Show Review: Conan Gray soars in Indianapolis performance

Review By McKayla Dyk

Photos by Annie Shelmerdine

Here’s a little trade secret: I’m supposed to bury the lead and build up to my ultimate opinion of a performance. I’m not going to do that here.

Conan Gray put on the best show I’ve seen since the pandemic began in March 2020. I’ve been a fan of Conan for a while now. My brain plays “Maniac” on repeat. And the buildup to this show exceeded almost every other I’ve attended.

I missed Conan when he came to Nashville, but I got my second chance when he stopped at The Murat Theatre at Old National Centre in Indianapolis. On March 25, I packed my bags and drove the four hours to Indianapolis with photographer and copilot Annie Shelmerdine sitting shotgun.

Fans had already packed the theater when we got to the venue the following night. The audience, composed primarily of young girls, buzzed with anticipation. Don’t get me started on the power of fangirls to make friends and change the world. They are a force to be reckoned with. When I thought the crowd couldn’t muster more excitement, a crow graphic filled the on-stage screen, and 2,000 people screamed in unison.

Conan Gray opened the show on a platform above the stage with “Wish You Were Sober.” His exuberant energy in that first song set the tone for the entire show. After flamboyantly exclaiming, “I’m siiiiiick!” Conan explained that he didn’t have Covid but that his voice wasn’t at its highest potential, and he might take it easy, but he would still do his best. You would have never guessed there was anything wrong. When he sang, he gave it his all.

The 23-year-old singer performed hit after hit with confidence and charm. As he pranced and spun around the stage, the crowd sang along to every word. Conan played a song for everyone. “Telepath,” “Astronomy,” “Affluenza” and “People Watching” all received an enthusiastic reception. But the response “The Cut That Always Bleeds” and “Jigsaw” reached another level entirely.

The energy on stage and off never died down, but all good things must come to an end. But not before Conan Gray fans shake the walls screaming “Maniac” at the top of their lungs. Everyone present let loose and had the time of their lives. And Conan seemed to enjoy himself just as much with his self-deprecating jokes and swinging limbs.

The indie-pop icon closed the evening with a heartfelt performance of “Heather” as the whole theater swayed and sang along. I may have nearly been the oldest in the room, as evidenced by the teenager behind me who was thrilled to find her retainer. But I like to think I fit right in because I left feeling young and free. Conan Gray fans are my comfort crowd. And teen angst is a state of mind.