prussell716

well.. Montauk is at the very tip of Long Island - beyond the Hamptons... it's a rather exclusive area... and, yes, Rufus has a home in Montauk (he's said it's where he feels most at home - no wonder why!!! ) and the event was sponsored by NBC and Mastercard... and Mastercard released a limited number of VIP tickets... I think ~50 or so... (all you had to do was register with your MC #... and you got the VIP ticket) it couldn't have been more than a 100 or so people I would guess... I think most of the people were MC or NBC employees - it had the feel of a business weekend getaway... with an evening on the beach at Gurney's... and hey - we have this guy - Rufus Wainwright - who is going to sing a few songs.

so this past Saturday was a little event in Montauk, NY... a Mastercard Priceless campaign offered VIP tickets if you had a Mastercard... so I took the 5 hour or so ride up for the day to check it out Turned out to be well worth it! I posted a spot in the RWMB... but thought a couple here might be interested... Arrived to the show early to find the show was to be performed on a small stage on the beach... with the ocean as the backdrop. A roped area with about 10 sofas with pillows was reserved for VIP guests (i.e. - you have a Mastercard??? hello VIP). There were worries about the weather - as clouds were rolling in as show time approached... but in true Rufus form - not a drop fell from the sky until well after the show finished Rufus performed for about 45 minutes... including 2 newly written songs Grey Gardens This Love Affair Sanssouci Old Paint - with Loudon Hallelujah Montauk - new, written for Viva Song of You - new, written for Jorn Cigs and Chocolate Milk and GTAT as an 'encore' The setting was simply amazing... with the sounds of the ocean waves crashing on the beach during the quiet moments. Loudon was there... clad in a Wainwright St. Louis Cardinal Baseball Jersey for 'team Wainwright'... and joined for Old Paint. Rufus seemed in very good spirits... joking throughout... describing his attire as dressing like a 'sea hag'... with his scarf and pin etc The highlight of the performance was when Rufus announced that we were in for a treat... and he would perform 2 songs that he'd just written for the first time. Montauk for Viva - a love song about Viva and her relationship with her 2 Dads .. 'one day.. you'll come to Montauk...' with lyrics about her Dad and 'other Dad'... the 2nd new song for Jorn - who wanted a song written for him - Song of You. I don't really think words can describe the setting... I haven't experienced a concert in this type of atmosphere... very intimate and in the sand in front of the Atlantic in Montauk... pretty magical... the hor devours being passed throughout... and the cocktails that were kept flowing didn't hurt either I uploaded a couple videos to youtube... and a few pictures... Pictures - Rufus in Montauk

Well... I love Invisible Light... and it's dramatic they way Jake and Ana exit and return with the altered costumes... I can see why it is the last song... If I were doing the set list though... I would make Invisible Light the last song before the encore... and Filthy Gorgeous the last song... That's my favorite one for them to close with... with Jake flashing the audience as he exits of course - lol

