Florence Welch Holds Rainbow Flag, Leads ‘Love Is Love’ Chant in Concert
Florence Welch, best known as the lead of Florence + The Machine, is one more name to add the growing number of allies in the entertainment industry publicly extending their support and sympathy to the LGBTQ community in the wake of the horrifying shooting that left 49 dead and 53 wounded at a gay nightclub in Orlando over the weekend, now considered to be the deadliest mass shooting in American history.
During the first of two nights at Brooklyn's Barclays Center on the How Beautiful Tour last night (June 14), the singer brought out a rainbow flag and held it in her arms while singing her Ceremonials UK No. 1 hit record, "Spectrum."
In the middle of the performance, Florence came to the front of the stage and called out the crowd with a chant: "Love is love is love is love!" she enthusiastically yelled, as the audience roared back with the same message.
Flag symbolism and chant aside, the show of solidarity with the gay community especially struck a chord thanks to the all-too-fitting lyrics of "Spectrum," delivered as a mighty rallying call: "Say my name and every color illuminates / We are shining, and we will never be afraid again."
As the song came to an end, Florence took a moment to speak to the crowd.
"The world needs love. It needs your love. Show the world your kindness, your compassion, your love and your PRIDE!" she emotionally pleaded before launching, appropriately, into her cover of "You've Got The Love."
Prior to her performance last night, Florence posted a photo of her concert in Illinois two days ago. "Tinley Park was with you tonight Orlando...sending love and light," she wrote.
In the days since the attack, artists like Adele, Beyonce, Adam Lambert and Queen have all paid tribute on stage to the victims in Orlando.