Conan Gray began touring for his latest album, “Wishbone,” just one week ago and had his fifth concert in Clarkston, Michigan. Hundreds of fans poured into the Pine Knob Music Theater, donning blue striped pajamas, sailor hats, red bows, and merchandise.
Opening for Gray was indie artist Hemlocke Springs, whose alt-pop and screamy vocals raised the excitement levels in the theater. She flounced around the stage in a black dress, her elbow-length gloves and long hair giving her the appearance of a princess. Performing hits from her latest EP, “going…going…GONE!” alongside a few unreleased songs, Springs’s electric energy filled the stage until Gray finally came out at around nine p.m.
The tour was composed of four acts, along with a one-song introduction and a two-song encore. Gray started the tour very cleverly; the last song playing through the speakers before he comes on is “bad idea right?” by his friend and fellow pop star, Olivia Rodrigo. When it got to the lyric “So I’m getting in the car wrecking all my plans, I know I should stop,” the overhead lights went out, and a blue glow filled the theater, creating a thrilling ambiance, similar to the spaced-out chords of “Fainted Love,” which Gray opened his “Found Heaven” tour with last year.
“I: A wishbone never breaks even.”
The first act opened with “My World,” a song from Gray’s most recent album. Next, were “Never Ending Song” and “Bourgeoisieses,” which are both from his previous album released in 2022, “Found Heaven.” Gray’s versatility was clear; his third album had a more rock-electric vibe, while his most recent one adopted a dreamy, poetic style. He wore a classic sailor suit, similar to the one he wore for the “Wishbone” album cover. Throughout the concert, Gray played songs from all four of his studio albums.
“II: I got the short end of the stick.”
After a quick costume change into pajamas, the vibe of Gray’s set was transformed into something more dreamlike. Painted cloud set pieces were brought out to signify the new act, and the words “II: I got the short end of the stick” were displayed above Gray’s head as he lay down on a bed in the center of the stage. This act began with “Class Clown,” a deep song about feeling like an outsider, and ended with “Nauseous,” which held some of the hardest-hitting lyrics of the whole night: “Maybe that’s why I feel safe with bad guys, because when they hurt me, I won’t be surprised.” During the song, the crowd turned on their phone flashlights, which had been covered with little blue strips of paper. “Thank you all so much. Y’all are so beautiful,” Gray said in response to the light show, touched by the display of community.
“III: I took the long way to realization.”
The third act brought the crowd to the sea, when Gray popped up from a wooden boat after the interlude. Starting with “Romeo,” the trumpet fanfare that plays at the beginning of the song made the transition effortless and exciting. But perhaps the highlight of the act is less the set and sound, but more so the fact that Gray chose a fan from the pit, and challenged them to break a wishbone with him. If the fan got the long end of the wishbone, they had to choose the next song, with the choices being “Astronomy” or “The Exit,” both from Gray’s second album, “Superache.” He also played one of his most infamous songs, “Heather,” with the original lyrics included. Before starting the song, Gray had a special message to leave. “Heather, if you’re out there, I’m sorry,” he said. But I’m also not because this song is a banger.”
“IV: I wished for love and I found it.”
Gray wrapped up the acts back in the original setting, the field. He started in the bed piece from the cloud set, singing “Actor,” an emotional song about drifting apart from someone, and pretending you don’t even know them. Gray followed this with “Maniac,” his most-streamed song and the one that boosted his first album, “Kid Krow,” to popularity. He ended the act with one of the most popular songs from “Wishbone,” “Vodka Cranberry,” but not before telling the crowd that he was absolutely not coming back and that this was his last song. To most of the crowd’s surprise, Gray left for a costume change and returned immediately for a two-song encore. Although the final act was short, it was clear that both he and the fans were giving it their all, which left a lasting feeling of complete awe.
By the end of the concert, the energy from the crowd created an ethereal atmosphere, especially with the encore songs, “Memories” and “Caramel.” Gray changed outfits numerous times, but the encore outfit he donned was the most dazzling: a navy blue suit adorned with gemstones and sparkles, which led to a brilliant finish to the concert. Later, Gray posted on social media, “Clarkston, you left me with mosquito bites and a full heart. What more could I ask for? I loved every second in the night air with you.”