so... back from the UK... a trip planned around the House of Rufus event at the Royal Opera House in London... I got the added bonus of 2 Scissor Sister shows book-ending my trip The Sisters headlined for 2 music Festivals that I was able to make- Lovebox in London July 17th and Splendour in Nottingham July 24th. Lovebox was a sloppy mess - rain leading up to and on the day of the show (it was a 3 day festival - last night featuring the Scissor Sisters on "Gay Day"). Luckily the skies cleared by the time Blondie (the set preceding the Sisters) came out. Blondie actually put on a great set - was impressed with Debbie's energy and the way she worked the crowd. The Scissor Sisters set was brief - about an hour... but, as usual, full of energy. The highlight - hands down - was bringing Beth Ditto on (Beth was the act before Blondie) for Tits on the Radio - she rocked the vocals - Ana and Jake were pretty giddy to have her join. Splendour was the last day of my trip - and the weather was gorgeous. I'm not really a fan of music festivals... again Blondie was the act preceding Jake and the gang. I'm used to being up front for the Sisters... but was with a group that are 'less obsessive' than myself .. so arrived in time for Blondie... and was able to get about 3 deep from the stage - which wasn't too bad. Blondie again wowed the crowd (it was her 66th birthday!). The Sisters did a longer set for this show... about an hour and a half It was a big crowd - over 20000 - there to primarily see the SS... I'm not used to an audience as big as love loving my Sisters - so it was really cool to witness. Ana spotted me... and after that song apologized to the crowd and asked people to move and let me up to the front/center next to some very nice UK VIP fans... and introduced me to the crowd etc. A very cool moment... I love those guys I have the set list for that show... Night Work Any Which Way Laura Tits Harder You Get Running Out Take Your Mama Out Kiss You Off Fire With Fire (dedicated to Amy Winehouse - told us to hug our friends and sing with them) Skin this Cat Comfortably Numb Paul McCartney Filthy Gorgeous Encore: I Don't Feel Like Dancin' Invisible Light Rufus and family, Jake and Ana and the Sisters - don't think I'll ever be able to top this week. Here are a couple pictures from the 2 Scissor Sister shows Lovebox & Splendour

you're welcome It was wonderful... and vocally I think he is at his best. It was just so nice to see the happy nature of them all... there have been so many gut-wrenching shows since Kate's passing (May's tribute shows in NYC - the first night was difficult to watch at times as the emotions were so open)... and not that they're over the loss of their mother... (Over the Rainbow was teary)... but both Rufus and Martha really beamed throughout the week Anyways... will head to the Sisters thread today

let me see if this works.. a couple pix throughout the week... House of Rufus Pictures

yep - funny you should say that... Agreed. Home from quite a trip to London to see Rufus and his gang... as well as the Scissor Sisters to boot Amazing... the nights are starting to blend together a bit... Opening night was the first of 2 Judy shows... I hadn't seen one of his Judy shows live before; I've only seen the DVD. Rufus' voice now really, at least in my opinion, is much better than before. I'd say that it was a little more casual than the earlier Judy's... the banter was more like his usual... not referencing Judy's concert as much. It was slightly shorter - a few songs were cut (I don't even know which - not missed)... no Lorna Luft (a blessing ). And most touching was Over the Rainbow... with no Kate... started the song without the usual piano accompaniment. Martha - as always - killed Stormy Weather and Someone to Watch Over Me... her outfit did draw some gasps - lol - she wore a kind of striped body suit Night 2 was Martha and Rufus... Martha did the first 'act'... debuted a couple new tunes - 1 rocker that knocked out the crowd. She really sets the bar high for her brother to follow after the interval. But of course Rufus delivers. It's been a long time since seeing him live with a band - it was such a treat! He leaned towards older material... Foolish Love, an amazing Tower of Learning, Beautiful Child, Poses, April Fools... the Don't Go Breaking my Heart posted above (it was just wonderful to see he and Martha being happy and silly... after the somber tones of recent shows this past year since Kate's passing... this was actually kind of moving in spite of the silliness ) Night 3 was Loudon and Rufus... I missed a good portion of Loudon unfortunately (due to a coughing bout - I exited the theater as not to cough through the whole performance). I know that Lucy joined him for a few songs (Love Hurts). Rufus' portion had some of the same songs from the previous night... but added Down Where the Drunkards Roll, Come a Long Way... One Man Guy (with Rufus, Loudon, Lucy, and Martha together on 1 microphone - Lucy's idea)... and Poses, with them all -- to die for. Night 4 was another round of Judy... same set list as Night 1... but I would say a little rushed - at least in the first half. It was Rufus' birthday... Martha performed this night in a tutu - - I think it was kind of an 'up yours' to some reviewers who had criticized her outfit the first night (the reviewers raved over her performance though)... She brought Arcangelo on the stage to sing Happy Birthday And the finale Night 5 - Prima Donna excerpts and Rufus with the orchestra. Rufus was in the royal box (with Jorn who arrived that morning) for the first half of the show. Janis Kelly (Regine from PD) and Rebecca Batone (Marie from the UK productions of PD) performed concert versions of selected arias from Prima Donna. Then we were treated to Rufus with the Britten Sinfonia All week Rufus pushed this show (I think ticket sales were great for the other 4 - lighter for this one - but it looked packed - so maybe his sales pitches worked)... he joked throughout the week that he was going to fall apart this night. He did 2 Berlioz numbers (Le Spectre de la rose and Absence) that he had been criticized for performing earlier (I loved them)... Oh What a World, This Love Affair, Little Sister, Millbrook, Dinner at 8 etc... Rebecca joined him for "If I Loved You" from Carousel - Rebecca is amazing - what a voice! Janis and Rebecca joined for a couple also (Kitty Come Home... and a couple others). He was in great spirit all week... stage door scenes were rather quick and mobbed... he quickly autographed and said hellos most nights... sweet as always. I have a few pictures (not all great... cameras were not supposed to be permitted... but there was no checking of bags etc.) I'll see if I can get a few together to share. So in a nutshell - WOW! Just WOW. So proud of Rufus - an unprecedented event at the Royal Opera House... he joked during his final set... something like "see, I tricked you... I got my opera in the Royal Opera House". It was an amazing several nights... sad that it's over!

