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I think this is his business casual look: Billy Smith II/Chronicle
Downtown's Hobby Center is usually reserved for Broadway musicals, tasteful dance performances and highfalutin music.
But Thursday night, Sarofim Hall became occupied by the Glam Nation. Feathers and sequins and hats and glitter. So much glitter.
And this was all before American Idol finalist Adam Lambert took the stage.
An overwhelmingly female crowd, from teens to senior citizens, sported Lambert T-shirts and waved multicolored glow sticks in the air. They chattered incessantly. Ran between friends. Furiously snapped photos.
One gray-haired man -- so overwhelmed, apparently, by the frenetic bounce of Ke$ha's Take It Off -- jumped out of his seat and gyrated up and down the aisles, accompanied by women in boas and sparkly tops.
The crowd went wild. A few seemed petrified. Hundreds of camera phones came alive -- including, of course, mine. I wasn't about to miss out on this:
There's a place downtown ...
Some "Glamberts" sported homemade signs: "DANCE PARTY" and "DON'T STOP BELIEVIN'" and "BEND TO ME, ADAM" -- a reference to his 2004 stint in a 2004 Theatre Under the Stars production of Brigadoon.
"It's good to be back in this theater. I did a play here when I was 23," Lambert said early in his set. "It's good to see the constellation is still here."
Lambert took the stage in a top hat and tails combo of sorts. Think a mad-hatter Project Runway challenge (THAT EVILGRETCHEN HOPEFULLY LOSES). He kicked off with obscure tracks Voodoo and Down the Rabbit Hole before launching into his slinky Idol version of Johnny Cash's Ring of Fire. It was an arresting, early highlight.
There was a brief shift into a low-key segment that included an oddly muted Whataya Want From Me and the truly gorgeous Soaked, which plays like a standing-in-the-rain, shout-from-the-mountaintop showtune. I spotted a few misty eyes. (Not mine, duh.)
Lambert talked a lot about love -- for others and for yourself. But his biggest asset is his voice, which powers through crashing production and bursts through every pop chorus.
This isn't just screaming, as some folks would like you to believe. If it was, more people would be doing it.
Lambert has just one disc, 2009's For Your Entertainment, to pull from for his set, which clocked in at just over an hour. More music under his rhinestoned belt will give future treks a more well-rounded feel (and likely result in album tracks Sure Fire Winners and Strut being excised from the list).
Still, Lambert is a more confident, charismatic performer than scores of Idol alumni.
He made most moments, ahem sparkle -- from the throbbing beat of If I Had You to a scorching cover of T. Rex's 20th Century Boy. This Glambert had his fix. For now.
Totes starting a label to sign her: Billy Smith/Chronicle
Opener Allison Iraheta displayed truly astonishing force and a vocal power that belied her 18 years. I'm in love with this girl.
Iraheta, who finished fourth during Idol 8, brought a raw, rock edge to tunes Holiday, Scars and Robot Love (which should have been a monster hit). That she was dropped this week by Jive Records makes even less sense in the face of such a powerhouse performance. BOO.
(For more photos of Adam Lambert and Allison Iraheta at Hobby Center, click HERE.)
We were sitting in the gallery section and it appeared people were actually removing clothing parts on the bottom row. Is it true?
No, this is not true. I worked the show up front and it was a great crowd.
After I read the story, I realized that it was just the older people dancing. How it got from older people dancing to taking clothes off reminds me of playing the game "telephone" as a child.
If you have any videos we would love to see them. I'm glad you enjoyed the concert, you never know what is going to happen at an Adam Lambert show.
OK review... and I might have a few things to say about more of it, but one thing I'd change for sure is this line:
"Still, Lambert is a more confident, charismatic performer than scores of Idol alumni."
Changed to:
Adam Lambert is a more confident, charasmatic performer than just about anyone out there today!
Thank you, I was just thinking the same thing! My words exactly! Glamily love, yeah!
