now Adam Lambert), Mika has alienated his gay audience (myself included) by skirting the question of his sexuality. As if he might actually be straight. Ha! 3) Um… the music is kinda derivative. At least on the first album.
. . . as far as Mika not being more famous . . . we all know he is EXTREMELY famous in Europe. (all around the WORLD for that matter) with the exception of the United States – athough Mika DOES have a huge fan base here in the U.S. and we are dedicated (and appreciate Mika) beyond measure. To be quite honest I do not see Mika ever being a ’success’ in America (in terms of commercial success) he will never be a Justin Timberlake (puke) and THANK GOD for that. MIKA will ALWAYS sell out when he plays in America – he will just never be played on the radio SO WHO IS TO SAY HE IS NOT successful? I really don’t think he gives a damn if he has American air play – he OBVIOUSLY dosen’t need it. We have been with him since early 2007 and will be right by his side throughout his l o n g career. To be completely honest (and selfish if I may) I would NOT want to see Mika have commercial success in America – WHAT a CRUEL world it would be to have an ‘untouchable Mika. He is SO hands on with his fans.
Being SO hands on with his fans truly sets him apart from ANY other artist in the world. Don’t get me wrong, there are a few others out there that know how to treat their fans . . Rufus for one is AMAZING and gracious with his fans. But, there is NOTHING out there that can compare with Mika’s talent, style, or heart!
I LOVE Mika more then words – and that is why I will be a loyal (overly dedicated) fan for the rest of my life – MIKA is unique in everyway imaginable . . . and keeping with fashion, he is an AMAZING artist as well as person with AMAZING fans!
Incredible show! His performance of “Happy Ending” blew me away. MIKA SHOULD be as famous in the US as the rest of the world and it WILL happen if everyone tells everyone they know about his genius, so start talking!
who already realize that he is one of the greatest musicians, performers and songwriters ever!!
AMAZING music and performers need to be heard by EVERYONE everywhere. The US mainstream music scene NEEDS him badly!
Once the US catches on, Mika will be bigger than ANY of the US pop acts on the radio, and that will be a great day!
The US radio stations play a big role- If you’re a radio station or know one, ask them to play EVERY Mika song they can (not just 1 single) and let’s get the rest of the US as excited as the Mika fans (like myself
While I wasn’t at this show, although I know quite a few of the stage jumpers personally, I saw him at Sadlers Wells in London a few weeks back, and I love this kind of stripped back show. It’s much more intimate and the way he sings Lady Jane and Over My Shoulder, is so pure and beautiful, I’d love him to do them more often.
Like HollyD said, I think Mika will never be as ‘commercially’ celebrated like other USA stars…… and I love it!
He’s shinging and doing what he does in his own way, and I think it says alot about America that we’re virtually the ONLY country in the world that hasn’t caught on….
The show, as it was described, looked impossibly dazzling and amazing– I wish I was there!! I clapped a hand over my mouth when I read about the ‘Willy Wonka’ hat and the trash can for Lollipop- (’specially since it’s my favorite song if his!) It’s beyond words and wisdom how much his silliness and fearlessness means to me. In a world of famine and fear, it’s a liferaft to see someone who shines and dazzles, even as he’s spinning out of control.
Love, love, triple love,
Luna
I did not see the show last night, but i saw him last january at the Electric Factory in Philadelphia. Mika is one of the most talented singers in a long time and I ponder the same question of why he’s not more famous. On top of being INCREDIBLY good looking, his charm and charisma make him an irresistable pop star. But he’s so much more than that.. he’s humble and kind hearted.. at lesat he seems that way in interviews, concerts and twitter. I’m glad though that he’s not super popular in the states because that just allows for more intimate concerts for his most die-hard fans. Unfortunately, this genre of music has yet to really make it to mainstream american culture, I really feel that Mika’s going to help make that break. I hope he does.
Mika is fantastic, the greatest singer today and delightful to listen to songs, ballads and lively songs, whatever it is wonderful to hear this guy singing and their passion for music is contagious, and is a gentle man, kind, loving and gentle with all. “Why in the world isn’t this guy more famous?” I don’t know, the world s rubbishy music, he is a rare jewel of the universe. Thanks for nice article.
I’m from Brazil and dream with a show here. Many fans waiting for him -Katita-email:santos.katiaregina@gmail.com – Twitter: @ krjsantos
This show was BEYOND amazing. I have been to Mika’s shows before, but the intimacy and honesty that this show possessed was absolutely amazing. The club, Le Poisson Rouge, was small enough that I felt like I was at a concert with 800 friends instead of a bunch of strangers. Mika also is so humble about his sucsess, and every moment I really feel that he is enjoying himself.
However, it disappoints me the lack of success that Mika has had in the United States. He is not only a great performer with as much enthusiasm as any top 10 artist today, but he musically talented beyond words. I hope that Mika’s next album shows everyone what amazing artist and amazing guy he is, even if it means I may never be able to see him in such a small intimate concert setting again.
I have been a fan for over 2 years but this was my first live MIka show and it was amazing!!!! Best live show on every level I have ever attended. Besides being such a great showman he really appreciates his fans and lets them know it.
there’s just an explanation: HE’S FAR THE BEST!
Great to read all the comments. I flew from the UK to see this gig. Mika can do no wrong in my eyes. Lady Jane live has just got to be one of the wonders of the modern world
This was the last date on the tail of seven shows in Europe. All at smallish intimate venues. It was a fantastic tour. I have seen Mika in many differnt locations, from stadiums to clubs and this was one of the best.
Mika is an amazing musician and songwriter and artist and person. I love his music so much and this is a great article.
I think he’s not so famous because “Normal” people don’t get him. As a member of several Mika fan forums, I can safely say that it often takes a very special sort of person to really kind of, GET him. I really hope that as he does get to be more well know, that people get to understand more and pen their minds to him because he is a one-of-a-kind poptart (yes I said poptart) and we love him for all his popiness and his sweet tartiness!
x
I’ve been a fan of Mika for soooo long and this is the 1st concert I went to. Needless to say, Mika blew Le Poisson away.
I was incredible, the people there were all real fans and they all sang with him, which, in a way, helped him a lot since he had a bad cold [don't forget Mika is a very great performer because he makes every interactions possible with the audience in the show]. The old hits were so powerful I must say. I like it how he includes so many layers of beats and sounds. And yes, the smoke, the glitter, the balloon, the Stomp, the hats… everything was very comic and very like magic.
Does anyone notice the background on stage? The very cool drummer? She rocks!! Also the opera guy… his voice was beyond normal! Both guitarists and about 12 violinists were also incredible.
His new songs were so great. I went home and created my own art version of Toy Boy and Lady Jane.
Sums up: PERFECT performance, great audience, amazing sound effects, incredible vocal, Mika!