11/29/2006
Scissor Sisters Wrap Up UK Tour
Scissor Sisters finished their UK tour (at which they've been setting attendance records) on the 26th at Wembley Arena in London. Kevin Tachman, the Sisters' tour photographer sent us a few shots from the festivities and the party afterwards, including this photo of Jake Shears getting cozy with a very happy Sir Ian McKellen.
Brit songstresses Sophie Ellis-Bextor (pictured here with Babydaddy) and Lily Allen also showed up at the post-concert soiree.
More shots of the concert after the jump...
Thanks to Kevin Tachman (website) for the great shots.
Sphere: Related ContentPosted 9:45 AM EST by Andy in Great Britain, Ian McKellen, Jake Shears, London, Music, News, Photography, Scissor Sisters | Permalink
Comments
Some terrific photos there - THANK YOU. It's a shame S.S. are not more popular in the United States. I've stopped being surprised that a lot of my gay friends have never heard of them. What do you think the problem is?
Posted by: phil | Nov 29, 2006 9:51:50 AM
The problem is that SS comes off as more style than substance. Good live shows but the music suffers without the theatrics.
Posted by: rudy | Nov 29, 2006 9:55:35 AM
Ian McKellan = Anderson Cooper + 40 years
(at first glance).
Posted by: jon luddite | Nov 29, 2006 9:56:36 AM
I *love, love, love* Sophie Ellis-Bextor! Her 2003 UK release Shoot from the Hip is a little-known gem here in the states...
I have visions in mind that she and Shears are dishing on a collaboration.
Posted by: midnight lounge | Nov 29, 2006 10:07:00 AM
I love Scissor Sisters. They really know how to entertain a crowd.
Posted by: Blair | Nov 29, 2006 10:36:28 AM
Why aren't the Scissors Sisters more popular in the States?
The straights don't like 'em because they're too gay. The gays don't like 'em because their music is too straight.
Posted by: chrisb | Nov 29, 2006 10:50:10 AM
I'm not a popular music fan and I don't know SS's music but I have a few observations:
When I was in England last month, there were frequent SS updates on the evening news. How did Mr. Shears grow chest hair so quickly? He looks positively hirsute in the first pics and shaved in the last ones. They remind me of an R-rated ABBA
Posted by: JT | Nov 29, 2006 10:51:30 AM
Not a popular music fan either (although I would think Scissor Sisters are a cut above most of the pop crap on the radio) but one thing I've noticed over here, where they're as popular as in England, is that I've never heard gay/striaght mentioned in relation to them, or any other music. I'm not surprised by that though. There seems to be much less interest in sexual orientation over here (that could be the circles I hang out in etc tho).
Posted by: EireKev | Nov 29, 2006 11:31:09 AM
Who knew Jake was so jacked? Nice. I'm a HUGE popular music fan and after those pics, I'm bigger still.
Posted by: Michael | Nov 29, 2006 11:46:25 AM
Why does Jake insist upon getting half nekkid all the time??? It kinda debases the whole thing and frankly, he's not all that and a bag of chips...
Posted by: Mark | Nov 29, 2006 12:17:15 PM
Their lack of popularity in the states has a lot to do with the fact that they can't get airplay. The corporations that control the majority of radio stations don't play them so people can't hear them.
Style vs. substance is a ridiculous argument considering the music that is currently popular. Also, I've never seen them live but I love listening to their music. It's fun and fresh. I hear their influences from Elton John and various other 70s type groups and yet they have their own style. I think more people would listen to them if they actually heard them.
By the way, they did play "Take Your Mama" in the background the other night on Heroes.
Posted by: Daniel | Nov 29, 2006 12:31:28 PM
Also, Mark, he is all that and a huge, jumbo sized bag of chips. I would do him in a second.
Posted by: Daniel | Nov 29, 2006 12:32:45 PM
Also, debases what? It's pop music.
Posted by: Daniel | Nov 29, 2006 12:37:18 PM
"Ian McKellan = Anderson Cooper + 40 years"
Try 25 years. At most. But 25, 40, 50...unlike McKellan, Cooper will probably still be "guarding his private life." To be fair, McKellan came out at 49 and Cooper is not 39, but McKellan came out nearly 20 years ago and, judging by recent events, might things be just a teensy weensy bit easier now; less problematic, etc.?
Which reminds me. Sadly, I received this urgent e-mail this morning from Joe Solomnese: "Due to record-breaking demand, we regret to inform you that HRC's exclusive Radko 'LANCE & REICHEN'S FIRST CHRISTMAS' ornament is now on back order. Subsequent purchases will be limited to ten per shipping address, and there will now be an extra charge for gift wrapping."
