Kylie Minogue
May 21, 2011
@ Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
Better than: The gayest thing you did this week.
Here's a quick summary of some of the things we see onstage tonight: Grecian slaves, harps made of women, a gigantic gold Pegasus, outer space, synchronized swimming, a gigantic statue of Kylie's head, exotic fan dancing and -- this is the best bit -- multiple (beautiful) humans suspended from the ceiling and writhing around on ropes, Pink-style. And that's before we even get started on the outfits (let's just say there are togas and holograms and Buck Rogers catsuits and a shit ton of feathers and pearls involved).
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, Kylie Minogue's Aphrodite stage show is the gayest thing you will ever see in your whole life. We know this, because toward the end of the set, two of the campiest men we have ever laid eyes on started pointing at the stage and gasping "Oh my god, that is so gay!", mouths agape at the shock of it all. Tonight is like seeing every fantasy you've ever had about Pride weekend, magically come to life. And it is just as decadent and fabulous and epic as you'd ever dreamed.
Kylie doesn't have the strongest voice in the world, but tonight she hits some major high notes without missing a beat. She's not the best dancer either, but has a team of people around her who are and she acts as a gorgeous centerpiece for them to move around. Despite these things, it's almost impossible to take your eyes off her. She might not be the most talented performer in the world, but Kylie is one of the greatest showwomen on earth, so who gives a damn?
She is flawless throughout tonight, but she is also personable, taking time toward the end of the set to interact with the front rows and have some bonding time. And the deafening roar that greets certain songs -- there's a particularly amazing one in the middle of "If You Don't Love Me" -- seems to have her on the verge of stunned tears at several points in the set. It's hard not to feel completely endeared to her when there's so much humility accompanying all the glitz and glamour.
This is the kind of show where you're scared to go to the bathroom or get a drink because you just know you're going to miss something amazing -- and it is a feel-good extravaganza from start to finish. What's more, Minogue isn't scared to dip into her back-catalogue -- "Confide in Me" and "Better the Devil You Know" are both highlights tonight, though it's "Your Disco Needs You" that gets the biggest response.
By the time giant glitter cannons have finally exploded over the audience, it's impossible to imagine anyone leaving this arena feeling they didn't get value for money. Kylie was fabulous tonight. And she'll be fabulous next time -- so don't miss it.
Best Verbal Altercation in the Ladies Room:
Security Person: "All of the men in here need to get out! Right now!"
Flamboyant Men: "But look at us! We are ladies!"
Security: "Out! Now! I'm serious!"
Woman from North of England: "Just talk about vaginas! That'll scare 'em off!"
Flamboyant Men: "Fine! We're going! We're going! This is totally not fair ..."
Setlist:
Aphrodite
The One
Wow!
Illusion
I Believe in You
Cupid Boy
Spinning Around
Get Outta My Way
What Do I Have to Do?
Everything Is Beautiful
Slow
Confide in Me
Can't Get You Out Of My Head
In My Arms
Angel
Love at First Sight
If You Don't Love Me
Better the Devil You Know
Your Disco Needs You
Better Than Today
Put Your Hands Up (If You Feel Love)
All the Lovers
See all our pictures from Kylie Minogue at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium.
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