Happy sailors shouted from the depths of their souls as Sam Smith brought the Gloria Tour to the Climate Pledge Arena with opener, Jessie Reyez.
The night started with Canadian singer-songwriter Jessie Reyez who performed a selection of songs from her debut album Kiddo, such as “Shutter Island,” “GateKeeper,” and “Figures.” The Juno Award-winning artist was playful and interacted with the audience on more than one occasion. “Tonight is going to be like a first date. Do I have consent?” she said to those in the audience who might be seeing her for the first time. Jessie’s performance was emotional and at times felt like she left everything on the stage. During “Mutual Friend,” she instructed the crowd to yell “My EX!” after she sang “F**k!” It was comical and cathartic at the same time. Jessie often referred to herself as the kid, especially when thanking Sam Smith for taking “the kid” on tour. Jessie’s storytelling and lyrics were raw, real, and mature. The kid was amazing and entertaining, and really needs to give herself more credit.
After a short intermission, the stage lights faded to black and the audience screamed in anticipation for Sam Smith. A golden-cloaked woman appeared from stage right and began to slowly walk along the stage. All sounds went silent except for her echoing footsteps. The woman stopped for a moment and began to caress a large object hidden under a sheet. As a piano starts to play, the woman pulls off the gray sheet to reveal a giant golden nude sculpture in a relaxed sleeping pose. The golden-cloaked woman walks away as black-and-white images appear on the digital screens surrounding the stage. One by one, the backup singers arrive all dressed in simmering gold, and step up onto their platform. As the singers began to harmonize, the screaming from the audience started to intensify. Once the audience saw a glimpse of Sam Smith slowly rising from behind the golden nude, the arena erupted with an ear-piercing roar.
The Grammy-award winner and fashion icon was elegantly dressed in a white satin dress shirt, black tie, a gorgeous golden bustier in the shape of an anchor with shiny fringe, shiny golden bronze pants, gold platform boots, and golden sailor’s cap. Smith opened with “Stay with Me” and “I’m not the Only One,” both from their 2014 Grammy award-winning debut album In the Lonely Hour. Standing on top of the giant nude sculpture, Smith asked fans to sing along to both songs. Smith came down to the front of the stage for their third song, “Like I Can,” waving hello to fans and throwing kisses to the crowd. During “Too Good for Goodbyes,” Smith and their choir sat together for a semi-acoustic version of the 2017 track from Smith’s second album, The Thrill of it All. Smith disappeared for a quick wardrobe change and returned wearing a ruffled white blouse for “Diamonds” from 2020’s Love Goes. The most poignant moment of Smith’s set was during “I’m Kissing You” as fans were asked to hold up their cell phones to illuminate the arena. Smith, now wearing an iridescent sequined ball gown with yards of white tulle, appeared to be floating on a cloud when they moved. Sam told the audience that the dress was “f**king heavy” and they were nervous about their performance prior to appearing onstage. However, the energy and the love they felt from the almost sold-out crowd carried them through.
Smith’s dancers, dressed in black and gold mesh, came out for Smith’s duet with Jessie Reyez, “Perfect.” This was one of the most entertaining choreographed routines of the night. Jessie Reyez momentarily stole the spotlight from everyone with her upside-down twerking against the butt of the golden nude. Smith brought out some of their most recognizable outfits for this tour such as the oversized, puffy pink robe worn during “I‘m Not Here to Make Friends.” Pink confetti fell from the ceiling and the dancers took turns sliding down the silhouette of the giant nude. Smith, whose music has been influenced by several pop icons before them, performed two covers that would make the original artists proud. Smith stripped down to a black thong and mesh tights as the dancers swarmed around them for “I Feel Love” by Donna Summer. This was followed by a small tribute to Madonna with a cover of “Human Nature.”
The finale of the night was 2022’s “Unholy,” Smith’s first number-one single in the US (which also won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance with Kim Petras). Smith stood on top of the golden nude dressed in a black and red bodice, black mesh tights, black and red knee-high leather boots, with red horns on their head. Smith waved a red pitchfork as flames shot out around them. Kim Petras appeared on the video screen for her part of the duet as the performers danced in red and black. The song received a bit of controversy after a similar performance at the 2022 Grammys from conservatives who claimed the song was about Satanism. Smith has been quoted as saying “Gloria is about liberating one’s self and giving into one’s pleasures.” It was definitely a pleasure watching the artistry of Sam Smith onstage. A tour worth checking out!
SAM SMITH
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