No one commands a room quite like Gus Dapperton.
On Sept. 30, Gus Dapperton took the stage at Bimbo’s 365 Club in San Francisco as part of the tour for his latest album, Henge (2023). Dapperton delivered one of the most energetic performances I have ever seen.
Through a unique use of vocal and synth effects, Dapperton manages to create a style of music that is truly genre-bending and wholly his own.
One thing became clear that night: Gus Dapperton is bound for stardom.
Right off the bat, it was as though Gus and the band cast a spell over the entire audience, leaving them with no choice but to dance.
Gus and the band opened with a special rendition of ‘Fly Me to the Moon’ that served as an introduction leading right into “Sunset,” the opening track on Henge (2023).
During musical interludes, Gus and keyboardist Ruby Amadelle, broke into fun dance numbers. This is where Amadelle shone brightest. Her energy was infectious and mesmerizing. Gus and Amadelle complete each other. One would not shine as brightly without the other.
Among the standout moments of the night were ‘Prune, You Talk Funny’ and ‘I’m Just Snacking,’ two of his earliest and most well-known tracks. The entire audience jumped and shouted the lyrics.
Gus’ interaction with the audience is also to be commended. He encouraged audience members to dance and completely immerse themselves in the music. At one point, he surprised fans and began singing a cover of ‘In My Feelings’ by Drake. Audience members laughed and sang along word for word.
Fans were treated to another surprising cover that night, but this time by Amadelle herself. Gus announced that Ruby would be singing a song on her own and she quickly broke into an energetic cover of ‘DONTTRUSTME’ by 3OH!3.
Her performance was possibly the most memorable moment of the night. In addition to having incredible vocal range and power, Amadelle is an impressive dancer who moves with undeniable magnetism.
My sole complaint from the night was the audience, many of whom were intoxicated to the point where they could not stand. For the duration of the show, I had to endure people falling and shoving me. One girl was even slapping people.
The show and the energy brought by Gus’ and the band was intoxicating all on its own. Call me old fashioned, but if you cannot stand and are inhibiting the experience of others, maybe you should stay home.
That said, the show was still fun. Gus made sure the night was unforgettable.
Gus closed out the show by playing ‘Post Humorous’ and ‘Horizons’ as the encore, which made for the perfect end to an exciting set.
If you have not seen Gus live, add it to your bucket list.
Article and photos by Anna Armstrong