The Usher Hall
Edinburgh
8th September, 2023
Oh my God ! What did I just witness ?
Christine and the Queens took Edinburgh by storm last night. With their only Scottish date at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall, this was surely going to be a night to remember. With tickets selling out quicker than Lewis Hamilton’s fastest lap, there will be a lot of disappointed fans in Scotland tonight. Christine, Redcar or simply Chris, is a French innovator with an incredible ability to write soul-searching songs which cut deep into your human spirit.
Born and raised in Nantes in France during the new wave era of the 1980s, Christine battled the elements of the music business to create this French genius we now see standing in front of us. Since 2011, Chris had been chipping away at several projects and slowly becoming a powerful and influential figure in and around France and the UK with the debut album Chaleur Humaine, released in 2014. This received so much critical acclaim it was inevitable that the talent within was about to explode. To be so young and so direct in your beliefs is empowering; be who you are, be what you want to be and hide from no one is the best of being human. Doors were built to be opened not closed, and Christine has the key to them all – the master of expression is the master of their own destiny… it is a choice we all have to make so choose well.
The songs “Tilted” and “Saint Claude” propelled Christine and the Queens to a level of popularity that opened the mind-doors of many a sceptic whom had previously had a barrier of confusion clouding their thoughts. Like the Joan of Arc of music, Christine was given the gift of a non-judgemental existence and that is proven and delivered through the poetry and songwriting of the last 20 years. Lyrics that delve deep into places normally reserved for personal consumption break through the traditional barricades of our wavering society that have kept us trapped within a hideous lie for too long. Statues of goddesses, stairways to heaven, fallen angels with blackened wings were all aspects of this not-so-regular show. The Usher Hall was transfixed and intoxicated with what was being witnessed -powerful, deep, dark but light, thought-provoking, beautiful and sinister. Honest, courageous and mind-blowing.
Blood, sweat and tears are all part of the human development and should never be ignored. Life is, and should be, an education and tonight’s performance served up concoction of the arts like no other. The pure physical and spiritual presence of Christine and the Queens was so refreshing. My long time soul-mate was turned to tears during the show, as were a few others. The door to the deep part of our hidden emotions can only be unlocked through certain channels and music is truly one of the main sources.
Strength is derived from being strong which in turn comes from being you, and Christine and the Queens are exactly that. A person who introduces new methods, ideas and new beginnings deserves all the blessings the gods have to offer. I bless you Christine / Chris / Redcar for being just you. I have never felt so inspired and uplifted at a gig before like I was tonight.
Suave and sophisticated, Christine embodies all that it is to be human. Sculp your own sculpture is the message that sticks with me. Contemporary Dancing, theatre and music are my passion and a Christine and the Queens gig combines it all into one fine cocktail glass. Big love and thanks for gracing Edinburgh with your musical genuis.
Raymond Speedie
Mumble Music 