Thanks! Uber-excited... especially since the Scissor Sisters added a couple shows that week too Jake told me that he is going to the first show July 18th I'll come back and give some highlights and the Box-set is Really pricey --- especially for fans that already have most of what's in it!

Great Picture with Jake BangBangLou!! Agree that he is absolutely the sweetest And don't feel bad koolj - we can't do them all... they have extended the run of Tales again (the 3rd extension - very good sign!!) - now through July 31st... so maybe you'll get a chance to go And the half sold Baltimore show was a shame - poorly advertised... I brought a big group of people to the show and did what I could to get the word out - just a shame because I doubt that they'll come back to Baltimore - grrrr

been a while since I've logged in here... has anyone caved and ordered the Rufus Box set??? http://store.universal-music.co.uk/restofworld/house-of-rufus/boxsetrufus-wainwright-house-of-rufus/invt/0602527706528/

Been a while since I've been on here... have had some fun with the Sisters the past couple weeks. Tales of the City had it's world premier in San Francisco June 1st/ press premier May 31st (Jake and JJ Garden did the score)... was lucky enough to be there both nights. Just fantastic - the hometown crowd was an easy sell of course... the audience was clapping to the music and whooping and hollering BEFORE the opening curtain - was an electric atmosphere There are rumors that the show may go to London's West End next - would be a great fit for it - and Tales is huge over there. Hoping it makes it to Broadway... I'm biased - but think it has a good chance! Laura Linney was there for the June 1st show If you have the chance to go see it - please do it! Jake was SO appreciative for the support - I couldn't be more proud of him Also heard Jake and Babydaddy are going to be doing the music to the movie version of Fragglerock! http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2011/jun/15/scissor-sisters-fraggle-rock-movie Busy boys! The Sisters also came to my neck of the woods and put on 2 great shows in DC and Baltimore... DC was sold out - but Baltimore - which is only 30 miles away - was just over half sold. Still the atmosphere was great - very filthy and energetic shows... same set list basically as previous Night Work shows... and they've put Fire with Fire back on the set list They've added a bunch of festival type shows in the UK in July - and luckily I'll be able to go to a couple as I'm over there for some Rufus dates and a vacation

There's a little bit of news... coming this year is a limited edition Box Set don't know what gems will be included... but I'm looking forward to it!! from http://www.rufuswainwright.com Rufus Box Set Due Later This Year Rufus There are plans afoot to release a beautiful limited edition box set of Rufus' recordings this year. Rufus has spent the last few months trawling through various archives and listening to some cracking outtakes and demos. The full details have yet to come together but click here if you'd like to be kept informed. It's shaping up to being a thing of beauty!

