Fletcher & Friends
By: MaKayla Hartter
Fletcher returned to her hometown of Asbury Park, New Jersey, for the Pride event of the summer, following her successful headlining European tour. After a sold-out show at the O2 City Hall in Newcastle, she kicked off Pride Month with a two-night stand at the iconic Stone Pony Outdoor Summer stage.
The Stone Pony, a cornerstone of the Asbury Park music scene since 1974, provided the perfect backdrop for Fletcher to showcase songs from her recently released sophomore album “In Search of the Antidote.” Fans of all ages were captivated by her performance, jumping and singing along to every lyric with enthusiasm and passion.
Following a sapphic video intro, Fletcher finally made her entrance as fans chanted her onto the stage. Opening the night with a performance of “Maybe I Am,” Fletcher set the tone for an unforgettable evening. A nod to the evening's title, “Forever Fletcher,” she sang her track “Forever” from her 2020 EP, “The S(ex) Tapes,” which chronicles the raw aftermath of a life-changing breakup.
Midway through the set, Fletcher took a moment to read aloud her fans’ homemade signs, but paused at one that read, “I am a veterinarian and I have a cure for that sick pussy.” Laughing, Fletcher said she couldn’t read it out loud because “my great aunt is in the crowd and we need to protect her at all costs.”
Night 1: Forever Fletcher
As early as 4:30 a.m., fans lined up outside The Stone Pony — proudly sporting Fletcher's merchandise from head to toe — to secure their spots at the front of the barricade for their performance.
The atmosphere was electric with anticipation as the packed audience awaited the vocalist's appearance on stage. Pride flags waved proudly, Fletcher signs adorned the venue and fans enthusiastically chanted, "Flecha! Fletcha! Fletcha!" There was a sense of unity and love before the show even began.
Australian native G-Flip opened the night with her impressive vocals and drumming skills, and the audience enthusiastically sang along to their queer-inspired rendition of Taylor Swift's “Cruel Summer.” G-Flip expressed gratitude to Fletcher's U.S.-based fans and led the crowd in chanting, "Flecha! Fletcha! Fletcha!"
Skimming the sea of signs, Fletcher saw a little girl on her dad’s shoulders who was holding up a sign that read “Can I dance with you?” After performing her hit song “Undrunk” — which Fletcher feared was too “problematic” for a kid to dance to — the singer brought little Camila on stage. Crying happy tears, the girl hugged and danced with Fletcher to “Lead Me On,” the lead single from “In Search of the Antidote.”
During her performance, Fletcher showcased her versatility by singing acoustic versions of “Joyride” from her sophomore album — as well as “Wasted Youth,” a heartfelt track about falling in love with her girlfriend in 2016. Longtime fans took to Twitter to share videos and the excitement of hearing this rare live performance of the song.
Fletcher also surprised fans by including “Two Things Can Be True” on the setlist for the first time, eliciting cheers and enthusiastic sing-alongs from the audience. During “Attached to You,” the crowd showed their love and support by holding up signs with messages declaring their attachment to the artist. In addition to these memorable moments, Fletcher performed a selection of her popular songs, including “All Love,” “Crush,” “Pretending,” “Doing Better,” “Eras of Us,” and “Antidote,” — and her most controversial song “'Becky's So Hot.”
Night 2: For Cari
After a Pride parade on Sunday, June 2, crowds lined up for blocks at The Stone Pony to attend the second night of Fletcher's hometown Pride event in Asbury Park.
Ari Abdoul and Maude Latour, who will join Fletcher this fall on tour as her opening act, added an extra layer of excitement and talent to the show — contributing to a vibrant and energetic atmosphere that enhanced the overall experience for the audience. Their performances, alongside Fletcher's emotional rendition of “For Cari” — a song dedicated to her younger self about growing up in a small town and always returning to her roots — made for a memorable evening.
The heartfelt performance by Fletcher on night two of Fletcher & Friends resonated deeply with the audience, showcasing her emotional connection to her music and her journey back to her origins. Fletcher got the crowd jumping with “Girls, Girls, Girls,” which samples Katy Perry’s “I Kissed A Girl.”
At the end of the show, Fletcher thanked fans for coming out and emphasized how much fun she had singing for 10,000 people over the course of the two nights.
A moment for “Ego Talking” (yes, this deserves its own section)
Fletcher showcases her vocal prowess in the song “Ego Talking,”’ delivering a powerful and emotive yet seemingly effortless performance that captivates listeners.
With her unique tone and dynamic range, Fletcher navigates the song's melodies with ease, infusing each note with raw emotion, intensity and vulnerability. She seamlessly transitions between delicate, intimate moments and soaring, anthemic choruses.
The song alone is a testament to her exceptional vocal control and artistry. Combined with emotive delivery, erotic moves and nuanced phrasing during the live performance, it showcases Fletcher’s ability to draw listeners in and create a sense of authentic connection that leaves a lasting impact on audiences. It’s clear why “Ego Talking” is one of her most popular and unforgettable songs live.
Outro
Fletcher's double header at The Stone Pony in Asbury Park transformed into a vibrant Pride celebration, uniting fans of all ages in an inclusive party atmosphere. The event not only showcased Fletcher's exceptional talent and stage presence but also served as a powerful symbol of love, acceptance and community spirit.
The lively and welcoming show made for a memorable experience for all in attendance, solidifying Fletcher's connection with both her hometown and her dedicated fan base. If Fletcher’s "In Search of the Antidote" tour this fall makes its way to your city, seize the opportunity to experience her performance. (You won’t want to miss “Ego Talking.”)
