Alright, folks, let’s talk about the sensational Lil Nas X! This 24-year-old dynamo, also known as Montero Lamar Hill, has taken the music scene by storm with his infectious beats and unapologetic style. You can’t mention Lil Nas X without bringing up his monster hit, “Old Town Road.” This track rode its way to the top of the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart and stayed there for a record-breaking 19 weeks! Talk about a wild ride!
But here’s where it gets even more interesting. While basking in the glory of his chart-topping success, Lil Nas X decided to show the world his true colours and fearlessly came out as gay. That’s right, he broke barriers and shattered stereotypes, all while rocking the number one spot. Talk about making a statement!
With all this talent and audacity, it’s no surprise that Lil Nas X has snagged some serious recognition. He’s got a shiny Grammy Award on his shelf, and he’s been deemed one of Forbes’ cool kids on the 30 Under 30 list. Time magazine even named him one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2021. And let’s not forget, he’s still in his early twenties! It’s like he’s got the whole world in the palm of his hand.
“You wanna see my snake?” Well, buckle up, because Lil Nas X came, he saw, and he proudly showed off his reptilian friend to his audience in Stockholm. The show has begun in style! It doesn’t take more than a few minutes before the dancers bring out a massive serpent, sending the crowd into a frenzy of wild cheers. Now, what exactly does that “fuck off” snake symbolize? Well, that’s a mystery for you to ponder.
But wait, there’s more in Lil Nas X’s fashion arsenal. Brace yourselves for a salty bird that bears a striking resemblance to a famous heron in Långbro. For those curious minds out there, feel free to take a little detour to Google and uncover the story behind that one.
Of course, Lil Nas X wouldn’t be complete without making an entrance on a pimped-out horse during his mega-hit “Old Town Road.” And just when you thought it couldn’t get any more extravagant, he wraps up the spectacle with a creature that looks like a remix of a queer minotaur and a snowman. It’s a visual feast that leaves you both bewildered and captivated. The area in front of the second-largest stage is now a jam-packed inferno. Lil Nas X is as much country as he is trap, as much emorock as he is pop, as much soul as he is a burlesque nightclub performer. He serves as a reminder that the best and most interesting rock has always been queer.
Lil Nas X also challenges any preconceived notions of what a concert should be in the TikTok era. Lil Nas X isn’t just a rapper from Georgia; he’s a master of showmanship, pushing the boundaries of imagination and blurring the lines of convention. With each extravagant performance, he invites us into his whimsical world, where anything is possible. So, get ready for a wild ride because Lil Nas X is here to break the mould and leave us all in awe.
Photos courtesy of the festival, photographers Pao Duell and Pax Engström
