As you can see/hear, this is a totally different version of “Strawberries” than I captured just a few short months ago. Of course, on this next video, my seats were much worse, but when it’s funky, it doesn’t matter where you are as long as you are in the funk!
Francis Farewell Starlite of Francis and the Lights
Every time I see Francis and the Lights live, the following things happen: 1. I love them more and more; 2. I cannot figure out why the word “and the lights” is in the title of his band as he often performs mostly in the dark; and 3. I crack up watching the crowd not know what in the world to think of Francis at first. Then he zaps the crowd with one of his awesome dance moves and from that point on, the crowd is in love. All of these thing occurred when I saw Francis and the Lights open for Mark Ronson and the Business Int’l at Music Hall of Williamsburg on October 11, 2010. I am praying that Francis and Mark Ronson had conversations about working together in the future because I think that collaboration would be nothing short of amazing! Francis and the Lights had a different set up last night using a 2 piece band (plus Francis) instead of the usual 5 members. What this meant was the arrangements of every song were dramatically different than I’ve heard before, which once again shows the talent this man has! I cannot remember the exact set list as there was none posted, but I know he performed a new song as well as my favorites “Strawberries” and “For Days.” A video of “Strawberries” will be coming soon, so stay tuned.
I got a taste of the wonderful Francis and the Lightslast week and on August 17, 2010, I watched these stars in the making open for MGMT at Radio City Music Hall. His band is tight, his music is funky and he knows how to get his groove on! Watch this video of “Strawberries” and “For Days” and I think you’ll agree with me that you are going to be hearing a lot about Francis and the Lights in the very near future.
Unfortunately, this video is pretty dark as Francis and the Lights ironically performed mostly in the dark. However, he played a new song for the sold out crowd at SOB’s in New York on August 12, 2010 called “Betting on Us,” and unlike other websites who repost videos that are available on numerous sites and call them “premieres,” this site is the real deal.
The lead singer of Francis and the Lights has legally changed his name to Francis Farewell Starlite. According2g, that makes him totally awesome immediately. It helps that his music is pretty great as well and when you see him live as I did on August 12, 2010, the Prince comparisons make total sense. The guy dances his butt off on stage and coupled with the amazing band he has backing him, you’ll find yourself making “the funky face” many times as you watch him perform. I’d read a few articles and they alluded to Francis Farewell Starlite being difficult. As I walked into the afterparty following his awesome performance, Francis Farewell Starlite was anything but difficult. In fact he was extremely nice! He took photos with myself and a few other fans and was very personable. He also autographed his CD “It’ll be Better” for me. I couldn’t resist asking him what his favorite Prince song is and without hesitation, he said “Pop Life.” Good choice! Best of luck Francis. See you next week at the MGMT show and hope to see your name in lights for many years to come!
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