I kept repeating to myself, ‘She is only 24 years old’‘She is ONLY 24 years old’‘She is ONLY 24 YEARS OLD.
When I was 24, I was planning my wedding, breaking into the corporate world, and paying rent while living in an overpriced San Francisco flat. Lady Gaga at 24 (see I keep repeating myself) commands the stage, captivating her “monster” audience like none other. I don’t mind her visual artistry consisting of funky outrageous attire, to me she is a modern day glam rock artists much like David Bowie, Queen, or Madonna of yesteryear. She is talented and extremely hard working, pushing that 24 year old body to its absolute limits during her 2 hour performance. I was also intrigued by the fact that Time magazine included Gaga in its annual Time 100 list of the most influential people in the world in 2010. Forbes listed Gaga fourth on its list of the 100 Most Powerful and Influential celebrities in the world; she is also ranked as the second most powerful musician in the world. Again, when I was her age I was selecting my wedding china.
When the lights went down and her entrance was imminent, I was giddy. It was time for me to see what this force of nature was going to deliver. It was good, really good. So to share in the fun, here is the concert recap friends.
The show kicked off with “Dance in the Dark,” “Glitter and Grease” “LoveGame” and “Just Dance”. Gaga’s first wardrobe choice of the night was a purple leopard-print leotard with black finger gloves, it would be the first of many looks. She regularly conversed with the audience throughout the night. And during “Just Dance” she shrieked to strongly encouraged the audience to put their phones down (videos and photos) and “just DANCE”!
Next up was “Boys Boys Boys” and “Money Honey.” She then took time to call a fan in the cheap seats and surprise two girls with tickets closer to the stage. This was a segue to “Telephone,” which had one of the most elaborate dance routines of the night.
Gaga then settled the crowd when her piano rose from beneath the stage. She launched into “Speechless” after dedicating the song to her dad, who was also in attendance. Next was a brand new “You and I” number. It was a fabulous new song friends, similar to “Speechless” {a personal favorite} in its rock ballad sense. The new song was a tease of what’s to come and proved all she really needs is her voice and a piano to rock your world.
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“So Happy I Could Die,” “Monster” and “Show Me Your Teeth” kept the show moving until “Alejandro,” “Poker Face” and Paparazzi.”
But the crowd’s biggest eruption occurred during the encore. With the curtain still down, Gaga’s familiar “oh, oh, oh-oh-oooh” filled the auditorium, everyone instantly recognized “Bad Romance.” The curtain lifted to reveal her in a rotating sphere, think giant gyroscope, wearing a mirrored angular outfit. It was her 19th song of the concert — with almost as many wardrobe changes — and afterwards it was finally time for Gaga to call it a night as we exited Staples Center sweaty and happy.
The Monster Ball 2010 tour will wrap up US dates in Raleigh, NC, on Sept. 19 2010. From there, Lady Gaga will go abroad, playing a full European tour. She will continue her whirl-wind Monster Ball tour with a return to the US touring in early 2011. 179 shows will be the number of shows Gaga will have played when the tour wraps next year. She will be 25.
When she comes back to town, be sure get tickets for a crazy-adult-theatrical experience. This 25 year old will not disappoint.
Great review, Leen! I’m so glad you got to see her.
Wish you were with me, next year – absolutely. XOS
what a great recap and so quickly – geez girl how do you do it??? … speed blogger! I knew you would love that show!