Madonna performing "Express Yourself" (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)
So, that happened. The Material Girl herself, in all her diva glory, played to a packed Pepsi Center Thursday night. You couldn’t walk a foot without seeing an abundance of glitter, sparkles, lace, and tutu’s and it wasn’t just the ladies rockin’ it. Although Madonna didn’t start until 10:45 after about fifteen minutes of boo’ing, the ill-feelings were quickly forgotten when the lights dimmed and the show began. It was like no other concert that I have been to; it was a theatrical performance that cost well into the millions to produce.
The set started out exceptionally violent; there was a shoot-out with a lot of blood. With songs titled “Girl Gone Wild”, “Revolver”, and “Gang Bang”, it only seemed fitting. Some may say that it was too soon for Colorado, but it is Madonna and she’s all for stirring the pot.
Madonna and her elaborate production took over Denver (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)
Her set was well-balanced, with old and new. I’m sure she was over playing “Like a Virgin” ten years ago, but her ballad rendition of it, coupled with a pianist and a guy in leather, was sexually-charged. Something that was exciting to see at this show was a full band, it contributed to the success of the show and although that damn auto-tune came out from time to time, having the full band made it more lively.
Drum line suspended from the rafters (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)
The acts ranged from slack lining, contortionists, a drum line flying through the air, and a peak of Madonna’s derriere. Of course, the show would not be complete without a political message. “Take responsibility of the future of your country. Fuck yeah? ‘Cause if you don’t, you have nothing to complain about”. This conversation sent the crowd into a frenzy; and the tattoo displayed on her back that said “Obama” received some cheers and some boo’s. And that’s okay. The crowd at the Pepsi Center was well-diverse and what a boring world we’d live in if we couldn’t express our individuality and beliefs.
Amanda
Even at 54 years old, Madonna still knows how to put on a show. (Photo Credit Robert Castro)
SET LIST:
The Prayer Overture: Act of Contrition | Girl Gone Wild | Revolver | Gang Bang | Papa Don’t Preach | Hung Up | I Don’t Give A | Prophecy | Best Friend
Interlude
Express Yourself | Give Me All Your Lovin’ | Turning Up the Hits | Turn Up the Radio | Open Your HEart | Masterpiece | Masculine/Feminine | Justify My Love
Interlude
Vogue | Candy Shop | Human Nature | Like a Virgin | Redemption | Nobody Knows Me | I’m Addicted | I’m a Sinner | Like a Prayer | Celebration