Posted by: Leland | Nov 29, 2006 1:00:50 PM
"Cooper is NOW 39." Sorry, my meds are late kicking in.
Posted by: Leland | Nov 29, 2006 1:17:47 PM
Try doubling your dosage.
Posted by: jon luddite | Nov 29, 2006 1:36:47 PM
Are we bringing back "all that and a bag of chips!"? If so then up your nose with a rubber hose.
Posted by: Blair | Nov 29, 2006 3:06:12 PM
I was just commenting on Mark's use of the phrase. It is interesting though, while I was typing it I had major Rickie Lake flashbacks.
Posted by: Daniel | Nov 29, 2006 3:09:21 PM
This year at Coachella Music Festival a friend convinced me I "had to" go see the Scissor Sisters perform. As we made our way over to the stage where they would perform, my friend assured me that seeing the band live would change my impression of the Scissor Sisters as a third-rate Elton John, serving up leftovers of 70s riffs. She was wrong. I lasted through two songs before I had to leave. Unfortunately, Ana Matronic's annoying voice and inane chatter between songs followed me where ever I went on the grounds of the festival. I finally found refuge in front of the stage where Tool was playing.
The Scissor Sisters remind me of a cover band who are just learning to write their own songs...which means that everything sounds like somebody else's stuff and nothing sounds quite like their own. Except, of course, for their version of 'Comfortably Numb' which definitely sounds like the Scissor Sisters and for which they should all be barred from ever touching an instrument or approaching a microphone ever again (don't believe me?...listen to Pink Floyd's original version of that song and *then* try and tell me the Scissor Sisters' version is a good cover). Jake's falsetto is like fingernails on a chalkboard. I should point out that I was, and still am, a fan of Erasure whose lead singer Andy Bell is known for giving good falsetto. Jake's voice can't touch Andy Bell's with a ten foot pole. I do however want to point out that the Scissor Sisters' song 'Music is the Victim' is aptly named because, in the hands of the Scissor Sisters, music truly is the victim...along with our ears.
As for the debate about whether or not Jake is hot...he's okay. I'd do him. But I've had better.
Posted by: peterparker | Nov 29, 2006 3:18:03 PM
Scissor sister's might not be my first choice for deep or complicated music, but for a light smiley good time they are good.
To the person who posted about hero's the other night. LOL Yep. ^5 I caught that to. "Take your moma out" was playing in at the party scene. Cool
Sir Ian....what is there to say except BRAVO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Supposedly he is extremly nice in person.
Posted by: jimmyboyo | Nov 29, 2006 3:51:47 PM
Daniel: Tell it to the hand cuz the face ain't listening. Just Kidding. I too was channeling some Ricki.
Posted by: Blair | Nov 29, 2006 4:25:12 PM
Blair: Don't go there. :)
Posted by: Daniel | Nov 29, 2006 4:31:56 PM
Daniel: I wish I had a come back phrase but I am fresh out. I've been defeated. Peace out.
Posted by: Blair | Nov 29, 2006 4:41:22 PM
Speaking of the Scissor Sisters I'm glad they print the lyrics in the cd book. On the song "Paul McCartney" I thought he was singing "Is it the chemical that makes his mom a Jew" but the line is really "Is it the chemical that makes this moment true." I guess the real line makes more sense.
Posted by: Daniel | Nov 29, 2006 5:31:18 PM
"I finally found refuge in front of the stage where Tool was playing."
I heart Tool. They're one of my fave bands on earth. =)
Posted by: _____ | Nov 29, 2006 8:39:38 PM
Daniel.. thanks for the chuckle. Your post reminded me of that cell phone commercial where the two dudes sing along to "Rock the Casbah" and they are singing "Lock the cashbox"... "Lock the Cat Box."
Posted by: mark m | Nov 29, 2006 10:09:58 PM
Uhmm ... ok Tool and SS are soo far apart on the spectrum I cant imagine how you could ever like them. While Tool is soo melodramatically depressing and angry while filled with the most disjointed songs that in most cases are just phrases repeated over and over again accompanied by a ratcheting guiter, SS at least can make something entertaining and not want to make me slit my wrists. That and they have a lead singer who doesnt make Eddie Vedder seem comprehensible.
