Like all of the shows on his current tour, Rex Orange County performed to a sold-out Masonic in San Francisco Thursday night Jan. 16th. It was the first of two shows in the Bay Area, with the second night at the nearby Fox Theater in Oakland. Although there was an large crowd who showed up early before doors opened to get a good spot, fans continued streaming in right up until show time. With no opener, Rex Orange County had the audience to himself, emerging onto the stage in a black hoodie and jeans to begin the opening lines of “10/10”, from his latest album ‘Pony’. Cell phones were out in full force from a crowd singing along to every word that continued for much of the night. The energy continued as he went into “Laser Lights” and “Face to Face”, also from the new album. Accompanied by horn section, drummer and guitarists, Rex Orange County(born Alexander O’Connor) put on an overwhelmingly entertaining show that had everything from confetti and a set-change to a portion of the show where he performed solo mid-way through the set. The singalongs were strong especially when he performed his earlier work like “Sunflower” and “Best Friend”, where during the end of the latter, O’Connor requested that everyone put their phones away to take in the moment. It was a request that was granted by the majority of the audience who then proceeded to dance and jump around in euphoria that was a sight to see. With no encore, Rex Orange County and the band had the audience screaming in delight when starting the first few notes of his breakout radio hit, “Loving Is Easy”. Finishing the night with two more from ‘Pony’ – “It’s Not the Same Anymore” and “Always”, Rex Orange County left the stage to many smiling faces and with good reason. A Rex Orange County show is engaging with songs that translate well in a live setting, enhanced by a full band and an artist who knows how to connect with his fans.
