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As previously mentioned, Antony and the Johnsons played the Coliseum last night. I was there and this is my account of the event. Sorry, I didn't take any pictures. Will use a couple from Google Images to avoid a text-only review.

As i got to the room, the opening act was nearly finished. Currituck Co., who curiously is one of Antony's two guitarists. I was surprised to see a couple of empty chairs – given the demand for his latest album at music stores – , but they weren't that many.

Before it all started, i did what i always do. Scanned the crowd. As some of you might remember, i mentioned this in my review of the Jack Johnson concert, back in May. This time, the very same room welcomed a much more mature crowd, with ages ranging from the late teens to late 60s. Quite impressive. I wasn't exactly expecting that, but crowds can be a total surprise.

Anyway, the show started a bit after 10pm, after a series of powerful cheers from a waiting and demanding crowd. Antony came on stage with a shyness typical of a child, which would endure throughout the evening.

That shyness, however, didn't stop him from filling the room with an overwhelming silence by the stroke of the first keys on his piano. He started with My Lady Story, from his latest album I am a bird now, which immediately gathered a round of enthusiastic applause. In between songs, Antony would stumble on some words, throw a quick joke at the crowd, or start playing amidst the cheers from the song he had just finished singing. Shy, i tell you.

They then proceeded to decorate the Coliseum with magical tunes, such as Cripple and Starfish and For Today I Am a Boy. The later, had a curious moment. During and after the song i inadvertently overheard a couple behind me questioning themselves about the lyrics. One day i'll grow up, i'll be a beautiful woman. One day i'll grow up, i'll be a beautiful girl. For today i am a child, For today i am a boy.

It's funny that Antony and the Johnsons managed to fill the Coliseum in promotion of an album that revolves around identity crisis and sex change operations. All this seen from a child's point of view. Weird, but delicious at the same time. Welcome to Antony's world.

Moving on.

As if their songs weren't enough, they played a couple of covers. Moondog's Lonely, the Leonard Cohen great song The Guests which they interpreted wonderfully, Lou Reed's Candy Says and Nico's Afraid.

The highlight was definitely when Antony played Hope There's Someone, the single, almost solo. He was joined by the fantastic musicians at the end. The setlist was completed by Spiralling and some other songs i can't remember right now. I was waiting for them to play Hitler in My Heart and What Can I Do?, but they didn't. I was particularly curious about What Can I Do? because in the album it's sung by Rufus Wainwright. It'd be nice to hear Antony's rendition of the song, but i didn't. Too bad, maybe next time. They didn't play Blue Angel, as well.

Watching this concert was a very good improvement on the album – I am a bird now. Yes, the album is amazing, probably one of the best of 2005 – and who knows the decade – but played live, it gains another dimension. Specially by the great arrangements done on most of the songs. Antony's voice is also more impressive live, so filled with angst but at the same time, tender and raw.

Half way into the show, Antony dropped a bit of the shyness and had a few words with the public. He made one of the funniest comments to the aspect of the room i've ever heard by a performer. He said it was such a funny building, mainly because it has a futuristic aspect, with balls on the ceiling and stuff. I loved it, specially since i love that room. Even though i'm just a kid (~20 years) I already have so many memories in there, and i find it very peculiar as well. I thought it was nice of him to mention that and he was specially curious about the balls. :) If you've ever been there, you know what i'm talking about.

Also, after the first encore, as the musicians were picking up the instruments, someone shouted Thank you!!. Antony picked it up and went on to do a "my turn, your turn" kind of thing. He made up a melody for Thank you, and had us echoing his voice for a good 5minutes. Of course it got to a point where noone else in the room could follow him. ;)

Antony left the stage humbly and shy, just like he came on. He did so under a shower of a standing ovation.

A wonderful evening altogether. Certainly worth attending.
I just don't know why, but i felt i was expecting something more. Maybe someone to share it with.

If you're curious to listen to his music, go to brainwashed. There's a couple of mp3 samples, including the next single, You Are My Sister, which features Boy George – remember him?.

Also, for pictures of a more recent show, therefore more similar to yesterday's performance, there's a nice post about Antony and the Johnsons concert in Carnegie Hall, NYC (Oct. 13th).