Attention Chicago; with disco beats, a bob, and a very temporary sparkly shirt, he can be your “Mr. Fantasy.” Mr. Fantasy released his first full length album “Fantasyland” this past June and took these groovy beats on his “Sexy Little Tour.” With only 5 performances in the entire tour, Chicago was one of the lucky cities that got to experience Mr. Fantasy in all his glory. Fans got up close and personal at Bottom Lounge, almost close enough to question whether it was Mr. Fantasy or Riverdale star KJ Appa in a wig.
The night started off with a DJ set that introduced a disco theme that would be carried on for the rest of the night. With Bottom Lounge’s closeness, the show was half club and half concert. It was impressive how the stage held Mr. Fantasy’s 7-piece band and massive disco ball with room left to groove. The performance was a fantastical trip going back in time, full of nostalgia. Mr. Fantasy has a very entertaining internet personality and proved to be an incredible in-person performer as well.
Aside from the crazy beats, “Fantasyland” is a provocative album in which Mr. Fantasy’s yearning is on full display. The show wouldn’t have been true to the album without a strip tease. His shirt was energetically flying off and in the case of a show in Texas, so did his pants. The crowd was loving the energy, with one woman in the crowd exclaiming, “this is sexual.” While Mr. Fantasy tends to lead towards sex appeal, the performance never became unprofessional or messy. He gives off the air of an experienced performer with a dash of unseriousness.
The show was short and sweet with a setlist of only 8 songs. Although it was a quick night, the quality of the performance was consistent. Mr. Fantasy’s impressive vocals combined with two background singers and a complete band created the perfect live performance. The room was never still, only continuously moving with fans particularly enjoying songs like “Mr. Fantasy” and “Body Talk.” Mr. Fantasy is an artist to keep an eye on because he won’t be playing in small venues for very long with that kind of showmanship.
Mr. Fantasy’s skill as a performer is suspicious, which leads to the elephant in the room. Who the heck is this guy? The going, popular internet theory is that Mr. Fantasy is a disguise for his true identity, KJ Appa. The two men look eerily similar in facial appearance as well as sharing quite a few tattoos. Fans have speculated and discussed the connection online only to be met with repeated denial from KJ Appa. The controversy only drums up more attention for Mr. Fantasy’s music which is what originally gave him his popularity. Considering all of the evidence pointing towards the two men being the same person, it is safe to say that Mr. Fantasy very well might be our first real life Hannah Montana. If the identities are ever revealed to be one, that would instantly make the most impressive part of the concert to be KJ Appa’s ability to sing incredibly well with fake teeth in.
Photos taken by Lizzy Morris
