Gossip live in Paris
- By Hannah Mahony -
- May 18, 2012
Arriving a little late to the gig, crêpe in hand (my French isn't too great after two vin rouges) - I arrived to find the effervescent Beth Ditto centre stage, charming the overly obedient French crowd with her broken French and lace black spandex. Les Frannçais were mesmerized by the singer/comedienne/full time babe. I wouldn't have expected anything less than the overly sweet charismatic front woman from the Washington based indie rockers.
For a Monday night - the gig was completely sold out. Even after a hot Parisian (still sunny) day, Le Cigale was full to the brim with overly cool leather and skinny-jean clad personnes. God I love the French (men).
A perfect harmony of funky guitar riffs, (obviously) pitch perfect powerful vocals and brilliant dancing filled Gossip’s set. Performing bare foot and ripping her eye brows off (yes-eyebrows!) half way during their set, Beth is probably one of the best performers I've ever seen – constantly giving you more ooh la la for your euro (awful French puns I know - but it was my first time at a Gossip show, and visiting Paris).
The venue itself is also everything you'd expect from a cool Parisian hang-out. A pretty, old theatre located along the same road as the Moulin Rouge no less, with a grey and maroon interior. Late twenty-something’s plus fill the surrounding balconies whilst the younger hip twenteens are jumping and dancing centre floor.
Something that can’t go without being noted is how polite French gig-goers are. In between songs when Beth speaks, the audience listens... there’s a respectable, complete silence. When she poses questions to individual audience members, others let them reply - c'est incroyable!
Going as far as kissing audience members, wishing happy birthdays (there's talk of gateau) and inviting others on stage- the wonderful Miss D is difficult to draw eyes away from. Emitting diva qualities in her vocals, minus the attitude in person - Ditto is a Beyoncé of sorts for the less polished, party-go'ers and heavy drinkers. She even mentions how Gossip’s song ‘Get a Job’ is based on her reluctance to leave a party due to work commitments when the richer kids were able to carry on boozing.
After many ‘merci beaucoups’ and thanks by Beth, the audience foot stomped and screamed their gratitude. Finishing on none other than mahoosive hit worldwide 'Heavy Cross', les Pariesiennes et moi left elated after a night with music's most fun, and I imagine - best boozing, band.
9/10
By Hannah Mahony. Social engagement executive, Virgin Group Digital. Tweets @hannahmahony
