Saul!
Going to see Saul Williams perform live was everything I could have wished. He came out wearing a feathered headpiece resembling a mohawk and a suit with deconstructed boas hanging from the shoulders, along with a shawl and several pieces of clothing underneath. He performed songs from Niggy Tardust, his self-titled album and as he did he stripped down to just his pants. He was covered in blue and gold paint. It was brilliant. As he said, “I just want you motherfuckers to have a good time.” He danced and climbed the light fixtures. He jumped out into the audience and looked up into the balcony where we sat to make sure we were still with him. How could we not be? He was energetic and dynamic. It was a performance reminiscent of fire and prayer all at once.
He performed 5 Senses in the middle of the set and I just about yelled myself hoarse reciting along with him. The best part… he stopped in the middle and muttered “goddamn” he was so surprised that the audience had memorized the piece and could match him line for line. When he performed No One Ever Does, I teared up because after the past two weeks, which led to a hospital stay for me, the words hit me in the gut.
We called him back for an encore and he performed Sunday Bloody Sunday in a voice so pure, I thought my heart would break. He changed the lyrics some and it became a treatise on African-American treatment in this country. He made me want to fight and create. I was inspired.
Sorry the picture is so blurry. I took it with my cell phone.
It was a night I won’t ever forget, and if I do.. I have his t-shirt to remind me.