STEPPING FOOT INTO FANTASYLAND - MR. FANTASY IN NYC
- Rory Perez
- Jul 25
- 3 min read
ELECTRIC
Was the feeling of the atmosphere as the floor was getting filled with an incredible audience for Mr. Fantasy. Fans wait with high anticipation wearing wigs and sunglasses just like his but some stand out with color and funk. Feather boas and fan made signs were seen on the floor as well. I’d hear different parts of the audience talk amongst themselves “Is Mr. Fantasy just KJ Apa with a wig and fake teeth?” as I walked through the crowd to find the perfect spot to watch the show. The 70s disco music playing before Mr. Fantasy went on was definitely setting the scene for the thrill of it all.
His "Sexy Little Tour" finally reached New York City and everyone wanted to be there. Knowing all his tour dates were sold out brings sparkle to my eyes because his music brings the best energy. New York City is the city you’d want to be in, especially when it comes to concerts. By 6pm, the line to get into Bowery Ballroom was wrapped around the block as doors were at 7pm. Around the corner from the venue itself were gigantic posters of Mr. Fantasy when his debut album FANTASYLAND came out June 26th of this year. Still, there was a small line of fans taking photos with the poster in excitement for the show.
As it passed 9pm, the disco music stopped and the lights went down- cheers of FANTASY! FANTASY! FANTASY! Fill the room to which I found so astounding as I joined with the chant getting louder and louder each time. The members of his band start making their way to the stage as the backup singers start singing. The moment Mr. Fantasy starts singing, the crowd goes completely wild with excitement. It took a while after his first song “Catapult” for the crowd to die down with cheers and whistles. Taking a glance at the balcony, where vip guests were located with a vast majority standing for most of the show. I was able to spot Mark Consuelos, an actor and talk show host but also known as “Hiram Lodge” from the Riverdale universe. Another celebrity I noticed during the show would happen to be Brenna D’Amico from the Disney Descendants movies.
Mr. Fantasy was amazing at greeting and interacting with the audience. Fans within the first few rows were able to hold his hand for a few moments throughout his performance. He made sure that everyone was having an incredible time. The crowd hollered as Mr. Fantasy took off his shirt and exposed his tatted physique body to which he remained shirtless for the rest of the show.
The crowd screamed the lyrics of his debut single “Mr. Fantasy” that he released back in 2025. I too, was one of them. It was pure passion and joy. At the corner of my eye- I noticed two fans in the crowd hold up signs “Knight ME Mr. Fantasy” and “LOVE turns FANTASY into REALITY” which I thought was insanely hilarious.
Overall, seeing everyone come together to a sold out show, enjoy the same music by a talented artist, and have so much fun was just an amazing experience. Smiles, cheers, and laughter was omitted the whole entire night. Nothing but absolute good vibes filled the air. Friends, families, people with their significant others just having a splendid time together singing and dancing. It was an amusing sight to see.
As much as the audience wanted more, it had to come to an end - in hopes Mr. Fantasy comes back to New York City with his funky unserious vintage-style aura. As the lights come back on, fans were still taking photos. I saw a group of girls taking a photo with Mr. Fantasy’s shirt that he threw in the crowd- which they caught. Fans started lining up outside of Bowery Ballroom hoping to meet Mr. Fantasy himself. With that said, he did come out to meet the whole line, take photos, and thank everyone for coming to the show.
For this being Mr. Fantasy's first time going on tour and performing live is honestly impressive. His band was amazing, as was the audience. I find it extremely insane that Mr. Fantasy can shred on the guitar and I can’t- considering I’ve been playing guitar for years now. I wish nothing but the best for Mr. Fantasy, his music career, and his future endeavors.
And lastly… is Mr. Fantasy actually KJ Apa?
Written by Rory Perez
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