This week, the renowned musician and composer Rufus Wainwright brought his classic albums ‘Want One’ and ‘Want Two’ to life at London’s Royal Albert Hall for the BBC Proms. Joined by the BBC Concert Orchestra and special guest Jake Shears of Scissor Sisters, Wainwright delivered an opulent and stunning performance of his most iconic work.
The night began with a set for ‘Want One’, which marked its 20th anniversary this year, and ended with a set for ‘Want Two’ featuring a special duet with Shears on the closing song ‘Old Whore’s Diet’. As the duet began, Wainwright shared a story of their past, noting how they used to date and how Shears had played him a demo of the Scissor Sisters’ first album before it was released. Other highlights of the two sets included rousing performances of songs like ‘Art Teacher’, ‘Go Or Go Ahead’, and ‘Oh What A World’.
Towards the end of the set for ‘Want Two’, Wainwright dedicated the song ‘Memphis Skyline’ to the late Jeff Buckley. He spoke of his admiration for Buckley and how the two had briefly met in person before. Wainwright also shared the story of how he had not heard Buckley’s version of ‘Hallelujah’ before he recorded his own version for the Shrek soundtrack.
The night was an incredible celebration of Wainwright’s work and a fitting tribute to the late Jeff Buckley. Both Wainwright’s latest album ‘Folkocracy’ and Shears’ second solo album ‘Last Man Dancing’ are available now. Shears will also be starring in a new London production of Cabaret, and a biopic of Buckley’s life titled ‘Everybody Here Wants You’ is in the works.
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