TY!! There's always someone who does my work 4 me :)))
Yes @adamlambert is a more confident talented performer. Also, @AllisonIraheta is part of the glamily. Allison is a soulful, rocker with a voice that cuts to your soul. Thank you for letting us see both of them on tour. Both will be superstars!! Rock on Allie!!
I must say, my two favorite songs on the album are Strut & SureFire Winners. Go figure... otherwise, I agreed with your review. Thanks!
I'm already horrified that Broken Open was removed, totally love SFW and Strut both and love what he's done with the dancing,choreography and costuming as well. SFW should be a top empowerment song.
Sure Fire Winners is one of my (if not my absolute) favorite songs....I hope he sings it forever - the band rocks, he shines, people get happy - it's a showcase song....
kansas Thu,
Sure Fire Winners is one of my favorite album tracks, and I think it should be his next US single. (Or SleepWalker, I love them both so.)
Maybe it's a Kansas thang....
What an absolutely Adamazing, brilliant concert Adam treated us with last night. I am so glad I got to see it and can't wait til he has more material under his belt to blow us away with. Btw, if you don't already own his album For Your Entertainment, run out (don't walk) and buy it now!
This is an excellent review of the show! The energy was amazing last night! JOEY!! You didn't show up to Hard Rock! I was so ready to Glam you up! :P
Thanks for your review Joey. I was simply blown away by Adam last night. His voice, his dancing, and his positive energy. I am still feeling the glow. This man is AMAZING! The Houston crowd was really into it, and it was so fun to be a part of it all. I will definitely go see Adam again!
Went to the concert last night and Adam looked and sounded amazing! But didn't hear him sing For Your Entertainment.. just wondering what happened??
For Your Entertainment is a pretty grueling song to sing live, probably more than his already demanding set. Adam can do it live but I'm guessing that they decided to leave it off of the setlist because it would cause too much strain on his voice to sing it live for as many concerts as he would be doing over the summer.
So instead a remix is played as an intro to the concert.
He has never sung this song live in the US after the AMA. He has oversees and it did very well.
Actually Adam sang For Your Entertainment live at New Years Eve Gridlock show.
He also sang it live in Seattle, WA, when I saw him there. The set was 90 min and his encore was 3 or 4 songs not 1. The show is was definitly shorter last night.
thanks for the enthusiastic review. For those of us that are too far away to attend the concert it is so lovely to have a article covering the show. Also, great reference to Project Runway. Another favorite here.
I enjoyed the show soooooo much. Everyone stood through Adam's whole show. I am so glad I got to go see him in concert, it is one I will never forget. He makes you feel so alive. GREAT show Adam !!!!
I must share a beautiful story guys. My 14-year-old son with autism, multiple disabilities, nonverbal, sways back and forth to his music. He also has seizures. Throughout his life, he has inspired so many people and he is loved by so many, too. We had to make a hard decision not to buy tickets to see Adam because I needed to get him some intensive help. Last week my friend saw my Facebook post that Adam was going to be in town and oh, the sacrifices we make for our children. She not only bought us 3 tickets, but 4, to have extra space and gave us spending money for swag. I was 50% petrified and 50% excited not being sure how he was going to respond to a situation like this. This kid was almost catatonic at 18 months and here he was fitting right in. For 75 minutes (we stayed in the lobby for Alison just to make sure he was going to be okay) seeing Adam, I got to experience what most parents take for granted: My son could enjoy an activity like every other teenager could without standing out as "strange" and I got to feel what a true inclusion moment was like. I was crying tears of joy. Amazing, amazing experience. Thanks to Cori Stevenson at Hobby Center and Carolina who were prepared for worst-case scenario for my son (seizure). Thank goodness it didn't happen.
As a special education teacher this story made me tear up. I could only imagine having a son with autism. It is great that you got to feel what other parents take for granted. This is my favorite fan story that I have read in the past year!
