I went to see Antony & The Johnsons last night. I'm not sure what I was expecting, due to the fact that some have said he's incredibly fragile and appears vulnerable on stage; while others have said he's just a fat old poof.The gig was absolutely amazing. And Antony is everything (and nothing) that people say about him. He is fragile (that much is obvious from any of his song lyrics); but he seems equally strong and while he sung he seemed to be celebrating everything he was singing about.
A few interesting things about the gig included: during the songs, the audience was completely silent. And I mean completely. I have never been to a gig where the audience made NO noise whatsoever; also, that due to Antony's request, no-one smoked. At all.
However, what I found most interesting about Antony had to do with his physicality.
I think there are two (extremely broad) types of people with regards to the space they consume. Perhaps there is a continuum between the two broad definitions, I've not really thought about that in detail. However, the two broad groups are:
1: Those people who take up as much space as possible - these type of people seem to be on the number 13 bus every morning on my way to work. Standing in the aisle and taking up us much space as possible, having no consideration for others around them. These people don't have to be big - it is more to do with the way they place themselves.
2: These people try and take up as little space as possible. They are (overly) conscious of others around them and at the extreme end of the spectrum, probably wish they were invisible. I'm probably closer to this end of the continuum than the other.
Antony is 6'4 and said that during the gig that he weighs "200 and something pounds". He is a big, big man (... lady? bird? who knows) and one would think that his presence would be overwhelming. But it isn't. Just the opposite. He seems to take up as little space as possible (clearly a number 2 person) and instead... allows his voice to *completely* fill the space. And what a voice it is.
15 comments:
Maybe I need to give Ant another chance, eh?
Nick, there is no denying he is a fat poof. But one who is definitely worth listening to.
Antony sounds like a "persona", glad you enjoyed the gig.
Hello Ziggy;
thanks for dropping by my blog today. Have a great day, eh!
dabich, he was superb;
cathy, thanks for dropping by mine!
Interesting. I think I'm a number two also. I don't like to be noticed, so I take up as little space as possible.
I'd like to learn more about Anthony. I'm going to google him.
hey fellow number 2, Angel:
check out www.antonyandthejohnsons.com
I'm baffled by this one.
I am not a number two as that is a poo. But I am jealous of you and my mate Vic who was also at the Antony thing.
He's a fat poof but a good fat poof unlike Boy George who is just a fat poofy cunt. With felt tip scribbles for hair. At least Antony has his dressing up box wigs.
MEOW, dan!!! LOL
I love Antony. ANd I actually got turned on to him by DanialD in Ny and you Zigs. And thank you SO much for that! I'm now converting new people. H
His voice is so powerful. And his lyrics are so poignant. He's like a male Nina Simone. Sigh.
Dan, Antony's hair was really quite hilarious. He mentioned at one point that he was 'brushing' it, while flattening it down with his hands in an awkward stylee. But you're right, he is a good fat poof. And given you're not a poo, does that make you a wee?
Scribe, you constantly baffle me, so I guess I should be pleased I've managed to baffle you for a change?
Anhoni, there were lots of sighs from me during the gig!
zigs,
How have I baffled thee?
Scribe, are you just looking for compliments? ... ;-)
No, I actually don't see myself a sbeing baffling LOL
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