This past Thursday I had what I will call the good fortune to see a show on this summer’s hottest tour–Lady Gaga’s Monster Ball Tour. What an experience! I’m not usually the type to go to big arena shows, but when the opportunity presented itself I knew I had to grab it. Whether you like her music or not, you have to admit Gaga is one of the most unique performers to emerge in the last decade.
The opening band, Semi-Precious Weapons, left a lot to be desired. Basically they are Scissor Sisters without the falsetto. They did a good job of revving up the crowd, at least.
Gaga’s stage show is huge and as over-the-top as one might expect. The concert tells the story of Gaga and her friends attempting to get to the Monster Ball. First their car breaks down, then the subway drops them in a mysterious location where a twister then picks them up and drops them in a dark forest, where finally Gaga meets and destroys a giant monster. All of this accompanied by elaborate sets, props, and costumes. Each little segment is punctuated by two to three songs. The performances were heavily coreographed with at least ten dancers accompanying Gaga. She mostly sang along with a recording, which was disappointing, but when she did sing it was obvious, and that girl has got a hell of a voice.
As far as the set list is concerned, all of her radio singles were on there with the exception of her latest “Eh Eh (Nothing Else I Can Say),” but it took awhile to get to them. She really aimed her performance at the true fans who know all the songs instead of the other way around, which I find admirable. About halfway through the show the dancers and band left Gaga alone with her piano, and she gave an incredible performance of “Speechless” as well as the youtube hit “You and I.” This turned out to be a buzzkill for a couple of the people with me, but I thought both songs really showcased her talent. The encore was a rousing rendition of “Bad Romance” which had even the most annoyed parents on their feet.
My only complaint is that Gaga got a little preachy between songs. There was a lot of “live your life and love yourself” type talk, and after a while it got redundant and boring. While she did tell some amusing anecdotes, I really could have lived without the rest. I’m sure, however, that the talk was all for the benefit of the 15-and-under fans, which comprised at least 75% of the audience.
When it was all said and done, I left the arena feeling like one of those 15-year-olds, having just seen an amazing performance from a unique and talented performer. My expensive nosebleed seat turned out to be money well spent.
I just caught the show in Houston last night. What a train wreck. Gaga has an impressive voice, but her dance moves need improvement. When all was said and done, i left the arena nothing short of confused. What is she trying to say? Surely her message isn’t merely “save the gays….?” There is no question that the has some talent, but it is certainly unbridled at this point in her career. I would recomend this show to anyone who enjoys chaos and being surrounded by freaks.
i went to a monster ball in newcastle upon tyne she was amazing her dance moves were really good and her voice was amazing i love her so much i was near the stage on the sides and it was a great view when me and my mam were sitting waiting for the lights to go off i seen some legs at the side of the stage at the back i screamed at the top of my voice ‘theres lady gagas thighs’ all of the right side of the arena screamed then the rest were looking not knowing where she was then shortly after the light were off and gaga made her entrance i seen her all the way even behind the curtain i was so happy tht night and i will always remember aswell, i will walk miles to get lady gaga to her monsterball xxxxx