Jake Shears at Electric Ballroom: An energetic and flamboyant performance reminds us that Shears is a masterful showman

As Britain basks in some late summer rays, the sunny demeanour of Jake Shears, former frontman of Scissor Sisters, radiated from the stage of Camden’s Electric Ballroom on Friday.

The atmosphere certainly lived up to the venue’s name, with Shears performing a relatively compact but perfectly executed set, brimming with hits from a career that’s spanned over 15 years. Delighting long-term fans with his group’s hits Laura, I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’ and Take Your Mama, the set served as a reminder of just how catchy these tracks are, still sounding fresh whilst at the same time evoking a certain nostalgia for 2000s pop. The setlist worked well in mixing Scissor Sisters songs with tracks from Shears’s well-received self-titled solo album, released in 2018.

The band was on point with strong onstage chemistry and the sound quality also of note. Perhaps most impressive, though, were Shears’s vocals. Sounding the same, if not better, than on the studio versions, the singer demonstrated his versatile vocal range. S.O.B with its Prince-inspired funk got everyone moving, whilst Sad Song Backwards and Big Bushy Moustache exemplified the artist’s intelligent lyrics and his innovative, eclectic style. Creep City and Palace in the Sky were also standout numbers.

Ever the showman, Shears made several costume changes, each growing increasingly flamboyant. Interacting with the crowd to share honest and humorous anecdotes, the singer-songwriter established a warm and joyful atmosphere; he felt like a friend we’d known for years. This, combined with his trademark dancing and highly-energised performance, made for an utterly entertaining and uplifting experience. The diverse crowd clearly appreciated what they were offered, sharing a love of a good show and this great showman.   

The pace was sustained throughout, never faltering, with Shears clearly having fun on stage. He seems to be in a happy place and it was a pleasure to be invited into his world, even if it was just for one night.

Jonathan Marshall
Photos: Virginie Viche

For further information and future events visit Jake Shears’s website here.

Watch the video for Creep City here: