Show Review: Chappell Roan on the Naked in North America Tour
Chappell Roan came through Atlanta, GA, on the Naked in North America tour this past Wednesday. Held at the Vinyl in midtown, the line was wrapped around the block for her sold-out show. The theme for the night was “Pink Pony Club,” after her song by the same title (not the strip club if you're an Atlanta native!). During the show, she even pointed out that it was a funny coincidence and she had not planned to match the theme to the Pink Pony in Atlanta. Everyone was decked out in head-to-toe pink outfits, some ranging from cowboy hats to plenty of assless chaps. It was a safe place to be whoever and whatever you wanted! The security and venue staff were incredible, everyone was so kind in making this event happen and for her to have a personal show. Someone passing by talked about how everyone had been so lovely and how it was the most intimate show they had ever seen. This show was all around so unique in the ways she created the environment for her audience. The little touches here and there, ranging from the special themed night for each show to the journal left at the merch table to leave notes for the artist, were so fun!
Instead of having a band or artist play music as an opener, she had three local drag queens from each city come and perform at her shows! This night it was Miss He the Queen, Siberia the Queen, and Honey Dew. They entranced the audience while remixes of Lady Gaga, Demi Lovato, and Rihanna blasted out of the speakers. It was one of the most creative openers that I had ever seen. Afterwards, you could see the queens walking around, and they were so stunning, you couldn't take your eyes off them!
Chappell Roan graced the stage and captured the audience's attention instantly. She started her set with "Naked in Manhattan." Decked out in a hot pink matching set, Chappell danced around the stage and sang her heart out. Accompanied by her all-female band, they rocked out every song with the crowd singing loudly back to them. Chappell played some unreleased songs, "Coffee," "Hot To Go," and "Red Wine Supernova," to name a few. "Hot To Go" even had a "YMCA" styled dance along to go with it. Her voice was so magical, even at times with a sound reminiscent of the Cranberries. Listening to her girly pop anthems about how we need a "Femininomenon," and when someone wrongs you, "My Kink is Karma" becomes super relatable. In between songs, you could hear the crowd shouting, "I love you,” which may be because it was a show that welcomed everyone to be freely who they are.
Ending the night with “Pink Pony Club,” the crowd did not hold back singing along. One round of the chorus was solely carried by the audience, and the band radiated with excitement at the sound of it. Chappell Roan and her band had a stellar performance, leaving everyone buzzing with joy once it was over. If you can see this incredibly personal and ethereal performance, it will be a night you won't regret! Catch her in a city near you on the remainder of her headlining Naked in North America tour!