By Michael Trombino
“I haven’t been to Atlanta in far too long,” reflects Tom Goss. “For me, coming back is very special because I’ve always felt such a wonderful sense of community in Atlanta. I am looking forward to being back and connecting with people I haven’t seen in years.”
The out singer best known for his fan favorites like “Bears,” “Round in All the Right Places,” and “Nerdy Bear,” is bringing his “Bear Friends Furever Tour” to Atlanta on Saturday, June 14. The afternoon performance will start at 2:30pm at Red Light Cafe.
In addition to all of his hits, Tom Goss will perform “Bear Soup,” a high-energy, bass-thumping banger that celebrates body positivity, joyful indulgence, and the vibrant spirit of the bear subculture. We spoke from him while he was touring Europe.
What can fans expect from your Atlanta stop?
People can expect to hear great music, engaging storytelling, and to leave with a big smile on their faces. I am excited to be performing with Kristen Ford as well. She is such a firecracker as a person and performer. It is impossible not to love Kristen.
How does “Bear Soup” expand on the themes of your earlier hits?
I see “Bear Soup” as a celebration of bears, the gay community, and body positivity, but I’m not going to lie. Ultimately it was inspired by me wanting bears to twerk their bellies and asses. It’s really that simple. Now more than ever, we need reasons to celebrate who we are.
Why do you think your bear songs continue to resonate with audiences?
We exist in a society that has deemed one way of being as perfect: thin, white, straight, rich. That’s it. The rest is meant to be shameful. Fuck that. I don’t see the world that way and I am not alone. People are tired of being fed the same story that doesn’t, and never will fit them. People see themselves in these videos and feel beautiful. People see who they are attracted to in these videos and feel understood. People see a community that isn’t intent on rejecting them for their differences and they feel at home. Honestly, that’s all anyone ever wants in life.
The bear community is known for its inclusivity and vibrancy.
I cannot express how much gratitude I have for this community and those who have embraced me from the beginning. I think it has provided me with the freedom to be authentic. There are so many artists that pretend to be something they are not because they fear rejection, and ultimately failure. To me, there is no failure. At this point, I have my loyal fanbase and they don’t love me because I got the right plastic surgery or fucked the right producer. They won’t abandon me when I get older. They won’t shame me when I gain weight. They embrace me for who I am.
Atlanta has a strong and vibrant bear scene.
I expect a lot of WOOFs, laughter, and undies thrown on the stage at Red Light Cafe! I want my Atlanta people to give me a big hug, tell me about their family, their pets, their new jobs, and understand that we are about to have a communal event. Their only job is to come as they are.
Looking ahead, can fans expect more installments in your bear song series?
After “Bear Soup,” I will release another single and video called “Gay Stuff,” then follow all of this up with a full Americana album. It’s going to be a fun year for sure. I will never stop writing about bear. Even my songs that aren’t about bears, are 100% about bears.
Visit TomGossMusic.com