I really do love SS, they march to their own beat. Their music is sorta disco meets early Elton John. Ive seen a broadcast on Logo of one of their shows from London and they put soo much energy into their shows I hope to god I see them in concert. I think they arent played that much here because they dont fit into the genres that the record labels invest alot of their time in. Instead we get Fergie and Gwen's brand of ghetto-licious dance dookie.
Posted by: Toto | Nov 29, 2006 10:47:31 PM
I dig SS because their vibe. I have their CD's and I can't say I am thoroughly in love with either of them but the second one is more evolved into a distinguishable style, I think. I think UK fans in general are more intrigued by performances rather than clever marketing and image. I think my friend said it best the other day when we were discussing SS he said, "I wouldn't buy their cd, but I'd kill to see them live."
Posted by: Derrick | Nov 29, 2006 11:15:19 PM
Toto...I'm actually not a huge Tool fan...I could take them or leave them...however, at Coachella they were the only act loud enough to drown out Ana Matronic's annoying chatter without my having to walk all the way across the fairgrounds...as for Tool's penchant for moody, dark, angry melodrama, well, that's the music I tend to gravitate toward...I usually gravitate toward something a little meatier than dance music...and if I'm in the mood for dance music, Le Tigre fits the bill.
It seems everyone thinks Scissor Sisters are so 'unique'...and yet they sound like an Elton cover band to me. But, hey, if you like them, then go for it!
Posted by: peterparker | Nov 29, 2006 11:32:39 PM
Love the pics, absolutely excellent. You're right about the scissor sisters not getting airtime, their music is excellent. Its not slow or contemplative, its fun and boisterous.
I have to wonder why they arent' getting the airtime...
and, Jake Shears is so hot, like bag of chips and a can of coke.
Also, anyone else notice that Ian Mckellan isn't bad to look at either? When he wasyounger I didn't find him at all attractive, but he's starting to get hotter. Idunno... Must have some silver fox chaser in me or something. lol
Posted by: AJ | Nov 30, 2006 9:38:13 AM
As so many have pointed out, Scissor Sisters don't get airplay in the States for corporate/homophobic reasons; who knows why. Radio stations don't play Madonna's new music either. My introduction to Scissor Sisters music was a live performance on SNL. I was totally captivated by their unique vibe and immediately sought out their first CD; I've since been a big fan. From the first moment I heard them, not once did I interpret their sound as anything but their own. This endless critique about how they copy Elton John or 70's disco escapes me. Admittedly their influences may be threaded in the music but it's hardly the hallmark of their appeal (or lack thereof for most). Scissor Sisters sound like Scissor Sisters in spite of any preconceived notions. As for 'Comfortably Numb', I never knew the title for a long time after I heard the song (which is often the case with new songs I get hooked on). Therefore I made absolutely no connection to the Pink Floyd classic because the SS phrasing and cadence are vastly different. I was(is) a huge Pink Floyd fan with lots of their vinyl in storage so I was flabergasted when I realized the SS version was based on Floyd's. SS have transformed the PF song into a unique entity which is a testament to their originality. Like artists of any genre, SS take their creative inspiration from others and reinvent something that stands on its own. It can hardly be categorized a "cover" in the purest sense. To this day, SS ADAPTATION (the key word being 'adaptation') of 'Comfortably Numb' does something entirely different to my senses than the original version, even lyrically although the lyrics are the only element copied from the original.
Music is subjective (dah) and that's the last word. Granted, Scissor Sisters don't fit the current pop music 'formula' being force fed by radio stations. But I urge new listeners to approach Scissor Sisters music with an open mind--if you ever get to hear them. Try Satellite Radio. Seeing them gives one a true appreciation of their talent.
Posted by: Ron | Nov 30, 2006 10:03:35 AM
AJ, I agree. I would love a sandwich with Ian, Jake and me.
Posted by: Daniel | Nov 30, 2006 3:26:33 PM
Mark M, that commercial always makes me laugh. I especially like that when he is singing "Stop the cat box" he does the "Stop in the name of love" hand.
Posted by: Daniel | Nov 30, 2006 5:55:07 PM
As someone who has has seen them in concert, suffice it to say it's amazing. Still reeling a month later.
I also saw them post-concert at a bar, very approachable. Very fan-friendly!
'We're Scissor Sisters, and you're Scissor Sisters, too.' is their line, and I am buying it!
Posted by: Eric | Dec 2, 2006 8:29:03 PM
please vote for scissor sisters on logos click list, and watch it on friday!.i dont want to dance is #10 i want it to be #1 . please help!!!!!
Posted by: mike | Dec 3, 2006 1:48:17 AM
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