What a lovely story! I had tears in my eyes as I read it. Although, he couldn't express it, I hope your son really enjoyed the show. There have been so many inspirational stories that are attached to Adam's name. He brings out the kind human connections in people. It is reflection of who he is and one of the reasons why I love him.
PBMOM,
I have an 8 year old with autism who is slightly verbal and has multiple disabilities and I am moved to tears by your comment about your son-I hesitated to bring my son to an Adam concert,although I have attended several, due to his young age, the noise and the lasers triggering possible seizures. He watches Adam videos with me and listen's to his music- he dances and calls him 'his man'. There is just something about this lovely special man with a beautiful loving spirit, and his singular angelic voice, that touches a chord in our children( and ourselves, for that matter) that is hard to explain, but should be rejoiced, because it only happens once in a generation.
Thank you so much for sharing, it is so appreciated.
It got even better. As we turned the street that evening to come home, he said, "I'm home." We do hear occasional sentences out of him, but he had not uttered a sound since leaving Hobby Center. We pulled into the driveway, he said the same thing. Then he ran to bed as if exhausted, but stayed up until 1:30 a.m. and was up and ready to go to school Thursday at 6:45 (very happy, too). Something good happened to Patrick's brain that evening. When he went to school on Thursday, he seemed more organized motor-wise. For weeks now, they attend an inflatable jumping place. He usually just puts his hands on his ears and watches. Thursday, however, every time his peer would come out of the chute, he would tell them "hi." He came sooooo close to going into the play area himself; he pushed his teacher and told her to go, and she said, "Oh no, you have to go first." But it was the closest he's been so far. She said this was the first time all week (his regular teacher is off on her honeymoon) that he has organized, focused, on-task. She said she didn't know what kind of magic happened at that concert last night, but she thought there was an effect. I said, "There was a lot of good energy and love in that room from people young and old." Told her about the dancing on the main level. She said she may need to make it a required field trip next time he is in town. I thought that was cute. I need to send you the links to the video I took of him and some pictures on Twitter.
Fantastic review! You really captured the whole vibe of the concert, basically pure fun from rawkin opener All to the dance party intermission all the way through Adam's incredible vocal powerhouse set. Love this guy, can't wait to see what he does next!
Great review. I flew to New York to see the show on Staten Island. Absolutely incredible! Once is not enough. I'm already saving my money for Adam's next tour. If you don't already have a ticket to one of Adam's remaining shows in the US, do yourself a favor and get one ASAP. You certainly won't regret it.
Thanks for telling the truth about the Glam Nation concert and Adam's performance. There are reviewers out there who write horrible things to discourage people from liking him or seeing his tour as a success. It IS successful! I've seen him this summer on more than one occasion and it's such a thrill. The whole audience is so supportive and they are such a fun group so, who can help but go back for more Adam? I sure couldn't. The Glam Nation Tour is a happening and it's nice when reviewers tell it like it really is.
So Mr. Guerra you didn't attend the concert because you felt guilty? According to the Houston Press the only reason why people attend Adam Lambert concerts or why RCA signed him up is because he's gay. Everyone is just trying to assuage their guilt. LMAO. So Mr. Guerra are there lots of crazy folks in Texas who write stuff like that. I'm surprised there were younger people in the audience these last few nights. It was a school night and Adam doesn't come on until 10:00pm. I figured the crowd would be older because of that. There's going to be some tired kids tomorrow. Their young they can handle it. Love the song Soaked I think it really shows off his talent.
Sorry to disagree with you but I was really disappointed with Allison Iraheta. She over-sung may of her songs- and she shouted more often than she sang. I honestly couldn,t wait for her set to be over.
Love the review! Sounds like it was an awesome show! Adam is an amazing talent, and it's so exciting to see him bring the Glam across the country, and soon, around the world. He deserves every success!
Adam brought it like he always does...I had the time of my life
Nice to read a review from not only someone with musical knowledge, but also someone who "gets" Adam Lambert. Your line about Project Runway cracked me up!
