Darren Appreciation Thread: General News about Darren for 2018

Via Katie Rain’s Instagram Story (September 30th, 2018)

Via Cole Ramstad’s Instagram Story (September 30, 2018)

Poppy wrote:Not sure where this is from?

Via Tom Poleman’s Instagram Story (October 10th, 2018)

Darren with Benmont Tench, Judd Apatow & Tig Notaro at the benefit for Swing Left, at @LargoLosAngeles, Oct 20.

juddapatow Great night at @largolosangeles for @swingleft. Thanks Tig, Pete Davidson, Pete Holmes, Benmont Tench and Darren Criss! Next week- Beck! Ticket info in bio.

And now we know what this picture is from! 

Bloomberg wrote:
‘Dear Mr. President’: Rufus Wainwright Is Back With a Political Anthem

The singer-songwriter discusses the video for his new song, “Sword of Damocles,” from which a portion of the proceeds will benefit voter registration efforts.

October 30, 2018

It’s sometimes tempting to wish this midterm election was ancient history.

But for vocalist and composer Rufus Wainwright, ancient history is speaking to us right now. The artist’s newly released song and video, Sword of Damocles, draws on a millennia-old parable that teaches about the perils that come with great power.

[. . . ]

 . . . like other artists exploring their feelings in the runup to the midterms, Wainwright believes the time is right to release the song with the intent to encourage people to think and, more importantly, vote.

Popularized by Roman philosopher Cicero in his 45 B.C. book Tusculan Disputations, the Sword of Damocles tale centers on tyrannical king Dionysius II, who rules over the Sicilian city Syracuse during the fourth and fifth centuries B.C. Although rich and powerful, Dionysius II is distrustful of those around him and very unhappy. In Cicero’s version, the king’s dissatisfaction comes to a head when a young court flatterer named Damocles remarks how wonderful his life must be. In an effort to get Damocles to understand his predicament, Dionysius II sits him on a gold couch and showers him with rich clothing, food, and servants.

Damocles begins to enjoy the spoils but also notices a razor-sharp sword hung above his head by the king, which is suspended by a string of horsehair. Now constantly aware of the sword, Damocles begs the king to allow him to leave, having realized he no longer wishes to be so fortunate, as it comes with such dire consequences.

In the aftermath of the 2016 election, Wainwright researched the story and completed the song. “I was kind of shocked at how apt it was for what we were experiencing politically,” he says, viewing the tale as a parable about the impending doom that can come from—and be inflicted on—those in positions of power.

[ . . . ]

Directed by Andrew Ondrejcak, the video features Wainwright as Dionysius and The Assassination of Gianni Versace actor Darren Criss in the role of Damocles, with costumes by British designer Vivienne Westwood. Wainwright and Criss are seated at opposite ends of a long table as the spoils of wealth and power are first lavished on the king and then on Damocles.

The simplicity of the visuals is important to Wainwright; there are no references to President Trump other than a brief script intro that reads: “Dear Mr. President. This ancient story from the 4th century reminds me of you.”

. . . A father of a young daughter with his husband of six years, German artistic director Jörn Weisbrodt, Wainwright previously supported same-sex marriage rights, and a portion of the proceeds from Sword of Damocles will benefit voter registration efforts via the Swing Left movement.

Jeremy wrote:I think it's at least the third time he appears in someone else's music video. This one is original and has a message.

Poppy wrote:Hi Lilikoiluv--so nice to see you!  I'm not going to the concert Thursday night--sorry!     It does look very lovely there, doesn't it?  Maybe if Darren ever does a California version of Elsie Fest, he can use that venue.    This week's been a bit hectic.  If the So Cal LMDC tour concerts were just one 1 week later . . .Anyway, I hope you are doing all right.  (I know it's been sorta stressful in the U.S. right now).  I was actually thinking of you and was gonna drop you a line after the election's over to say hi.

Jeremy wrote:
Well, it seems I've missed/forgotten a few Darren projects, once again. He's so active, I can't keep up

*Jeremy* wrote:Hello Lilikoiluv

Well, it seems I've missed/forgotten a few Darren projects, once again. He's so active, I can't keep up

I don't know for the British and Irish LMDC concerts. It's not that far (London-Brussels by train takes a bit more than 2 hours) but I'm not decided yet, for multiples reasons.

I suppose you're also excited for the big movie project to come.

Poppy wrote:
I remember watching those Charlene Kaye videos--I really enjoyed Skin and Bones video--so fun to watch.  And I have so much affection for the Dress and Tie song.  I really love the tone of Darren's voice on both Skin and Bones, and Dress and Tie--sort of a sultry quality to his voice.  

Poppy wrote:Daren looks so young in the Montgomery Gentry video--thx for noting about his shirt (I didn't notice that--you are so observant!). 

BTW, I thought I'd add a rainy youtube compilation of some of his "That Media Show" hosting for posterity sake.