Concert Reviews
Conan Gray, known for “Heather,” performed most of his new, 80s-inspired album “Found Heaven” at MGM Music Hall at Fenway on Thursday.
Conan Gray – maybe best known for the breakout hit “Heather” popularized online – traversed from 80s dance pop to indie power ballads on his second night at MGM Music Hall at Fenway on Thursday.
Opener Maisie Peters kicked off the show with a bubbly energy at 7:30 p.m., but her 30-minute set felt unbalanced. The bass was too heavy, and her vocals were blown out. However, her cover of Noah Kahan’s “Stick Season” was a fun local shoutout.
Gray soon took the stage in a black and yellow ensemble, with a lace-up corset and pants. His mullet, five-pointed star motifs, and 80s-style hit “Fainted Love” immediately captured the essence of his new album “Found Heaven.”
During “Never Ending Song,” also from the new album, he showed off a strong tenor before “Wish You Were Sober,” one of the hits off his 2020 debut “Kid Krow.” Gray then continued with his new album with “Eye Of The Night” and “Killing Me,” with red, orange, yellow lights bathing his boppy, bold synthy aesthetic.
While “Found Heaven,” which came out in April, had less chart-topping hits, the crowd at MGM seemed to know every song. Gray also seemed to elicit loyalty, with his intimate rambles and even calling out to a fan who he thought he saw at Lollapalooza in Chicago.
That left no lulls, even through his moodier songs from 2022 “Superache.” “The Exit” and “Jigsaw” stood out as stronger, rock anthems. His vocals, throughout every range, absolutely carried his performance without skimping on the instrumentals.
While one of his five-piece band played the guitar solo in “Jigsaw,” Gray brought out his guitar for softer, personal songs, “The Story,” which he said he’s played at every concert, and “Family Line,” about his parents and his father’s abuse.
“I say they’re just the ones who gave me life / But I truly am my parents’ child,” some of the lyrics said. “God, I have my father’s eyes / But my sister’s when I cry.”
Gray, who started as a YouTuber focused on his small-town Texas life, released his first EP in 2013. But, don’t let his humble internet origins fool you. His stage presence, vocals, and songwriting was professional.
He returned to “Found Heaven” for both the title track and “Lonely Dancers,” but the David Bowie- and Cure-inspired synth hits didn’t last long.
“No more joy for the rest of the concert,” Gray joked.
He finished off with “Winner” before the iconic hit “Heather,” which had the entire crowd jumping, swaying, and screaming. His finale “Memories” was a perfect end – extended, upbeat but introspective, and emotional. His encore didn’t disappoint either, with hit “Maniac” and his new power ballad “Alley Rose.”
Setlist for Conan Gray, MGM Music Hall at Fenway, Sept. 26, 2024:
- Fainted Love
- Never Ending Song
- Wish You Were Sober
- Eye Of The Night
- Killing Me
- The Exit
- People Watching
- The Cut That Always Bleeds
- Jigsaw
- Family Line
- The Story
- Astronomy
- Found Heaven
- Boys & Girls
- Lonely Dancers
- Winner
- Heather
- Memories
- Bourgeoisieses
- Maniac
- Alley Rose
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