Love that you stated the obvious here:
"This isn't just screaming, as some folks would like you to believe. If it was, more people would be doing it."
Never understand when people call his perfetcly on pitch rock wails, sreams! Oh well!
Anyway, thanks for a great review! BTW, SFW is one of my favorite songs in the show. Although last night's was a bit different! LOL!
Great review. You really seem to get Adam and his music. Adam is a rare talent and it's wonderful to see him recognized by writers such as yourself.I loved the Project Runway mention.Thank you.
PBMom thank you for sharing your wonderful story. I'm happy you and your son enjoied the concert.
PBMOM, I am in tears. Inclusion is what Adam is all about. Thank you for a lovely story!
Thank you for your honest review. You get Mr. Lambert, as does his fans. He is on that stage for an entertaining and fun evening. As some reviewers have written--it is an arena production (the show, not the expense) in a more intimate venue. Of course, none of it would work if Adam didn't have the amazing vocals to go with the visuals. After one concert, my husband is now hooked on Adam, even willing to pay 5X the face value because tickets are hard to come by. I can't tell you how many singers I've seen throughout my life, and Adam's entire package (vocals, charisma, entertainer, looks) beats them all by miles.
Enjoyed your review. Never could understand why some people insist he is screaming. There aren't many singers out there like him, who can actually sing live, without autotune. He put on a great show!!!
Awesome concert - so much positive energy and downright happiness. Totally loved it - entire crowd on their feet through the full set, dancing, singing, screaming, and clapping for this sweet, shiny boy with a golden voice. Er, sexy too, I might add. Good thing it was an hour, might have dropped dead after a longer set. Going again Friday night in Oklahoma! Yay!
Although I have not been able to see Adam on tour I am a huge fan of his and I am so glad someone finally mentioned that fact that Adam does not scream. Thank you for that! I am so tired of those who are not musically inclined and those who should be(some music critics)who have mentioned Adam's "screaming". It makes me want to shake them and educate them on what a well trained multi-octave voice sounds like. Adam is a true gem in the music biz The "real deal" and I know he's going to be even bigger than he is now given some time.
AMAZING show, for sure! (with truly the most diverse audience I've ever seen in terms of age) My only complaint was that there wasn't MORE! :) I can't wait to see what he will continue to contribute. Adam's voice is truly inspirational, a gift from God that I am thankful he's sharing with the world.
Thank you for writing an actual review. I get so tired of so-called reviewers who make up an article based on their own particular biases and seemingly ignoring the facts. I believe everyone is entitled to an opinion regarding art - that is what art is supposed to evoke. As an added bonus, it was well-written!
Bringing down other Idol alumni to prop Adam up is completely unnecessary and childish. I've seen one of the ones mentioned more than once and he is far from uncharismatic and has scores of confidence. Lack of lasers or costume changes isn't a lack of charisma.
Anyway, that being said, Adam really is a great performer. When I saw him, my only complaint was that his set was entirely too short. Allison Iraheta was incredible as well. It's a damn shame people are passing her over for the likes of Justin Bieber and Ke$ha.
Just chiming in to say that I enjoyed your article and agree that Adam Lamberts biggest asset is his voice. There is a lot of noise around him because he can be controversial but I don't think anyone would be interested if he couldn't deliver with those vocals! Thanks for the great photos too!
I was there last night as well. Drove 4 hours to see him and it was well worth it. Saw 14 year old teens dancing next to 80 year old ladies. Had a 40 something biker dude sitting next to me, 5 teens in front of me, a pretty gay boy on the other side of me and 6 male theater majors from a local university behind me.There were many more men there then I was expecting but us ladies know what we like and we like us some Lambert! Now that is a diverse crowd. Adam looked and sounded great. I am with you on Alli, it's a shame that she and her label parted ways recently. I love the tone in her voice.
I appreciated reading a review from someone who actually saw the show. I think you understand what Adam is all about. And for those who don't feel that Adam's style is their cup of tea, I hope they are unbiased enough to admit that he is an amazingly talented performer.
