Macy Gray Delivers Despite Vocal Struggles in Berlin
The Admiralspalast in Berlin was the stage for Macy Gray’s anniversary tour last Monday evening, celebrating the 25th anniversary of her iconic debut album ‘On How Life Is’. Despite some initial concerns, it became a remarkable concert full of soul that underscored the enduring power of Gray’s music and her connection with fans across generations.
After a considerable delay that had the audience wondering if there might be technical issues, Gray finally took the stage to enthusiastic applause. It quickly became apparent that the singer was battling what seemed to be a cold or throat problem, as she was frequently sipping tea and water brought to her throughout the performance. This explained the wait and showed Gray’s professionalism in taking care of her instrument – her voice.
Gray opened with “Sweet Baby” from her second album “The Id” from 2001, followed by “The Way”, the title track from her 2014 album. While Gray’s characteristic vocal sound was still recognisable, she held back during the first half of the show, wisely protecting her voice. The restraint was noticeable but understandable, and her excellent backing band – sporting their signature brightly colored wigs – provided strong support to carry the songs. Gray appeared in a brightly colored dress with bright yellow shoes and red gloves, maintaining her distinctive artistic style despite not feeling her best.
As the evening progressed, Gray seemed to find her stride and came out more vocally in the second half, much to the audience’s delight. The crowd – a fascinating mix of ages ranging from young fans to a predominantly older demographic of 50-70 year olds, with a notably high proportion of German fans – was incredibly participative and danced enthusiastically throughout the show. This diverse audience composition may indicate an interesting shift in Gray’s fan base, showing how her music continues to resonate across different communities.
Midway through the concert, Gray took a strategic break and used the opportunity to showcase her band members. She introduced each musician individually, allowing them to perform solo pieces that highlighted their talents. The drummer’s solo was particularly impressive and drew significant applause from the crowd. This interlude not only gave Gray’s voice a rest but also demonstrated the high calibre of musicians she works with.
The audience visibly enjoyed classics like “Sex-O-Matic Venus Freak”, “I Can’t Wait to Meetchu”, and of course her Grammy-winning hit “I Try” from 1999. These older hits were especially well-received, with the crowd singing along and dancing with infectious energy. Gray performed virtually all songs from “On How Life Is”, including the funky “Why Didn’t You Call Me” and the rousing “Do Something”. Her rendition of Bobby Hebb’s classic “Sunny” from 1966 was completely interpreted in her way, showcasing the originality of Gray’s artistic vision.
The main set concluded around 22:30, but the evening was far from over. The encore began theatrically, with a female performer dancing and singing, building anticipation for Gray’s return. The band members then returned to the stage piece by piece – the men still sporting their colourful wigs – before Gray made her final entrance. The encore featured two additional songs that showcased Gray’s voice at its strongest point of the evening, having warmed up and found her full range again.
Throughout the concert, both the sound quality and lighting were excellent, providing the perfect technical backdrop for Gray’s performance. Gray’s Berlin show was an authentic display that showed both her vulnerability and resilience as a performer. Despite clearly battling illness, she delivered a heartfelt performance that proved authenticity often makes more of an impression than technical perfection. The concert celebrated the timeless quality of her debut album while demonstrating why Gray remains a unique and beloved voice in the music world, capable of bringing together diverse audiences in shared musical joy.
