A.D. Amorosi Since the pandemic’s start, songwriting singer Halsey has changed their world several times over with the release of the dystopian multi-genre pop of 2020’s “Manic,” then the industrial earth mother vibe of 2022’s “If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power.” During that time, they also announced “they/them” pronouns and had a baby.
But even with all that, performing in an intimate setting – SiriusXM’s Small Stage series, for subscribers and contest winners held at Philadelphia’s 1,200-capacity Union Transfer on Tuesday – was perfect Halsey’s whisper-to-scream vocals and dramatic, personal asides.
Plus, as a native of nearby Edison, New Jersey, Halsey rhapsodized about being a fan in attendance at many a gig at the venue. “I used to wonder if the people on stage here could see me in the audience,” said Halsey to a brace of fans pressed against the stage, some of whom had waited in line since 4 a.m. “The answer is yes, because I can see all of your faces clearly.” That connectivity between artist and audience was the nicest surprise of Tuesday night’s show.
Whether they meant it or not, Halsey – dressed in a short plaid skirt with a black bob haircut – said on several occasions how long, recent tours in arena-size space had created a disconnect, and how, perhaps, scaling back to more intimate venues was an answer. “Maybe pull it back before it gets too big,” Halsey mumbled under their breath.
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