You're Welcome I knew a couple peeps might be interested Plus - just saw from their Facebook status that they'll be on Letterman tonight! Scissor Sisters: "Make sure to tune into CBS at 11:35PM tonight to catch your Scisstors performing 'Running Out' on the Letterman show!"

A new date has been added (not a Gaga date) for our US west coasters San Francisco - The Warfield April 15th Tickets on sale this Sunday... some kind of presale this Friday - but I can't seem to find any info on what type of presale it is:boxed: Ticket Info They are also in the line up for the Bonnaroo Music Festival June 9-11 in Machester, Tennessee... afraid I can't make either of these - Bonnaroo

yeah - it's likely it will be only a brief set for Rufus... still fun though - hope it works out! And Jake's Musical is 'Tales of the City'... from Armistead Maupin's book/chronicle set in San Francisco... there are previews in May... the press preview is the 31st - then the official world premier is June 1st (those 2 specific shows are sold out I think)... but they just extended the run until July 3rd I think... here's a link Tales Don't know if anyone saw this either - from Next Magazine in NYC... it's a giveaway - Jake and Rufus together photographed by/chatting with Tim Hailand... Jake talks a bit about Tales here... fun read Next

are you sure??? I think the VIPs are getting a special treat!! and Rufus is #17 on AfterElton's Top 50 Gay Male Artist list... (Mika's on there too! ) After Elton's list

Merry Christmas - a Christmas oldie you may have seen

aaw... well... Lulu may not be the most approachable of Rufus' CDs... it's pretty somber... a lot of grieving over what was going on with his mother etc. I will say that I don't think you get the full impact until you see it live... I think it's truly magnificent. The piano is astonishing... saw it for my last time last night in Delaware Here are a few pix of the show... as we were permitted to take pictures/videos for the last couple of shows... http://s249.photobucket.com/albums/gg232/prussell716/Rufus%20Wainwright%20%20Delaware%20%20Dec%2014%202010/ He did a duet of Pretty Things with Lucy - which I hadn't ever seen as a duet before

hmmmmm... the Invisible Light Video is out... One my favorite songs on the cd but I don't think I am liking or understanding the video http://pitchfork.com/tv/#/musicvideo/9989-scissor-sisters-invisible-light-boysnoize Plus --- they've edited out part of Sir Ian's spoken part ---- grrrrrrrrr

Yay -- I heard there was a lot of snow in Glasgow... I'm glad the show went on!! How was Jake feeling --- was he using his falsetto? I'm glad you enjoyed the show!

So glad that you enjoyed it Christine - would have LOVED to have seen Teddy and Rufus do The Maker Makes in person!! Have returned home from a trip to NYC to see the Carnegie Show... exhausted - but so well worth it! Rufus was in such a good mood - very obviously proud of himself :biggrin2: Having a solo performance at Carnegie Hall was a big deal for him I think... and he quickly announced that Prima Donna will come to City Opera in NYC in 2012! Lulu was close to perfect... we were treated to lots of Judy with Stephen Oremus on piano... and Martha was there with Arcangelo too! Lots of celebs in attendance... Loudon, Suzi Roche, Antony, Justin Bond, Cherry Vanilla, Tim Hailand, Martha Stewart, Julianne Moore and Michael Stipe were in the audience. Wasn't going to wait at the stage door - as it was FREEZING - but some friends wandered and we followed... and quickly Rufus emerged - hurried - but we got to say hi... and I got a birthday wish (as my friend said - Rufus..it's Paul's birthday) so all in all - a wonderful night. And to find out we are encouraged to take pix and videos - can't wait for next week! We weren't supposed to take pix at this show - and I had a new camera that I was getting used to... but I did get a few... a couple nice ones of Martha and Arcangelo... Here's a link to some photos if interested ... will get better ones next week! http://s249.photobucket.com/albums/gg232/prussell716/Carnegie%202010/

well I don't think it's by choice that Jake is refraining from the falsetto - he's been sick and has apologized for his inability to use the upper regions of his range:wink2: Hopefully he'll get better soon... while I'm sure it's still a great show... his high notes rock and koolj5... For Tales in SF... I'm going to be at the May 31st, June 1st and June 3rd shows... hope that you'll be around for 1 of those!

