Gay Celebs Who Host Private Vinyl Listening Parties

Vinyl records are becoming popular again with music fans everywhere, and many celebrities are getting in on the trend. A lot of well-known LGBTQ+ artists and influencers are especially enthusiastic, building impressive collections of rare albums. They often host small, private parties at their homes where they share their love of music with friends and colleagues, using these gatherings to introduce new songs or rediscover old favorites.

Elton John

This famous singer boasts an incredible record collection, with tens of thousands of albums. He loves hosting musicians and friends at his home, where they listen to both new and classic soul and rock music. Because he knows so much about music history, these get-togethers become like musical lessons. Elton also uses these gatherings to support up-and-coming artists by sharing their music with his influential guests.

RuPaul

RuPaul, the globally recognized drag icon, launched his career through dance music and the vibrant disco scene. He’s a dedicated collector of dance vinyl records from the 80s and 90s, which he loves to play for friends and family at home. He prefers the rich, authentic sound of vinyl and uses these intimate gatherings as a way to unwind. His parties are known for their upbeat music that honors the legacy of club culture.

Frank Ocean

Frank Ocean is famous for being private and incredibly dedicated to high-quality sound. He holds small, invite-only listening events where he plays unreleased and test versions of his music. He clearly values physical formats, as seen in the detailed packaging of his vinyl records. Attendees at these events hear the music played on exceptional sound systems that capture every detail.

Tyler, the Creator

This talented artist designs striking, colorful album packaging for his own music. Tyler also throws lively events with diverse music choices that reflect his unique style. He loves to play jazz and soul records, which inspire the sounds he creates. His passion for vinyl encourages other musicians to appreciate the artistry of physical music formats.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe creates albums as complete artistic experiences, and she loves sharing them in a unique way. She throws immersive listening parties centered around vinyl records, setting a vibrant mood for the whole night. Her music blends funk with the sounds of science fiction, which fuels her distinctive Afrofuturist style. These gatherings aren’t just concerts – they’re a chance for artists and fans to connect and inspire each other.

Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga often says that jazz and classic rock have greatly shaped her music. She loves playing old records – jazz standards and classic pop – for her close friends and family. These listening sessions frequently evolve into impromptu singalongs around the piano. She especially appreciates the unique sound of vinyl – the crackles and pops – because it makes her feel connected to the musicians who inspired her.

Boy George

Boy George, the famous DJ and musician, has been collecting music from all over the world for many years. He’s known for throwing lively parties where he plays vinyl records spanning genres like reggae and new wave. Because he knows so much about music, he creates unique and surprising playlists that keep his guests dancing all night. These private parties give him a chance to try out different sounds and styles he might not play in a typical club.

Honey Dijon

Honey Dijon is a world-renowned DJ and champion of vinyl records. She’s known for hosting small, exclusive parties where she introduces friends to the origins of house music from Chicago and techno from Detroit. A truly skilled DJ, she uses these gatherings to perfect her sets, and attendees often leave with a greater understanding of dance music history.

Kaytranada

Kaytranada is a producer and DJ celebrated for his soulful sound and polished production. He’s a collector of vintage funk and groove records, which he skillfully incorporates into his music. He often hosts informal listening sessions with fellow artists, sharing his unique discoveries and sparking creativity – the focus is always on the music and the vibe.

Ricky Martin

Ricky Martin, the famous Latin pop singer, loves music of all kinds and from all over the world. He especially enjoys sharing records with lively rhythms and strong percussion with his family and friends. He’s created a home sound system that feels like a private concert, where they can all celebrate the exciting history of Latin music.

Adam Lambert

Adam Lambert is heavily influenced by the glam rock music of the 1970s. He’s a collector of vintage rock albums, which he uses to learn from the singers he admires. He loves to host lively listening sessions with friends, celebrating the energy and showmanship of iconic bands from that era.

Lil Nas X

Lil Nas X isn’t just releasing music on vinyl – he’s creating an experience around it. He throws parties and events where he DJs, playing his own records mixed with the music he loves, which spans genres like hip hop, pop, and country. This fun and unconventional approach perfectly captures his unique style and willingness to challenge expectations in pop culture.

St. Vincent

Annie Clark is passionate about high-quality sound and really pays attention to how music is produced, especially the sound of guitars. She loves hosting listening parties where everyone focuses on the subtle details and unique sounds within a recording. Her music collection features adventurous rock and jazz albums, and she encourages her guests to really listen and talk about the creative decisions made by the artists.

