Lil Nas X's Grand SF Visit Was Spectacular, Moving, And Full Of Pride

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Talented rap and pop trailblazer Lil Nas X hit the Old Town Road and had a blast exploring all of the best that San Francisco has to offer in between his Bill Graham Civic Auditorium concert on Sunday October 23.

Aside from delivering an awe-inspiring theatrical showstopper of a musical performance, the 23 year old visionary was spotted sightseeing in the most San Francisco way possible- by celebrating our queer scene at our historic Oasis and Beaux nightclubs.

See also: The Ultimate Guide To The Castro's Gay Bars & Clubs

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As the last American stop on Lil Nas X's Long Live Montero Tour, the global icon made sure to leave our west coast stop with a lasting, explosive memory. Amid a completely sold-out crowd, his show lasted over an hour and was cleverly structured in three elegant acts, even distributing pamphlets that delightfully mimicked those of traditional opera performances.

The spectacle was no less than operatic, perhaps even more theatrical and grandiose, complete with golden nature decorations, elaborate props, and several ostentatious wardrobe changes that all weaved together 15 of his most adored hits with a chic and maximalist Renaissance theme.

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“In the beginning, all was dark as far as the eye can see,” a woman alluringly narrated at the very start of the show, followed by the legendary entrance of Lil Nas himself, adorned in golden armor and backed by a battalion of equally suave dancers. "Panini" kicked off the triumphant set, which after Sun Goes Down" and "A Visit From a Friend" led into his phenomenal hit “Old Town Road."

As the longest-running number-one song in Billboard history, this catchy tune exploded instantly on Tik Tok due to its ingenious inteplay of country and rap, which has since inspired countless viral dances, remixes, and iconic visuals. During his SF show, Lil Nas cheekily fused the hit with Ginuwine’s "Pony," even bringing out a decorative horse.

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Other unforgettable moments from this show included comical commentary, such as when he admitted that he became lost "walking around for two hours" all around the city. "I just feel like that’s a magical moment, like, isn’t that cool?" Nas reflected on before exclaiming, "I just want to say, enjoy who you are right now before your next moment or your next moment in life."

Deep quotes and empowering transparency were ubiquitous in the concert, as the openly-gay role model performed thought-provoking and moving skits about dealing with his sexuality and religion. As the three acts were titled "Rebirth,” “Transformation” and “Becoming,” growth was a clear theme of the night, reminding the audience of the strides the 23 year old has taken to be accepted being both gay and Black.

Lil Nas danced to Beyonce's "PURE/HONEY," had the audience playfully recite the American Dad theme song as a final American-show exclusive, and even had a costumed furry twerk to "Down Souf Hoes." He finished the night with "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)," "Scoop," and "Industry Baby," all while donned in diamond-encrusted pants and, for the last bit, recalled the steamy locker room theme of the music video.

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With Lil Nas X's visit to both Beaux in the Castro and Oasis on Folsom, his brief, but vibrant time in San Francisco signified a fun and unapologetic message to live your truth with pride, in the moment, and like his victorious concert, like an over-the-top fairytale.

See also: Drag Legends Violet Chachki And Gottmik On What Pride Means To Them, Their LGBTQ+ Identity, And More