Christmas and birthday are taken care of courtesy of Mr. Hailand and yes - I've been following Jake's musical... Tales was selected by The Eugene O'Neill Theatre group to hold a workshop last year... and they did several 'readings' at the end of the workshop - where the cast read and sang through the script. It wasn't really designed for the general public - but they did sell a very small number of tickets to the public (mostly the local artsy folk who are just interested in seeing any new works). I'm a fan of Armistad, love the books/mini-series of Tales... and as you know, rather fond of Jake too So I went and saw it - it was in it's very early stages... and I'm sure it has evolved etc. - but I was blown away. It's gonna be FAB! So I'm coming to SF for the premier I had wanted to come for Rufus' sonnets in November - but knowing that this was going to be scheduled in SF was part of the reason I didn't... plus my vacation time and funds for 2010 had pretty much been used up - lol! and sweet.pixie -- thank you for the picture link :drool: they are terrific

ummmm... just a touch and for any that haven't heard... Tim Hailand's book featuring Rufus in his "One Day in The Life" series is now on pre-order!! :thumb_yello: Clicky If you aren't familiar with the project - here's a blurb from Tim's website - Originally started in 2006 as an editorial assignment on singer Jake Shears, the One Day in the Life of book series was officially launched in December 2009 with the publication of One Day in the Life of Daniel Radcliffe, following the famed actor as he appeared on the Broadway stage in Equus. Hailand Books is pleased to announce two new titles in the book series: One Day in the Life of Rufus Wainwright, and One Day in the Life of Jake Shears. With these new volumes, Tim Hailand takes us along on a tour in pictures through an entire day with these creative figures. Based formally on the concept of The Wizard of Oz, we move through the more mundane aspects of the day in black and white images, and pop into the color world during the actual performance itself. Moving into the world of sports, 2011 will see the release of One Day in the life of Gareth Thomas, which will detail a day in the life of the famed Welsh Rugby player as he plays with his team in Cardiff. Stay tuned for more titles to be released in 2011. Both One Day in the Life of Rufus Wainwright, and One Day in the Life of Jake Shears are available NOW for pre-order at the special price of $30, and will be $35 upon publication February 2011. Click buy the book option to order your copy now. :groupwave:

Well Jake has never been known for being shy :naughty: Tim Hailand's photographic book essay in the "One Day in the Life" series featuring Jake is on preorder now Clicky It should be pretty sexy - from what I'm seeing and hearing :clap: If you haven't heard of the project... here's a blurb from Tim's website riginally started in 2006 as an editorial assignment on singer Jake Shears, the One Day in the Life of book series was officially launched in December 2009 with the publication of One Day in the Life of Daniel Radcliffe, following the famed actor as he appeared on the Broadway stage in Equus. Hailand Books is pleased to announce two new titles in the book series: One Day in the Life of Rufus Wainwright, and One Day in the Life of Jake Shears. With these new volumes, Tim Hailand takes us along on a tour in pictures through an entire day with these creative figures. Based formally on the concept of The Wizard of Oz, we move through the more mundane aspects of the day in black and white images, and pop into the color world during the actual performance itself. Moving into the world of sports, 2011 will see the release of One Day in the life of Gareth Thomas, which will detail a day in the life of the famed Welsh Rugby player as he plays with his team in Cardiff. Stay tuned for more titles to be released in 2011. Both One Day in the Life of Rufus Wainwright, and One Day in the Life of Jake Shears are available NOW for pre-order at the special price of $30, and will be $35 upon publication February 2011. Click buy the book option to order your copy now.