Diamond Rings live at Mercury Lounge

Posted by The G on March 31, 2011 under G Reviews | Read the First Comment

Photos by G.

On March 30, 2011, Canadian indie-pop/synth rocker Diamond Rings played a sold out show at New York’s Mercury Lounge.  I think I was sold when John O’Regan (who goes by the stage name Diamond Rings) revealed his T-shirt that said “Stay Fierce.”  Diamond Rings is so much taller than I would have expected.  He’s about 6 foot, 7 inches tall.  During his hour plus set, he danced all over the stage, played keyboards as well as electric guitar.  One of the most bizarre concert moments I’ve ever had occurred during the set as a grown man with a sock puppet on his hand was vying for attention in between songs.  He was obviously a huge fan of Diamond Rings and he was extremely bitter that when Diamond Rings opened for singer Robyn earlier this year, he had to perform a truncated set (as is customary with opening acts).  He kept shouting that he paid $50 to see the show and was upset that certain songs were not performed.  Finally, John O’Regan addressed the man and said “did you not feel you got your money’s worth?” The man replied that he did and then John O’Regan said “so then what’s the problem?”  It was pretty funny and if looks could kill, the audience would have blown that man away!  The Diamond Rings psycho-fan got his wish as the entire “Special Affections” album was played last night.  A video of “On Our Own” is coming soon, so stay tuned.