Soulful British balladeer Sam Smith hosted a private party at Julius’, the oldest gay bar in New York, on Thursday night in the West Village of Manhattan. The event, which commemorated the 10th anniversary of Smith’s debut album, “In the Lonely Hour,” drew friends, fans, and a rumored special guest, Alicia Keys.
Smith, who uses they/them pronouns, mingled with fans at the bar, towering above the crowd in Vivienne Westwood platform boots and a tartan kilt. The gathering at Julius’ celebrated the historic significance of the bar, known for the 1966 Sip-In, an act of civil disobedience that paved the way for the Stonewall uprising.
With Pride celebrations in full swing in the West Village, Smith chose Julius’ for its connection to LGBTQ history and as a safe space for the community. The event featured themed cocktails named after Smith’s songs and a DJ set by drag artist Lady Bunny.
Patrons reflected on Smith’s artistic evolution over the past decade, from a crooning alternative to Adele to a queer icon and pop star. The event culminated in a late-night performance by Smith and Alicia Keys, with the crowd chanting along to the hit song “I’m Not the Only One.”
The event at Julius’ highlighted the importance of historic gay bars in New York and the role they play in preserving LGBTQ history. As Pride season continues, Smith’s celebration at Julius’ served as a reminder of the community’s resilience and the need to support these vital spaces.
