Canadian artist Merrill Nisker, better known by her stage name Peaches returns to Liverpool’s Invisible Wind Factory, the same club she celebrated her 50th Birthday few years ago.
If the queue to get in is anything to go by, even the fact it’s a ‘school night’, it definitely hasn’t discouraged gig goers from seeing an artist whose Liverpool shows have become part of local gig folklore!
The 2022 Tour marks the 20th anniversary of her breakthrough LP, ‘The Teaches of Peaches’. Arriving on the stage dressed as a pensioner, kitted out with a zimmer frame, oversized glasses and… a vagina shaped hat, the bemused audience give her a rapturous reception.
Starting with the provocative ‘Set it Off’, the granny gear is soon ditched as stage is invaded by a troupe of half naked dancers and the rest of the band. The room is filled with amazing energy.
Peaches has been creating music since the early 90’s without ever limiting herself to one musical genre. Her set is a melting pot of left field influences, from electroclash to rap, from guitar heavy grunge to powerful tribal rhythms. It’s all in the mix!
For somebody not familiar with Peaches or her oeuvre, she’s (in)famous for playing with the themes of gender identity, feminism, queerness, sexuality, body acceptance and more recently ageism. With her flamboyant costumes complimenting the music, she is a unique proposition, creating David Lynch style, fucked up cabaret. We love it!
As the set progresses we’re treated songs like Cum Undun and Diddle My Skittle, It’s at this point Peaches decides to take a stroll across the audience walking on the hands of the enthusiastic fans who hold her aloft by her feet as she works her way down the hall.
Every few songs sees a costume change so next it’s a punk rock look to go with the Flying-V guitar and the monster rock riffs of Sucker and Rock Show. This positively bizarre concert is getting better and better!
Half naked dancers dressed as vaginas slither onto the stage like snakes as Peaches ( in yet another new costume) performs Shake Yer Dix, Pussy Mask and Vaginoplasty.
Just when you think you’ve seen it all, Peaches arrives back on stage inside a giant inflatable dick, floating out over the crowd. Appropriately enough it could only be the signal for Dick in the Air which climaxes with a massive confetti ejaculation over the ever receptive crowd.
By the time we get to Fuck the Pain Away the audience is fully invested in what’s unfolding around them, to the extent some of the more extrovert female members are now standing topless waving their T-shirts above their heads as Peaches sprays them with a champagne shower which signals absolute madness!
Regardless if you’ve seen Peaches perform before or not, her capacity to surprise, shock and entertain never diminishes. Peaches live is an unforgettable experience. If you can catch her on this tour you won’t be disappointed as everyone needs ‘The Teaches of Peaches’ once in a while right?
Words & pictures: Tom Adam