So I Met Chris Crocker...
He came to one of the singer showcases I'm in at Eleven Lounge in West Hollywood tonight. Technically, last night as it is now 2:00 in the morning, but I had to blog this before bed.He was totally gracious and sweet to everyone who crowded him, asking for cell phone photos, autographs, the works. The second I saw him walk through the door, I ran up to the person who was supposed to perform next and said, "You're not going. I'm going next. Just trust me. I need to do this."
I introduced him from the stage and I think he was quite grateful that instead of calling him "Britney Boy" or mentioning the "Leave Britney Alone!" video, I instead opted for, "From Earl Edna Annie to The Liberty Bell skits, one of the greatest improvisational actors of my generation is in the audience tonight. Please give it up for Chris Crocker."
I proceeded to rock the fuck out of No Doubt's "Excuse Me Mr." for the first time with full band -- piano, guitar, drums and sax. It was the first time I have been able to reach the level of "out of body" performance while singing in front of an audience like I usually do with acting. Such a high. Total rush.
You see, when I watch Chris Crocker's videos he reminds me of myself at 16 years old. He's completely fearless. But he is fearless because, at home with a camcorder and his grandma, he has nothing to lose. The town despises him for being different. He's already pissed off people on the Internet. Why not be anything but yourself under those conditions and refuse to apologize?
But when you become a performer for a living, you love whatever small or large amount of success you've had and you want to continue it, you don't want to do anything to fuck it up. So you become scared of losing it and all fearlessness goes out the window.
But seeing Chris Crocker watch me perform tonight inspired me to be totally fearless up there. It was pretty kick ass and I'm really glad he was there. It was a really magical moment. Totally took me to a new level of performance.
Paul recorded the entire thing so as soon as he posts it to his YouTube blog, I will post it here. A lot of really great people were in the audience tonight from some of my favorite regulars like Ernie and Paul to my webmistress, Susie G. and porn star Michael Soldier.
It was an incredible turn out for being only week two and I'm grateful to be a part of such a great event going on every other Sunday at Eleven Lounge. See you all again on the 4th!
I'll also be returning to performing every Friday night from 9:00 pm - 1:00 am at The Other Side piano bar in Silverlake this week after having taken half a month off! Hope to see familiar faces and new ones there.
I guess I'm not that far. I'm at the point of no return. Just watch me burn.
Song: "Let It Will Be" (Live) - Madonna, Confessions Tour
posted by Jason Sechrest at 2:58 AM
2 Comments:
Once you're on the stage, you're the king of the world, the world is all yours, it is the opportunity for you to control them.
I wasn't aware that Jason Sechrest had fear because I thought I saw a different person on stage performing.
As much as I felt it's another celebrity wannabe-move by Chris Crocker, but I guess you're right. There are nothing to lose if you're determined.
xo.
jimy
I love what you wrote! You know, I don't know Chris at all, but I've seen his videos and yeah, he is fearless, and yeah, it's easy to be fearless when you're at home with the camcorder and your surroundings are oppressive as can be. But you know, that's the spirit of youth, and there's real power in that, so good for him for being who he is, loud and proud, right or wrong. It takes creativity to come up with a rant that becomes an instant classic, and guts to deal with the fallout or the praise, and sharpness and skill to prove you can do more than just that. But a lot of people criticize it and I love the fact that you didn't. You see him for what he is: a human being just trying to make it in the world. Good for him for trying. Good for you for valuing it! Yay! PS: now that I know about it, I'll check out the next show at Eleven on the 4th!
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