'Semi Precious Weapons Play ‘Surreal’ Radio City Gigs With Lady Gaga'

Linda Laban of Spinner.com writes

“One day after the Tuesday release of Semi Precious Weapons’ self-titled EP on Lady Gaga’s label imprint, Haus of Gaga, the Brooklyn-based glam rockers made their debut at New York’s legendary Radio City Music Hall. “It’s f—ing insane,” frontman Justin Tranter tells Spinner with a wicked giggle. “It’s the biggest thrill ever. We’ve been a band for the last three years and we’ve spent the time permanently in a van, driving ourselves around and selling our own merch, too, to every bar in America, including ones in Mankato Minnesota, wherever the f— that is! So, to be playing Radio City Music Hall is just surreal.”

These shows are the culmination of a North American theater tour, which started in Boston at the beginning of December. It’s likely that Gaga’s enormous success will necessitate larger, less intimate arenas in the future. After all, a punishing four nights in a venue like Radio City could have been over and done with in one fell swoop in a larger venue. It’s a real treat for fans, but a real test of stamina for the performers. “Luckily, as the opener, our show is only half an hour. I don’t know how Gaga does it, an hour and a half every night at one of the most prestigious music venues in the world,” Tranter says, clearly in awe.

Even though the show is a career-thus-far pinnacle for Tranter, he says he’s not nervous. “No, performing is my truly absolute favorite thing to do. I haven’t been nervous performing since I was in the seventh grade performing in the musical ‘Annie,’” he says, laughing. “If anything, in the best way possible, this is slightly overwhelming.” Clearly, he welcomes the attention. “I’ve been working my whole life for this,” he confirms.”