Peaches Concert in Shanghai

Once upon a time there was a drama teacher. This teacher guided students in theater and independent music. At some point, the teacher got bored, ready for her higher calling. She decided to pursue electronic music. She questioned what it meant to be a girl—to be a boy. She produced a record. She produced another one.

She shaved half of her head to put on makeup.

She came to Shanghai.

She sang a song completely on the hands of her fans.

She told us to stay in school.

She is Peaches.

I went to the Peaches concert in Shanghai on April 23. There is little more to say about this than it was amazing. The music was hot, electronic, and beat into the chest of everyone present. The energy was accepting. It was live.

Strong drinks and low lights fed the crowd of the sold out Mao Live House (1,000 capacity), while Peaches, known for stretching the borders and questioning traditional gender roles, came out in a camouflage swamp suit that I’ve only seen in army movies. She looked like a camo- Cousin It.

Afterwards, it was clear to see where Lady Gaga gets her inspiration for fashion. Puffy sleeves, capes, and androgynous material were undeclared themes of the evening.

From the front few rows, we were able to shake hands, touch, and hoist Peaches into the air as she sang songs with the energy of a teenager. The singer, 41, is an example of a major artist who is truly accessible to her fans. Before singing a song, she said, “Some say Peaches walks on water. Tonight, Peaches walks on you.” She stepped out into our hands, never skipping a word of the song. Why is this special? Why is this different?

She trusted us; we would not drop her. In this, she gained our respect by putting her faith in us. Tell me, how many female artists trust her fans to avoid the infliction of physical harm by dropping her or being inappropriately touched? How many are even willing to take the risk?

The concert ended with Peaches’ most popular song, in which she took her own camcorder and recorded the audience, while saying “Look at Shanghai. We know how Shanghai parties. This. Is. Shanghai.”

If there was any doubt in your mind about the stereotypes given to gender roles, it easily could be said you were plunged into deeper indiscriminate darkness on the subject after this night.

If there was any doubt about the definition of ‘cool’ before you entered the doors of Mao Life House, they were banished by seeing this woman rock it.

If you didn’t believe that a celebrity could be so passionate about giving her fans their money’s worth during a concert, you’d be proven wrong.

It’s safe to say that, on this night, we found out what Peaches believes in. She believes in us and thrust us into facing a traditional world, which makes rules that almost no one dares to question. She made us want to be free, with her. She wanted to us believe with her. It’s safe to say, we were all converted in one way or another, her devoted believers.

The jury is still out on how China ever gave this woman a visa.