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Semi Precious Weapons Get Fans 'Wet' for Gaga
- Posted on Jan 24th 2010 1:30PM by Jessica Robertson
"We are Semi Precious Weapons from New York motherf---ing City," campy frontman Justin Tranter began during the band's opening slot Saturday night on Lady Gaga's Monster Ball tour at New York's Radio City Music Hall. "Our job, which we are f---ing honored to do, is to get you bitches wet and excited for Lady Gaga."Mission: accomplished.
It had been 6 months since SPW were home, and, as Tranter recalled, four years since the band first shared a bill with Lady Gaga. "It was 50 blocks south of here and there were 12 people," he said. "We're just really f---ing happy you aren't 12 people."
Tranter, a 6-foot-tall Ziggy Stardust meets Rocky Horror caricature, strutted onstage dressed in only fishnets, stripper boots and a mesh tank, screaming his now infamous cheeky line: "I can't pay my rent but I'm f---ing gorgeous." His oversure lyrics and banter were bolstered by a short but no less impactful and raunchy set of riff-heavy glam rock, including songs 'Magnetic Baby,' 'Put a Diamond In It' and 'Sticky With Champagne.' The latter found Tranter popping a bottle onstage, replete with his own picture on the packaging ("because why the f--- not," he asserted). He then called for all those in want of the bubbly to approach the stage.
"We got in trouble a couple of nights ago because I fed champagne to minors," Tranter said. When an audience member was hesitant to take a swig, Tranter made one demand: "New York, I know there's a lot of rules here but have some fun. It's rock 'n' roll so get your tits out!" With that, Tranter had at least 10 eager mouths at his feet.
A couple of nipple flashes, crotch grabs and curtsies later, Tranter stripped to his skivvies for an onstage costume change (opting for Marilyn Monroe tights, silver glitter boots and a grey tank, natch) which would carry the band -- who just released their self-titled EP -- through the set. But not without one parting wish: "We are Semi Precious Weapons and tonight, we hope that you get laid."
Unabashedly inappropriate but wholly rock 'n' roll. Just as it should be.
- Filed under: Concerts and Tours, News
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I just read your article. Almost two weeks ago, after seeing their performance live on the Sunset Strip in LA, I submitted the following question to their publicist: "IMO the lead singer Justin Tranter conjures up a collage of artists and performers like Bowie, and Tim Curry as Dr. Frank-N-Furter from "The Rocky Picture Horror Show". Are these fair comparisons, inspirations and references?"....So thought your description of Kanter as a "Ziggy Stardust meets Rocky Horror caricature" was spot on. Wow totally kool we saw the same references.
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