Rufus Wainwright Live in Atlanta
June 16, 2005
Rufus talks with fans after the show
Rufus Wainwright made a rare appearance in Atlanta, GA last night
when he played for a small crowd at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. In
the lush setting of the gardens and the warm summer evening, the gay
singer-songwriter performed his most popular tunes and some songs
he selected especially for the Georgia crowd. He appeared solo on
stage with just his piano and acoustic guitar. The playlist included
"11:11," "Want," "Gay Messiah," "Cigarettes & Chocolate Milk,"
"Memphis Skyline," "Dinner at 8," "Little Sister," Art Teacher and
"Peach Trees." See a copy of the entire set list here.
The artist was in very good spirits, chatting and joking between songs. He
gave the crowds laughs when he dedicated the song "Pretty Things" to
Michael Jackson, and when he commented about bullfrogs in the garden
that he'd like to kiss ("I'm so lonely here"). He even managed to get
the crowd cheering when he stopped playing songs twice to "sneeze." Wainwright
also made several comments about his own Georgia background (his
grandmother is from Tifton, GA). After two encores he kissed the
audience goodbye.
In related Rufus news there are rumors that his song "Shut Down the World" will be included on the upcoming "Brokeback Mountain" soundtrack. This gay-themed movie will feature Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger and is directed by Ang Lee.