Ever since his debut album Life In Cartoon Motion, Mika has played by his own rules. He’s consistently defied industry expectations, refusing to trade his signature flamboyance and be placed in a pre-defined box. His debut album earned Mika a Brit Award in 2008 for Best British Breakthrough act, and was nominated for a Grammy Award. The album’s hit single, Grace Kelly, a witty, energetic retort to the corporate pressure Mika faced to compromise his artistic identity for mainstream success, shot to number one on the UK Singles Chart in 2007. Since this successful album, he has released seven studio albums, including a French album, Que ta tête fleurisse toujours, and his latest triumph, Hyperlove, which was love at first listen for me.
According to Talia Wilson from RIFF Magazine, on Hyperlove, Mika proudly wears his imperfections on his sleeve “like a badge of honor”, creating an authentic and cohesive album: “you can sink your teeth into it, sample its variety of flavors and wash it down with a gulp of nostalgic new wave”. Navigating the complexities of love in a modern digital era, the album balances deep personal emotion with a collection of playful, campy interludes.
To bring the new album to life, Mika launched his vibrant, kaleidoscopic Spinning Out Tour across Europe throughout February and March, before crossing the Atlantic for a highly anticipated North American run this spring. I was thrilled to get tickets to see the show at The Rooftop at Pier 17 this week. I couldn't have asked for a more cinematic introduction to the Rooftop. The stage was framed by a breathtaking panorama of the Manhattan and Brooklyn skylines, with the Brooklyn Bridge stretching majestically over the dark waters of the East River. The production design leaned into the tour’s name and connecting theme, featuring glowing cogs and wheels that pulsed in sync with each song. There was also a white piano adorned with oversized Edison bulbs which, in a moment of pure whimsy, released a massive inflatable rainbow.
Mika was a ball of energy from the moment he stepped onto the stage (and onto the aforementioned piano!), feeding off the crowd’s energy and the picturesque backdrop to deliver a performance that was as heartfelt as it was high-energy. He was clearly thrilled to be back in NYC. He also had several costume changes, from his opening look - an asymmetrical jacket with gold epaulettes inspired by legendary designer Anthony Price and Holly Johnson - to vibrant suits and a silver sparkly ensemble which dazzled the audience. Mika treated the crowd to a journey through his discography, pairing his latest material with the career-defining anthems from his breakout era. During his performance of Big Girl (You Are Beautiful), he came down from the stage and made his way through the screaming crowd - and brushed right past me, beaming from ear to ear!
Christian Evans from National World sums up the show perfectly as “an unforgettable, feel-good experience from an elite showman”.
The complete setlist was as follows:
Modern Times
Eleven
Relax (Take It Easy)
Ice Cream
Yo Yo (R3HAB remix)
We Are Golden
Spinning Out
Big Girl (You Are Beautiful)
Popular Song
Science Fiction Lover
Immortal Love
Lollipop
Origin of Love
Elle me dit
Grace Kelly
Happy Ending
Encore:
Love Today
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