Along with the disturbing ideas and imagery that sparked this debate, the concert received various audience reactions.
Popular singer-songwriter Sam Smith is currently facing backlash for their most recent performance while on tour. The contentious show elicited various reactions from viewers and was termed “satanic and grotesque” by some critics.
Smith’s newest record was the focus of the “Gloria” tour, which was created to highlight his development as a performer and musician. Fans had high hopes for the concert series since it had a fresh sound and an energizing stage presence.
However, opinions on the contentious elements of the performance are being voiced all over the world. Others support the singer’s artistic independence and suggest that art should push limits, while some claim that the “satanic” components have no place in popular music.
All of this began when the “Unholy” singer appeared on stage wearing costumes that featured wire crowns, devil horns, and nipple tassels. They have even witnessed stripping at one point, which the majority of the crowd finds to be quite improper, given that they have young audiences.
With that, it’s evident that this contentious performance has resonated with the public as the topic spreads. Most of them took to social media to talk about it, just like this one Twitter user who wrote, “Sam Smith at it again, they don’t even try and hide their satanic crap, and his shows don’t have an age restriction, children would’ve been exposed to this vile display❗❗.”
Sam Smith performing a satanic fetish act in concert last night in Sheffield 🇬🇧
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) April 13, 2023
The concert was attended by multiple children including a 5 year old Girl!
Do you think this is what kids should be exposed to? #SamSmith pic.twitter.com/UNN6ff9Fvc
“Sam Smith is a freak show. This whole performance is satanic. The parents who took their kids to this concert should be jailed,” another person stated. This third user voiced the same sentiment: “People are saying, Sam Smith did a Satanic show last night with children present but it was actually Satan himself.”
Even in the face of criticism, a few fans continued to support Smith by standing with the performer. The act, they said, was merely another form of expression and wasn’t intended to upset anyone.
The artist has yet to respond to the critiques explicitly, but it’s important to note that Smith has a track record of managing controversy and surmounting challenges in their career. An earlier instance had the singer coming out as non-binary, and the challenging circumstances ensued, including getting spit on, as The New York Post reported at that time.
It will be interesting to watch how this performance affects Sam Smith’s tour in the future and whether they decide to speak out more openly about the situation. Even if there are varying perspectives on the aesthetic decisions made in particular shows, the tour continues to draw people eager to see Smith’s talents and musical abilities.