Haute & Freddy's Royal Court Convened In Boston

Eccentric pop stars Haute & Freddy kicked off Pride month in Boston with a sold-out show at The Sinclair on June 1st. The show marked the third night of the Big Disgrace Tour, and fans were buzzing with excitement. The duo, composed of Michelle Buzz, lead vocalist, and Lance Shipp, percussionist, shared on socials that the night's dress code theme was 'queen's dumpster.' Boston went all out, sporting ruff collars, jester hats, and corseted dresses fit for an elegant Renaissance fair. Giant set pieces on the stage transported the venue to an antique circus: a giant puppet theater, lush red velvet curtains, and strings of ribbons. First up were musician extraordinaires and Boston natives, the Rubin Brothers, who set the euphoric tone for the night. They effortlessly blended musicality and vaudeville acts, playing upright bass and brass instruments while juggling, unicycling, and tumbling. Their bubbly energy warmed up the venue and foreshadowed the joyous show ahead, making them the perfect double bill for the night.

Soon after, the lights dimmed, and fans released thunderous cheers. A vibrant animated video featuring detailed paper dolls of Haute & Freddy played on the screen. The video told their outcast tale of leaving the ringmaster behind to find themselves performing music on the road. The crowd giggled and widened their eyes, immersing themselves deeper into the whimsical world of Haute & Freddy with total abandon. The duo burst onto the stage with boundless energy and dove into the track "Anti-Superstar," inspiring fans to lean into what makes them unique and drop their guards for the show. Tracks like "Fields of Versailles" and "Sophie" boasted punchy electro-pop instrumentals and swooping melodies. Fans sang along so loudly that it almost drowned out the band.

Buzz paused between songs to chat with the audience, mixing humor with touching gratitude. She shared that tonight's show was a safe space, welcoming fellow "misfits." Before performing "the song that started it all," she revealed how the royal court changed her life. She recalled how she was perusing other job opportunities until fans poured love into "I Like My People Weird," and changed their lives. Buzz flounced across the stage with a multicolor bouquet of flowers, passing them out to fans in the crowd while belting each powerful note into the mic. The duo performed with a fervent passion, smiling ear to ear between songs and theatrically sauntering around the stage. Later in the performance, they brought five lucky fans on stage to sing "Scantily Clad," with the bunch displaying equal passion, singing along while dripping in pearls, lace, ruffles, and dramatic wigs.

Haute & Freddy spared no expense in making the audience feel celebrated and seen. After a cathartic dance party to "Dance the Pain Away," Buzz improvised songs about audience members' favorite things and birthdays, creating an unforgettable experience for fans. Later, two clowns from the New York City-based troupe Fou York of Fou Fou Ha! joined the duo on stage, skipping around in red wigs, houndstooth-patterned shirts, poofy plaid skirts, and red gloves. The duo ended the night with the beloved track "Shy Girl," with Buzz handing out more flowers to their adoring royal court. Haute & Freddy crafted a lively and festive evening, sprinkled with elements of immersive storytelling and spirited musicality throughout. This tour assuredly marks the last time that Haute & Freddy will be performing in intimate spaces like The Sinclair, so make sure to catch them live before the Big Disgrace Tour ends in November. Buy tickets here.

Graphics collected via Pinterest; creators credited where identifiable.