The Sailor Boy Overcomes The Storm as Conan Gray Dazzles Nashville
In his grand return to Music City, USA, Conan Gray packs out downtown’s Ascend Amphitheater, by far his biggest show in the city to date. First striking the 1,200 cap Cannery Ballroom in 2019, then the 2,300 cap Ryman Auditorium in 2022, Gray has now tackled the full might of the 6,700 cap Ascend. It’s an impressive and downright meteoric rise for the Texas singer. Since his debut in 2018, Gray has had an ever-snowballing career, slowly building to the juggernaut he is today. He’s now out in support of his latest album, Wishbone, which came out back in August.
Surrounded by the set of a rolling prairie, Conan Gray gracefully made his grand entrance on a bright red bicycle, a chipper and somewhat bittersweet entrance. Under the threat of lightning, the show has actually been moved up by over an hour to accommodate the full performance and ensure fan safety. Despite this setback (or more literally, set forward), Conan would go on to put on one of the best pop shows and vocal performances of the year. Massive set pieces, costume changes, and an endearing storyline loom over this show, yet never seem to take the spotlight from Conan and his musical talent.
Kicking off the night with “My World,” a charismatic and sugarcoated track from Wishbone. Gray bounces between the soft-spoken swagger of the verses and high-energy, danceable chorus with ease. It is an immediate hook. Like a fish on the end of the line, the audience is just along for the ride, unable to break away from Conan’s reel. Gray sets the tone with his performance, strutting the stage with exaggerated swinging motions and ensuring the spotlight remains firmly on him. Vocally Gray is simply incredible on this one, bouncing for various pitches with ease and maintaining perfect breathe control.
While technically out in support of Wishbone, this tour also serves as Nashville’s taste of 2024’s Found Heaven. “Never Ending Song,” the lead single from that project, showcases Conan Grey’s artistic range with its Bowie-esc, art-rock-tinged groove. It is a nice juxtaposition, reminding listeners of Gray’s early breakthrough in alternative radio ahead of his mainstream success. Heavy on the synthesizer, it draws on various 80’s influences and once again upon Gray’s ability as a frontman. Conan adds so much drama to this performance, each line lingering as a statement more so than a passing lyric.
“Bourgeoisieses” stays in this same lane, continuing with the bass and synth heavy production and Conan-first agenda. This one is largely anthemic, filling out the outdoor space and spilling into the street. The crowd is fully engaged by this point, they know every word and are bouncing back every bit of energy Conan gives them. Not only is Conan performing on all cylinders, it just feels like every part of Conan Gray is musical, with even his breathes being added to the beat is excellent fashion. It really cannot be understated how impressive his vocal ability truly is.
Setlist:
1. My World
2. Never Ending Song
3. Bourgeoisieses
4. Wish You Were Sober
5. Class Clown
6. People Watching
7. The Cut That Always Bleeds
8. Eleven Eleven
9. Nauseous
10. Romeo
11. This Song
12. Care
13. Heather
14. Family Line
15. Connell
16. Actor
17. Maniac
18. Vodka Cranberry
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19. Memories
20. Caramel