For four hours, everyone inside Impact Arena was part of Palmy’s universe, through song and dance, laughter, and a few teary-eyed moments.
The Genie Records artiste held her sold-out มิตร Universe Concert over the weekend of 7-8 September, followed by two extra rounds on 11 and 12 September, the latter of which she added with just two days to go.
The concert – dubbed her comeback after a long performing hiatus – sold out its initial run of two nights hours after going on sale, prompting Palmy to announce a third date (11 September). Then on 10 September, she made the eleventh-hour decision to add a fourth and final run.
Indeed, few artistes can stake claim to selling out four large-scale concerts within hours, and Palmy is definitely one of them.
To call it a concert might be a misnomer: it definitely felt a lot more like a celebration of all things Palmy – not unlike a block party.
Right from when one enters Impact Arena, it was evident this was no ordinary concert: there were face-painting booths, games to play, and even a massage section (a reference to her quirky hit นวด). There was also an impressive fashion showcase, where 10 of Palmy’s iconic outfits were on display.
Keeping true to its name, the concert really took us into Palmy’s universe, where we never really knew what to come next, or who would appear next.
What was certain though, was how high-energy the 43-year-old was through the night.
Palmy appears virtually at the start, riding a rocket that takes us through her universe, with all the idiosyncracies of Thai life (think: durians, Mookata pots, fried chicken). Then in a flash, the real Palmy appears on stage, a riot of colour amid a screaming arena.
To pull off a four-hour showcase is no mean feat, but Palmy runs through almost her entire discography for the night, from her debut อยากร้องดังดัง, to the high energy Tick Tock! and Ooh!, and capping off with ซ่อนกลิ่น.
There was also nary a dry eye as Palmy led everyone to sing กลัว and ความเจ็บปวด.
In total, Palmy goes through at least six costume changes through the four-hour concert: every single outfit as outlandish as the other. From a multi-coloured body suit, to an ethereal ‘cloud’ gown, Palmy’s outfits for the night truly were a sight to behold.
The concert was also not short on special guests: Palmy brought on rock band Paradox, as well as rock singer Joke So Cool, folk-pop veteran Singto Numchok and Morlam singer Kong Huayrai.
But it was one spontaneous moment on the 8 September show that captured the hearts of all the fans, and went viral online.
As Palmy was speaking about ซังได้ซังแล้ว, her single under GMM Music’s 40th anniversary project, she told the audience that the track’s original singer – folk legend Tai Orathai – was in the audience.
The cameras cut to a surprised Tai, who was then invited by Palmy to come on stage for a duet of the song.
The result was a beautiful blend of country and contemporary, and it provided a rare glimpse of Palmy the fan-girl.
At one point, she sits on stage behind Tai, awestruck she got to duet with a fellow artiste she admired a lot. Tai herself was also moved to tears by the love shown by all the fans.
Like any party, Palmy also came armed with activities. On two occasions during the concert, audience members were treated to a ‘Jackpot’ game, where Palmy would select two winners to walk away with gold jewellery.
We also got a glimpse of Palmy and her collection of fan letters over the years. She scanned many of them, broadcasting them as the backdrop to her set in a sweet gesture.
And at the end of the concert, as confetti fell and the final curtain call came down, Palmy had one more surprise up her sleeve: there was free Khao Tom (rice soup) for everyone on their way out.
Just the post-party nightcap we all needed. Thank you Palmy.