Carrie Brownstein

Carrie Brownstein, known from the band Sleater-Kinney, is a passionate collector of indie rock and punk vinyl. She loves sharing her records – especially those from the riot grrrl and post-punk eras – with friends in the Pacific Northwest. Her gatherings often turn into conversations about the music’s history and the social issues it addresses. She appreciates how vinyl embodies the independent, do-it-yourself approach of many artists.

Tegan Quin

Tegan, one half of the indie pop duo Tegan and Sara, is a huge music lover with an extensive record collection. She often hosts informal listening sessions, sharing demo tapes and hard-to-find vinyl records. She particularly enjoys synth pop and indie rock with well-crafted songs, and these gatherings give her a chance to connect with fellow musicians in a laid-back setting.

Sara Quin

Sara Quin loves music as much as her sister, but she has developed her own distinct taste in records. She likes inviting friends over to listen to music with intricate details and unusual sounds. These listening sessions often involve discussing how songs are put together, and Sara uses them to spark ideas for her own musical creations.

Brandi Carlile

Brandi Carlile is a passionate fan of Americana and folk music, and she shares that love through her extensive vinyl record collection. She often hosts gatherings where she and other songwriters listen to classic country and rock albums together. These get-togethers are cozy and encourage sharing stories and connecting through music. Carlile feels that listening to an entire album on vinyl is the most respectful way to experience what the artist originally intended.

Troye Sivan

Troye Sivan loves pop music, but he also appreciates the experience of vinyl records. He often shares his collection – which includes records with beautiful cover art that fit his personal style – with friends before going out. These listening sessions help create a fun and energetic vibe for the night.

Olly Alexander

Olly Alexander, formerly the lead singer of Years & Years, is passionate about the energetic sound of 80s pop and electronic music. He loves hosting parties where he DJs, playing upbeat dance tracks that get people on their feet. He has a large collection of classic dance records, especially twelve-inch singles. These parties are all about celebrating queer joy and the uplifting power of dance music.

Oliver Sim

I’m a huge fan of Oliver Sim, and I love how much he cares about music and visuals! He’s really into collecting records – especially those amazing horror soundtracks and kind of gloomy, atmospheric indie pop. He often has friends over for listening parties, and it’s not just about the music; he plays albums that really feel like a movie. It’s cool because he also collects the album art and displays it – it makes the whole experience super immersive and artistic. It’s like stepping into his own little cinematic world!

Kim Petras

Kim Petras is deeply inspired by pop music’s legendary female artists, and she collects their vinyl records. She throws lively, glamorous parties where she shares her favorite upbeat pop songs. Her passion for the genre is contagious, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere. At these parties, guests celebrate the bold and confident spirit of pop music icons.

Arca

Arca is a groundbreaking artist in electronic music and sound design. She regularly hosts unique listening events featuring experimental and often challenging music, playing rare vinyl records with rich textures and unconventional structures. These sessions are designed for dedicated music fans eager to explore new sonic frontiers.

Junior Vasquez

Junior Vasquez is a legend in New York City’s house music history. He carefully preserves a massive collection of dance records, documenting the city’s vibrant nightlife scene. He shares these tracks with friends, recreating the sounds that filled iconic clubs like the Sound Factory. These listening sessions are like a journey back to the best days of house music.

Andy Cohen

Andy Cohen, the talk show host, loves hosting parties where he shares his passion for music. He’s known for playing classic rock and pop records – think bands like the Grateful Dead – at his Hamptons get-togethers. These parties are a fun, social experience for his celebrity friends, filled with good conversation and memories of the past.

Miley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus loves rock and roll, and that passion comes through in her music. She often throws parties featuring classic rock and country records – the artists who shaped her sound. Her house is always filled with music, especially the sound of guitars and unfiltered vocals. She wants her guests to relax and appreciate the genuine, raw feel of vinyl records.

Halsey

Halsey doesn’t just release albums; she creates immersive experiences meant to be listened to from beginning to end. She also loves sharing the music that inspires her – often alternative and industrial sounds – at listening parties. Her own work dives into darker, more atmospheric themes, reflecting her unique artistic style. These events are a way for her to connect with fans and reveal the musical worlds that shape her songwriting.

Kehlani

Kehlani loves the R&B and neo soul music of the nineties. She collects vinyl records, enjoying the smooth sounds and classic rhythms of that era. She often hosts relaxed listening parties with friends, where they can all enjoy the music together. She especially appreciates the warm, natural sound quality that vinyl records bring to her favorite songs.

Steve Lacy

Steve Lacy is an incredibly talented guitarist who combines raw, DIY-style production with sophisticated musical skill. He’s a collector of jazz and funk records, appreciating the complex playing on them. He often shares these records with friends, and these listening sessions – filled with interesting chords and arrangements – inspire his own groundbreaking music.