Adam IS absolutely my cup of tea, and coffee, and everything else. I've been lucky enough to go to 3 shows and I was blown away each time. I'm a fan for life!
And thank you for noticing how awesomely talented Allison Iraheta is. She deserves so much more airplay than she has been given and I hope that whichever label is smart enough to grab her, now that Jive has let her go, will promote her the right way. She is a star in the making.
sooo loved Allison
my mom rocked out 2 her..
I had a entertaining time!! Which is what Lambert intended.
kinda luv the guy.
Great review! Saw Lambert in Costa Mesa with some friends and we had a blast! If he comes back to LA I'm going again even if I have to skip a semester to pay for it!
Great review! Saw Lambert in Costa Mesa with some friends and we had a blast! If he comes back to LA I'm going again even if I have to skip a semester to pay for it!
good review, I can't wait to see him in concert! :)
You hit the nail on the head about his voice being his greatest asset. It is what caught my attention first, but since then (about a year ago) I'm falling in love with many more aspects of Mr. Lambert. Voice first, but love his dancing, charm, charisma, good looks, personality, risk-taking, trendsetting, sex-appeal and so much more - this man has lots of talents. I love what he put together for Glamnation and can't wait to hear/see what's next from him. Awww, you don't like Sure Fire Winners and Strut - I kinda love the dance routine to Strut, and the jacket, ha!
The next best thing to actually being at Adam's concerts is to follow the twitter page, glamfansunite, where attendees at the concert are tweeting constant updates about what Adam is doing and how they are personally feeling about it. The most used phrases are "OMG!" "Epic!" And, "the best concert I have ever been to!"
I have an 8 year old with autism who is slightly verbal and has multiple disabilities and I am moved to tears by PBMOM's story about her 14 year son with autism and disabilities-I hesitated to bring my son to an Adam concert, although i have attended several, due to his young age, the loud noise and screaming,and the lasers triggering possible seizures. He watches Adam videos with me and listen's to his music- he dances and calls him 'his man'. There is just something about this lovely special man with a beautiful loving and positive spirit, and his singular angelic voice, that touches a chord in our children( and ourselves, for that matter) that is hard to explain, but should be rejoiced, because it only comes along once in a generation.
Thank you so much for sharing, PBMOM, it is so appreciated.
Thanks for the great review, but a few points need expanding on. Voodoo and Down the Rabbit Hole are not obscure to his fans. They are just not on the US Release. Also, the fact that he has only one disc does not mean there is not a lot of material for him to sing. There are 13 tracks on the US album. He could sing every one of them (they are that good) plus Can't Let You Go. Because of the grueling tour schedule, he has to keep the show shorter and easier on the voice and that's why it appears to you there's not a lot of songs. Appreciate very much the loving commentary on his talent and his fabulous and diverse fanbase.
Ha Ha..looks like the crowd had fun. Why were kids there? It's a school night and the show doesn't get over until late. Wish my parents were so understanding.
Adam Lambert is THE biggest force to be reckoned with on any stage right now or any that I can remember. I will follow his career till the end of time. There are NO other artists I would say that for.
thank you so much for this review. Lambert is really an inspiration. Imagine making a lot of people love music again and enjoy dancing...Thank you Adam!!!
thank you so much for this review. Lambert is really an inspiration. Imagine making a lot of people love music again and enjoy dancing...Thank you Adam!!!
I unfortunately could not make but thank you suz for the fantasic
videos and thank you Joey for the review
Great review. Can't wait his concert in H K.
