Title: Christeene Pays Pantsless Tribute to Sinead O’Connor at City Winery
Since the passing of Sinead O’Connor last summer, the music world has been honoring the iconic singer in various ways. However, none have been as unique and daring as the tribute paid by performance artist Christeene at City Winery in Manhattan.
Christeene, known for her pantsless queer horrorcore act, took the stage to celebrate “a very powerful woman” and highlight the dangers of religion and the importance of ritual. Shedding her scuffed-up red robe to reveal a provocative outfit, Christeene captivated the audience with her energetic performance and thought-provoking monologues.
Joined by guest vocalists Peaches and Justin Vivian Bond, the show titled “The Lion, the Witch and the Cobra” commemorated O’Connor’s first studio album, “The Lion and the Cobra,” released in 1987. The performance was a faithful rendition of O’Connor’s work, infused with punk-industrial stomp and powerful vocals.
Christeene, the alter ego of artist Paul Soileau, has been described as a “drag terrorist” and compared to the likes of Divine and Tina Turner. The show, while raunchy by some standards, stayed true to O’Connor’s legacy of truth and unbridled expression.
The audience, dressed in black and wearing bold statements on their shirts, felt a sense of communal belonging as they sang along to O’Connor’s lyrics. For many, O’Connor’s music was a beacon of authenticity and strength, making the tribute a cathartic experience.
As the night came to a close, attendees expressed their hopes of channeling O’Connor’s spirit through the show. For some, it was a seance; for others, a resurrection of O’Connor’s powerful presence in the music world.
In a world where otherness can feel isolating, Christeene’s tribute to Sinead O’Connor at City Winery served as a reminder of the power of music to unite and heal, leaving the audience with a sense of joy and connection.