Brittany Howard

Brittany Howard, the singer for Alabama Shakes, is a dedicated record collector, focusing on the energetic sounds of soul and blues. She loves sharing her collection by hosting listening parties where she plays vinyl records showcasing incredible vocalists. This passion for classic, analog recording methods also shapes how she makes her own music, creating a deeply emotional experience for anyone who hears it – especially those who visit her home.

Linda Perry

Linda Perry is a strong advocate for traditional recording methods and skilled songwriting. She often hosts listening sessions, playing classic rock and pop albums to showcase excellent songwriting. Her studio is packed with old-fashioned equipment and vinyl records, which she uses to help the artists she works with learn and improve. She feels it’s crucial to experience music in its most original and unedited form.

Melissa Etheridge

Melissa Etheridge is a legendary rock artist with a large vinyl record collection. She loves hosting gatherings at her house where she and her friends listen to the blues and rock albums that influenced her music. These parties frequently turn into informal jam sessions with acoustic guitars. She deeply values the tangible link these records provide to music history.

k.d. lang

k.d. lang is renowned for her incredible voice and has a deep appreciation for excellent sound quality. She collects vinyl records – particularly country and pop vocal albums – that offer a clear, beautiful listening experience. Her listening sessions are intimate and focused, highlighting the nuances of each singer’s performance, which she enjoys sharing with friends.

Rob Halford

Rob Halford, the iconic singer of Judas Priest, is a true heavy metal legend. He’s a passionate collector of vinyl records from metal and hard rock bands, and loves sharing his collection with friends, hosting lively listening parties. Even after decades in the music industry, his love for the genre remains as powerful as ever.

Michael Stipe

Michael Stipe, with a background in art, brings that creative perspective to his love of music. He often hosts listening parties featuring alternative and post-punk records – music that was groundbreaking and defied convention. His vinyl collection isn’t just about the songs; it’s carefully chosen for its artistic value and originality. While listening, guests talk about how the music influenced culture.

Jake Shears

Jake Shears, the lead singer of Scissor Sisters, loves disco and glam rock. He’s known for throwing parties that recreate the atmosphere of glamorous, over-the-top nightclubs. He plays energetic, playful records, and his parties are a way to celebrate the dramatic and exciting side of music.

Beth Ditto

Beth Ditto combines a rebellious punk spirit with her deep love for soul and rock. She’s a record collector, focusing on music with strong female singers and a gritty, energetic sound. Her parties are known for being lively and loud, filled with the music she loves – especially riot grrrl and garage rock – which she enthusiastically shares with everyone.

Julien Baker

Julien Baker loves collecting records that feel as heartfelt and melancholic as her own music. She often has friends over to listen to vinyl records, focusing on emo and indie folk. These listening sessions create a deeply personal and emotional vibe, and she appreciates the close, connected feeling that playing vinyl provides.

Phoebe Bridgers

Phoebe Bridgers creates beautifully sad indie rock and draws inspiration from classic songwriters. She often hosts listening parties, playing records by artists she admires for their honest and emotional lyrics. Her record collection features rare vinyls from both her friends and musical heroes, and these gatherings create a shared connection through the power of music.

Lucy Dacus

Lucy Dacus is a singer-songwriter who really values albums as complete stories. She loves collecting vinyl records with compelling narratives and a rich, inviting sound. When she listens, she pays close attention to the lyrics and how the album unfolds as a whole, and she often shares these listening experiences with friends, discussing the songs’ deeper meanings and themes.

Clairo

Clairo enjoys mellow, intimate music like soft rock and lo-fi pop. She loves collecting vinyl records with a warm, vintage vibe, and often hosts cozy listening sessions for friends at her place. These gatherings are all about relaxing and enjoying music that’s perfect for a rainy day.

Hayley Kiyoko

Hayley Kiyoko is a pop singer who takes complete creative control, directing her own music videos and shaping her unique sound. A collector of pop vinyl records, she’s drawn to songs with strong production and memorable melodies. She also loves to DJ, throwing parties where she blends new pop hits with beloved classics, creating a fun and energetic atmosphere that gets everyone singing and dancing.

Billy Porter

Billy Porter, a celebrated star of Broadway, loves the emotional power of musical theater. He’s a devoted collector of both show tunes and soul music on vinyl records. He hosts listening parties that are more like performances themselves, sharing the music that influenced his life and career. Attendees get an incredible lesson in singing and performing.

Tell us who your favorite celebrity vinyl collector is, or share details about your own record player setup in the comments below!

2025-12-11 05:27