First sentence: "Hobby Center is usually reserved for musicals, tasteful dance performances and highfalutin music." I think Adam Lambert brought all that to the beautiful Sarofim Hall. I Love his voice, music, drama, moves, and personality. (LOL to the "business casual look") He's getting there! And Allison Iraheta!! Yes!! Totes get on that record deal! She sooo deserves to be up on that stage with her rockin" pipes. wow! Thanks for the sane review Joey. hugs
I'm happy that Adam could return to this theatre performing his own show for an audience of dedicated fans as well as those who are just now being introduced to him. I'm fortunate to have seen him perform live on six occasions and have had the privilege of meeting him personally. He not only entertains and intrigues with his masterfully delivered performances, but on a personal level he is warm, kind and genuine. This is not news to anyone who shares these experiences, it just bears repeating for anyone who hasn't. Like a thoroughbred warming up, what has been seen from him so far is just the tip of the iceberg.
First sentence: "Hobby Center usually reserved for musicals, tasteful dance performances and highfalutin music"...i think Adam brought ALL that to the beautiful Sarofim Hall. I love his music, his moves, personality and the glitz. (LOL on the "business casual look" Trendsetter he is.
And Allison Iraheta!!! Totes get on that record deal Joey!! She sooo deserves success too. Thanks for the sane review! muahh!
Thank you for the well written and thoughtful review.
"I think this is his business casual look" LOL!
Great review, thank you for getting it.
I saw Adam in Raleigh and Myrtle Beach and I agree with this review. I do take offense to the statement that SFW and Strut are throw away songs. SFW is INCREDIBLE live. This and Sleepwalker are the two songs that he really gets to show those incredible high notes on.
While I do not agree with the entirety of your review, I think it is fair and well-written compared to that piece of garbage in Houston Press. Adam's music might not appeal to everyone but I think one would have to be stone deaf to say that he doesn't sing well or is not talented vocal-wise. His charisma, artistry and nice personality are icing on the cake.
"Still, Lambert is a more confident, charismatic performer than scores of Idol alumni."
Funny, but telling, that the clip of Kris Allen that you linked is of a 23 year old, saddled with the worst coronation song in Idol history. The almost 29 year old Lambert had better be more accomplished by now. He is as good as he is ever going to get. You should check the recent reviews for Kris Allen's performances. He got great reviews as the special guest for both Maroon5 and Keith Urban. The now 25 year old has grown leaps and bounds in performance skills since his Idol days, and continues to improve.
That photo of the crowd tells the Lambert story. The average age looks to be 50+. He will have a ready made audience for when he sets up shop in Vegas in a year or two.
the whole experience of Adam was over in a flash; but it was indeed a dream come true for me to see and hear him live. I had no idea that he performed here in brigadoon; his comment that he was glad the constellations were still here made my night! Thanks for your fair review and the pictures.
@ muzi who said: "That photo of the crowd tells the Lambert story. The average age looks to be 50+. He will have a ready made audience for when he sets up shop in Vegas in a year or two."
You're delusional, keep dreaming. While Kris Allen can't sell out a 400 seat venue Adam is drawing full houses in venues from 1500 to >10,000. (50,000 in Quebec). Are they ALL 50+ AND HIS >2 MILLION UNITS SOLD US ONLY ALL 50+ IN AGE?
See how silly that sounds when you write it out. It's even MORE ridiculous when you see OTHER photos even on Twitter, Meet & Greets, standing in line, and see who donated the $100,000 award winning amount from one of his fan groups to Donors Choose in Adam's name. ONTD_AI most of whom are under 25 and plenty of them Lesbian women.
Meanwhile Allen AND Maroon5 together the last week of August couldn't beat the box office the same week Lambert outsold them with no openers LMAO.
And lets just pretend Adam ends up in Vegas only for a moment. What venue in Vegas would take Allen? The 100 seat diner outside of town?
OH HAI. Did you read what Keith Urban said about Kris Allen opening for him. "I don't know, it's something the PTB but together"."his management reached out to ours and we thought it'd be a good fit". Before you ever read any of his ringing endorsements LOLLLLLLLL
Since you all liked the short version of our story (about my son with autism), if you Google: Adam Lambert Hobby Center PBMom it will take you to the blog I wrote on the 15th if you are interested in reading the longer version. Thank you all. The fans were a part of the magic that night, too.
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