Entering the Eventim Apollo on a brisk Tuesday evening in London felt like stepping into a chapter of my personal soundtrack.
My first encounter with Mika’s music was a chance stumble upon “Grace Kelly” while living in San Francisco. As someone deeply appreciative of bands like Jellyfish, Queen, and Badfinger, Mika’s sound struck a chord with me—bold, inventive, and refreshingly unique. That track alone was a game-changer, and diving into his album was akin to discovering a pop music gem, brimming with disco, funk, and those falsettos and harmonies that instantly pull you in. It was as if the energy of the Scissor Sisters’ debut had been reborn.
Mika’s 2024 tour kicks off on the heels of a spectacular year. His French-language album not only snagged the “French-language Album of the Year” at the Pure Charts Awards, but he’s also made waves on television, earning critical acclaim for his roles on The Voice in France and The Piano in the UK—the latter winning Best Original Programme at the 2024 Broadcast Awards. His venture into film scoring also earned him a nomination for Breakthrough Composer of the Year by the International Film Music Critics Association, showcasing his remarkable versatility as an artist. To say he’s at the peak of his powers would be an understatement.
Seeing Mika live again was like reuniting with an old friend. His Apocalypse Calypso Tour might have featured just one song from his latest album Que ta tête fleurisse toujours, but it didn’t matter—the energy was through the roof. The crowd was pumped, eager for a night packed with Mika’s greatest hits. He delivered big time, diving into the songs that first hooked us, making sure the evening was filled with those signature Mika moments we all came for.
To fully grasp Mika’s unique artistry, you really had to be there. The show kicked off with an unforgettable spectacle—Mika, decked out in massive red wings and enclosed in a symbolic cage, delivering “Bougez.” His performance swung from beautiful to intense, capturing the full spectrum of human emotion. From that first song, it was full steam ahead. Mika was on a mission to energize every person in the crowd, keeping us grinning from ear to ear for the next two hours.
The setlist was a meticulously curated journey through Mika’s discography, with a significant nod to his groundbreaking album Life in Cartoon Motion. Hits like “Big Girl” were not just performed; they were an invitation for the audience to partake in a communal celebration of music as Mika waltzed through the crowd, blurring the line between the artist and his admirers.
The climax of the show was a cascade of anthems—”Popular Song,” “Grace Kelly,” “Happy Ending,” and “Love Today”—each a testament to Mika’s prowess as a songwriter and a performer. The encore, featuring a heartfelt rendition of “Any Other World” followed by the euphoric “We Are Golden,” served as a reminder of the unifying power of music, especially in times marred by uncertainty and discord.
Mika’s show in London was a delightful escape from the daily grind, a musical voyage that transported us from life’s worries into a world of pure joy. Amidst the uncertainties of our times, his performance served as a radiant beacon of positivity. With his theatrical charm and flawless vocals, he created an enchanting experience that captivated us all.
It was more than just a concert; it was a collective moment of escapism, a chance for everyone to leave their troubles behind and bask in the uplifting melodies of Mika’s music. While he’s undoubtedly a sensation across Europe, one can’t help but wonder when the States will catch onto this infectious musical magic. Was there anything that could have made this show better? I think not, but it did pop into my mind that having Jake Shears as the special guest would have been an excellent fit, albeit a pipe dream.
