Perfume Genius Talks Love Island, Addison Rae, and Personal Grooming
When Perfume Genius made a preview of his upcoming 2025 Glory Tour on The Tonight Show earlier this year, no one anticipated that his pubes would steal the spotlight. Unfortunately, the national broadcast wasn’t prepared for the unexpected moment, resulting in a blurred image. Later, the 43-year-old singer-songwriter, born Mike Hadreas, shared that he had attempted to trim his bush with a pocket knife but faced difficulties.
This kind of unpredictability encapsulates the essence of the Glory Tour in its entirety. Genius ignites the stage by hurling a chair and bouncing on a yoga ball while his melancholic vocals serenade the audience over the band’s rich live harmonies, all in a celebration of the self-destructive instincts that reside within us all. In a recent phone call before his performance at the Fuji Rock Festival in Japan, he expressed, “I believe that given the current state of affairs, there is a palpable sense in the air of people craving a safe way to let loose and feel wild.”
Genius delves into his Glory summer, shedding light on his artistic collaboration with Alan Wyffels, his partner of 16 years and a key creative collaborator, along with a serendipitous run-in with Charli xcx’s dog. In a candid conversation, he walks us through the journey of his creative process, songwriting, and stage presence during the tour.
Regarding the strategies behind his shows, Genius discussed a moment during the Brooklyn Paramount performance when he altered the drop in his song “Otherside”, leaving spectators momentarily puzzled. This unexpected twist played with the audience’s expectations, garnering laughter and cheers. This deviation exemplifies his desire to challenge conventions and infuse a sense of uniqueness into his performances.
On the subject of his latest album, Glory, Genius expresses satisfaction with the direction of this new era. As his seventh studio album, he feels more empowered and in control than ever before. He emphasizes the meticulous effort put into crafting the album’s lyrics, a source of great pride, alongside the visual elements that accompany it. The consistent aesthetic of his wardrobe, characterized by a baby tee and low-rise jeans, reflects an intentional blend of chic and offbeat styles – a deliberate choice that mirrors his desire to project confidence and experimentation.
A discussion about Genius’s pre-show rituals reveals his need to cultivate nervous energy, which he believes is essential for delivering an engaging performance. Utilizing an exercise ball on stage, alongside his chair and other props, further underscores his desire to engage with his surroundings and establish unique connections with objects as part of his performance.
In summary, Perfume Genius’s Glory Tour is a testament to his innovative spirit, unapologetic artistry, and commitment to creating an immersive and unpredictable experience for his audience. His blend of raw emotions, musical finesse, and daring stage presence captivates audiences worldwide, making his live performances unforgettable.