Words by Nicole Murphy | Photos by Kate Meyer
Though Huntington’s Paramount Theater was not nearly as packed as it could have been Friday, Fitz and the Tantrums frontman told a loyal New York crowd how they’ve made his dreams come true.
“Thank you for being real people, for being real music lovers, for spreading the word about this band,” said Michael Fitzpatrick, lead singer and songwriter for the soulful six-piece ensemble.
It was just about 9:30 when the lights lowered and four of the Tantrums took their place on stage. Fitzpatrick and his leading lady, the sexy-swaying Noelle Scaggs, entered next to kick off the show with “Don’t Gotta Work It Out”, the band’s second hit single from their 2010 debut album, Pickin’ Up the Pieces.
www.fitzandthetantrums.com
Scaggs led the crowd harmoniously with her arms in the air through “Winds of Change”, another single from the breakthrough record. About halfway through the set, Fitzpatrick introduced a new track from the band’s upcoming album titled “Out of My League”.
“We’ve been working really hard on this new record,” he explained. “New York has always been the biggest supporter of this band, so we need your seal of approval.”
Safe to say, New York showed no objections, especially when a rousing cover of “Steady As She Goes” by the Raconteurs followed.
Fitz and the Tantrums hit the stage for a highly anticipated encore of “Money Grabber”, which literally brought the entire crowds to their knees — as Scaggs requested.
“In case you haven’t noticed, in Fitz and the Tantrums, we like to get down,” Scaggs said. “We’d like to see you all on the floor.”
Beyond the rhythm and soul that brings you back to decades past, the striking saxophone solos and the remarkable vocal capacity that is Fitz and the Tantrums, what sticks out most is a connection, a passion and chemistry that doesn’t quite translate on record.
To see how Fitzpatrick and Scaggs are drawn toward each other like a magnetic force, to see a natural glow on each and every face on stage and just how contagious it is to their fans is truly something special.
www.fitzandthetantrums.com
TheWaster.com | Tantrums
09.21.12
