DIAMANDA GALAS SWEDEN CONCERT REVIEW & PHOTOS, BY EVIL QUEEN YUKIRO. AVANTGARDE GOTH OPERATIC SINGER & PIANIST.
The Evil Queen Bitch is back! Yukiro Dravarious will be doing some guest posts, so you’ll see more of his Fashion-Forward looks on my blog. And guess what. He’s starting a Visual Gothic band in Tokyo. Can’t wait to tell you more.
Let’s begin with Yukiro’s concert review of Diamanda Galas, the witchy-woman vocalist and pianist. Take it away, my dark one. (All photos below by Yukiro, except the third by Kristofer Buckle.)
My Swedish partner in crime Linn/Johan bought tickets to the Diamanda Galas concert in excitement. We went to Uppsala by bus from Stockholm, which was a big mistake. It took twice as long as the train and was not one kronor cheaper. We noticed that we had come to the right place when “interesting” looking people started to gather. The new Konsert & Kongress hall was beautiful and big — a perfect place for a gothic Mega Queen like Diamanda.
We had second row tickets, so we were basically as close as we could be to Diamanda Galas. Before she entered the stage, some guy screamed HAIL! and everyone shut their traps. At first we thought it was part of the show but we soon realized it was just some random guy screaming. Awesome.
Everything turned black and then a lot of foggy smoke spread from the stage. One spotlight shone on a black classic piano standing in the center. The diva came out and the audience went crazy. She didn’t look as old as someone told me she’d be. I’d say she looked vampire-ishly fresh for her age.
The half-Greek, half American performer played the piano like only she can. She’s described in a Swedish paper as an undead salamander-queen out to take revenge upon the living. Serious, unlimited and frightening: Diamanda puts on an emotional show that is unique and amazing.
The concert tour was called “The Refugee.” It’s dedicated to people who have been forced to flee due to their lifestyles or ethnic backgrounds. Diamanda is a well-known fighter against homophobia and religious dogmatism. Her voice breaks all the boundaries; the piano was explosive and virtuous. With her provocative ways, she tells us not only that it’s possible to break every wall of discrimination but also to live out your inner mad world.
The repertoire was mostly old Greek traditional and re-made tunes, or songs by Jacques Brel. She played both of my favorites, “Heaven Have Mercy” and “Gloomy Sunday”. They’re covers, but you can barely hear the original similarities.
Her Highness played three encores. When she finally took her flowers and thanked the audience, all of us stood up for the fabulous queen! It was an honor to see her live, and I hope she continues for a long time.
Coming up… Yukiro will bring you exclusive dispatches from Tokyo Spookyville. Is there anything in particular you’d like to see?
PS: Today, Seba and I had a thrilling phone call with a Goth-cute fashion brand that I know you love. We’re working with them on a fashion design to benefit Japan! More info ASAP — as well as a giant clothing giveaway.
Song of the Day: Diamanda Galas – Gloomy Sunday
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LA CARMINA
30 Comments
:D Yukiro is awesome, welcome back. * happy dance *
Yay!
I love him !!! He’s adorable <3 <3 <3 HURRAY FOR YOUR RETURN !!!! The third picture … I LOVE IT !!!
Thanks La la !!
<3 I'm glad to have him back too!
AWESOME :3
wow! thank you so much! <3
Love to write for you soon again
Please do!
I can’t wait to hear about Yukiro’s band! o: I totally love his voice
And wow is Diamanda Galas the most stunning person I’ve ever seen ._. And what she believes in really touches my heart.
I am beyond excited for Yukiro’s new band. Can’t wait to see them live.
Thanks! new info about my new band EOW(eclipse of Wallachia) will be posted very soon <3<3
epic!!
I can’t wait! > o< And super cool name
I’m a big fan of Diamanda. Thanks for bringing us into her world Yukiro.
I love her music too.
I was so happy! I wanted to see her live for ages!! <3
I like very much the dress of Yukiro~
Grettings from Chile guys !
Carmina, thanks for the live reports, I really like them !
<2
<3
*cough* yukiro san *cough* asthhetics…..>.>….<.< nyah?
well done
Nice post Yukiro, you have nice hands. I don’t know if this is a good or bad thing; You have a slight resemblance to my Sister Lindsay without all your makeup
your sister must be very pretty XD thanks
^^
oohhh they best come to manchester (uk) ^_^
Awesome!
I love it! *_*
wooooooow!! So much power!!!!!! XDD
Yes!
I’m sure that’s going to be awesome!
Happy returns Yukiro! Awesome post! You’ve probably heard this before, but Paradise Kiss is one of my all-time favorite shojo’s and you look like you were born to be the real-life version of Isabella! ^.^
Yukiro should be the Rose of Versailles princess!