Allie X’s Weird, Wonderful World

Violet Chachki had an important question for the audience as she opened Allie X’s Weird World Tour: “Who here is straight?” She was answered with the cheers of no more than five people. Indeed, the Weird World Tour at The Mil at Cannery Hall was a night of pure fun that welcomed and celebrated everyone with open arms. In the small venue, the crowd swayed and sang along to their favorite Allie X songs, enraptured by the singer’s commanding stage presence and vocal talent. The intimate setting of the The Mil at Cannery Hall helped devoted concert-goers feel connected with their idol on stage. Even the dark red curtains in the venue perfectly embodied Allie X’s goth-pop brand. Stage decor was sparse but smartly placed: instruments were angular and sharp, commanding attention without having to look too flashy (a prime example was the sharp-edged metallic keyboard centerstage).

 Drag icon Violet Chachki opened the show with four original songs, the last being “Mistress Violet,” her song with Allie X. She described Allie X as a sort of “music drag mother,” helping to usher her into the music industry. Chachki demanded the audience’s attention with a bedazzled, cinched-to-the-gods corset complete with sparkling tits. Each song had a subtle outfit change on top of the corset, including a black dress and feathered furs. For her first time performing live vocals, Chachki did an excellent job. Allie X’s stellar performance matched her soaring, evocative melodies. Before she walked onstage, a masked man in a black cape stepped onstage to guide the crowd in an interpretive dance to Billy Idol’s “Eyes Without a Face.” Shortly after, Allie X’s band entered the stage with half a white mask - à la Phantom of the Opera - wearing crisp white tops with black pants. Allie X walked on backwards, a white mask on the back of her head facing the audience (a concept that reminded me eerily of Malignant). She sang her hit “Bitch,” turning around to reveal her true face at the last moment of the song. Even her real face was partially obscured by sunglasses and a netted veil. 

This didn’t stop her from fully emoting and connecting with the audience throughout the entire performance - in fact, the overt reference to her album “Girl With No Face” only added to the show. In her black and white glam-pirate outfit reminiscent of the New Romantics era, Allie X expertly performed hits old and new. Her adoring crowd reveled in hearing “Bon Voyage” and “Susie Save Your Love” - one of the three songs played in her encore. Allie X commanded the stage with her seemingly effortless vocal prowess, synth skills, and energetic performance. Both goth and glam, Violet Chachki and Allie X were a perfect match for the Weird World Tour, making for a memorable and lively night.

- Jules Krueger

Photos Courtesy of GC Moorman (For Bell Music Magazine)