As the Found Heaven tour touched down in Texas, Sugarland’s Smart Financial Center was packed with star adorned fans awaiting an unforgettable performance from Conan Gray.
Opening up the spectacular night, Maisie Peters delivered a stellar performance. Her bandmates, Tina (keys) Jack (drums) and Joel (guitar), provided excellent accompaniment and delightful background vocals throughout the night. Tina even came out from behind her keyboard with a keytar to join Maisie for her final song, “Lost The Break Up.” Watching this group, it was extremely evident that they truly love being on stage together. Maisie’s performance of “The Band and I” further solidified that their group dynamic continued past the stage all over the world.
In between songs, Maisie showed off her excellent sense of British humor, and thoroughly amused and engaged the audience with Texas and Sugarland specific adlibs. The singer’s beautiful voice filled the Smart Financial Center. It is both delicate and full of strength, perfectly conveying the message of “You’re Just a Boy” and “Love Him I Don’t.”
The ‘Good Witch’ primed the audience perfectly for Conan’s set. She invited us to be vulnerable with songs like “History of Man” and “Villain,” and simultaneously energized the crowd with “Not Another Rockstar” and a cover of “Holding Out for a Hero.”
As anticipation swelled for the headlining singer to take the stage, not a single fan was in their assigned seat. Their faces, shirts, shoes and accessories were emblazoned with stars, which have become an emblem of Conan Gray.
The roar of the crowd grew out of control as a shimmering curtain pulled away to reveal dazzling star-shaped lights, and Conan winking at the crowd as he began his performance of “Fainted Love.” He went on to perform a mix of songs from his recent album Found Heaven and previous albums Kid Krow and Superache, as well as his newest single “Holiday.”
In between songs he remarked on how good it felt to be back in his home state, and also shared some not-so-fun facts about koala’s poor health.
Fans clutched onto one another and cried as he sang “The Story” and “Family Line.” The palpable reaction of the crowd to these songs confirmed that Conan Gray had truly touched all of their lives.
The musician is not only skilled at writing heart wrenching tunes, he also has an innate ability to write and perform dance anthems such as “Boys & Girls” and “Lonely Dancer.”
For the encore, he traded a bedazzled matching set for a “blahblahblahblahjesus” tank top and decadent cape. The crowd screamed for more as he closed out the night with “Bourgeoisieses,” “Maniac” and “Alley Rose.” A confetti cannon went off as the singer waved goodbye to the crowd. Conan Gray’s unique ability to balance and combine tragedy and glamor in his music and performance confirm that he is undeniably a star.
As a Houston native, I am passionate about the deep well of talent that Texas has to offer. From DIY shows to major label musicians, I just love to consume live music. I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to highlight and memorialize incredible artists through photography and writing. When not on tour, studying at the University of Houston, or at local shows, I can be found reading, writing songs, enjoying soft cheeses, planning themed parties, and rolling down the hill at Hermann Park.
