Gaga loves ‘em. Elton loves ‘em. Bono loves ‘em. Denver may not have as many pairs of giant sunglasses as those three, but it definitely ranks among the biggest lovers. They’ve had a recent album release, with another one on the way, and they’re right in the middle of supporting the Lady on her Monster Ball tour. The New York five-piece has been keeping busy. Lucky for Denver, this was one of the few stops where a city got the band all to themselves. Sunday night at the , the sisters Scissor rocked the anxious crowd with heavy, disco-y glam-pop.
It was amazingly hot on the floor, and not much better in the balcony. That didn’t phase Jake Shears and Ana Matronic — who both exploded onto the stage in black and bright red patent leather outfits. Shears started out with run-of-the-mill crotchless chaps, singing hits like “Laura.” He had boundless energy that kept him leaping from one side of the room to the other. His bare torso successfully elicited swells of cheering with every provocative dance step. Matronic’s antics were a tiny bit subtler, but just as fiery. Right before she sang “Tits on the Radio,” she said she had to change into her “running shoes” (downgrading from six-inch heels to a much more athletic four-inchers). She was the crowd-worker between songs while Shears would catch his breath, stumping about vernal-equinox-inspired spring fever and proclaiming, “I’m not God, but she told me you’re all going to get tonight!”
Close to the end of the set, Shears had changed out his black leather for red, and the back-up singers and band members were getting in on big sing-alongs like “Take Your Mama.” They went the traditional big closer route with “Filthy/Gorgeous,” ending with Shears crowd surfing on hands that were all yearning to absorb some of his raw sexuality. After an unconvincing but pleasantly traditional good night, the band stayed off stage for a split second before the encore. Shears sang a new ballad called “Sex and Violence,” which was well-received. The full compliment joined back in for “I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’” and as soon as it began, the love party on Colfax was over.
Follow our news and updates on , our whereabouts on and our relationship status on . Or send us a telegram. Whatever. We’re easy.
Marc Hobelman makes websites at The Denver Post, , and is a regular contributor to Reverb.
