More about: Fletcher

Adolescents snake around the outside of the O2 Empire in Shepherds Bush. Young fans slump against the walls, basking in the sun. Occasionally, they glance curiously in the direction of the stage door as people wander in and out. Walking into the venue, Fletcher is at the tail end of soundcheck. She wanders around the stage, carefully taking note of everything in preparation for the evening’s performance.

Backstage, things are hectic. The hairdryer has blown its fuse and a last-minute trip to Westfield is needed before the final glam. As we meet in the stalls and climb up to the dress circle, she stops and proudly watches one of her support acts, Gracey, soundcheck.  After a brief discussion with her tour manager, he tries to figure out a place for Fletcher to catch their sets before she plays her biggest headline show. Fletcher disappears to get ready as a group of timid young fans are ushered in for their meet and greets.

Not long before the show, a hoard of photographers wait inside the stage door prepping their gear. Minutes before Fletcher steps onstage, the venue is packed to the gills with excited fans clutching homemade signs and hanging pride flags. As the photographers enter the pit, a couple of eager fans look displeased and demand to know if we’ll be there for the whole show. “First three songs and then we’re out, don’t worry!”, an older man reassures them as they light up at the news and pass on the message to some other concerned faces.

The screams are deafening. Some of the fans can barely take it and burst into tears as Fletcher takes the stage. For many in the building, they have waited over two years to see their icon. Being enveloped in the predominantly queer and female identifying crowd, it’s special - everyone can fully let go and enjoy themselves without fear of being harassed or molested. Building an atmosphere of safety, comfort and pure joy, it’s a heartwarming experience.

On the balcony a man surveys the room in horror and clutches onto his girlfriend, as he witnesses her fall deeper in love with Fletcher in real time. Fletcher reciprocates the adoration of every member of the audience, stopping between each song so she can take it all in. Fletcher gives it her all as she launches into a stunning cover of Billie Eilish’s ‘Happier Than Ever’, before resuming her slew of queer anthems. She gives off more rock star energy as her live performance leans more on the pop punk and rock side of things, than her recorded tracks. She wears it well.

A dildo falls from the gallery and onto the stage, much to Fletcher’s surprise and delight. She laughs to herself and continues to jump and strut around the stage, before taking a brief interlude to sign some willing bodies. “My mother just thinks I sign boobs for a living, she must be so proud,” Fletcher jokes before jumping off the stage and mounting the barrier as she gets down to business.

Waves of tears and joy wash over the crowd as things draw to a close. Couples kiss and friends embrace one another. Lone souls dance, entranced by the music and the spectacle unfolding before their eyes. Fletcher runs off stage, praising the room as she goes. The lights go up and the venue groans, yearning for more. Others linger, euphoric and grateful for this one night of being able to unashamedly be themselves in peace to the backdrop of their idol, Fletcher.

See photos of the night from Yasmin Cowan:

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More about: Fletcher