Review: Madonna

(Photo by Joe Ledford, The Kansas City Star. More photos here.)

Halfway through her two-hour show at the Sprint Center on Tuesday, Madonna acknowledged the raucous response she’d received from the crowd that nearly filled the place. And in so many words (including a couple that can’t be printed here), she apologized. To paraphrase: This is the first time I’ve been in Kansas City. What took me so long?

She turned 54 in August; in May she launched the MDNA Tour, the ninth of her career. And if the first time turns out to be the last time she performs in Kansas City, then she gave a crowd a once-in-a-lifetime treat and an everlasting hello.

The show was a relentless and extravagant spectacle of sights, sounds and feats, a screaming locomotive of music, dance, theater, videos, lights, costumes, and cocksure attitude from a woman who may be in the midst of her sixth decade on earth but is hellbent on proving she’s still royal and relevant.

She would make her fans wait. It was a few minutes past 10:30 p.m. when church bells rang, heralding the start of her show. From the start, she, her band and her small legion of dancers/acrobats/contortionists enflamed that mood. The stage was set with an enormous video screen in back that displayed a barrage of images and visual stimuli that competed with all the live action going on and with the music, which, a few times, felt incidental to the visual drama. 

Madonna spent much of the show keeping up with her younger gymnast/dancers, most of whom who looked like they indulge in extreme cross-training and yoga twice a day. She would prove she was nearly as fit as they are, joining a slack-line routine and even dropping her drawers and revealing her sculpted buttocks .

The show followed its stated theme -- a journey of the soul from darkness to light. After the church bells tolled and the dancers, dressed as monks, set in a pendulum swing an enormous incense thurible, Madonna made her descent onto the stage, carrying an assault rifle. Firearms and violence were a big part of the first three songs. During “Gang Bang,” she shot and killed several assassins/would-be killers. Each time, that big video screen was splattered with blood (which looked more like pureed cranberries). 

After the initial ovation, the first big eruption came for “Papa, Don’t Preach,” one of her certifiable hits. If this show has a weakness, it’s the setlist, which favors heavily Madonna’s latest album, “MDNA,” released in March. (She would perform eight of its 12 songs, more than one-third of the show.) 

The crowd, which stoof for nearly the entire show (at least in the sections around me), seemed familiar with most of the new material; "I Don't Give A," which featured a video appearance by Nicki Minaj; "Turn Up the Radio" and "Give Me All Your Luvin," which featured a video cameo from M.I.A., all ignited outbursts of dancing and big sing-alongs. But with all the anticipation that preceded the show and as wound-up and giddy as the crowd seemed throughout, Madonna could have ripped a hole in the arena’s roof if she’d uncorked a few of her biggest hits on a crowd that was surely primed for them. 

Instead, she altered one of her biggest hits, “Like A Virgin,” into a gothic waltz on piano, making it sound like some tragic Leonard Cohen ballad. “Vogue” was played close enough to its original version to generate a big ovation. And the loudest, most cathartic moment came near the end, during a gospel-anthem version of “Like A Prayer,” which employed a 36-piece choir --- the best use of one since Foreigner’s “I Want to Know What Love Is.” In a show that was rife with religious themes and imagery, that was its spiritual peak.

If “light” was this show’s destination, she reached it, emphatically. After the church bells chimed again, Madonna and her crew uncorked the rubbery bubble-gum disco anthem “Celebration,” an invitation to a party and to “the dance of life.” 

As it was for most of the night, the stage was ablaze with movement and light and sound. Yet there was no doubt who was the force in the middle of all that color and motion: the woman who introduced herself to Kansas City two hours before and ultimately left it wanting more.

Setlist: Girl Gone Wild; Revolver; Gang Bang; Papa, Don’t Preach; Hung Up; I Don’t Give A; Best Friend/Heartbeat; Express Yourself/Born This Way; Give Me All Your Luvin’; Turn Up The Radio; Open Your Heart; Masterpiece; Justify My Love (interlude); Vogue; Candy Shop/Erotica; Human Nature; Like A Virgin; Nobody Knows Me (interlude); I’m Addicted; I’m A Sinner; Like A Prayer; Celebration.

| Timothy Finn, The Star

Comments

[Clint]

Sorry, it was just bad. It was like going to a college performance art show in college where a few Madonna songs played in the background. Papa Don't Preach lasted about a minute.

Then don't get me started on the opener, Paul Oakenfold. Nothing like an awkward guy standing there while music played...it seemed like the music would have been the same if he was there or not.

It just was sad, it could have been a good show but she played way too many unknown songs and concentrated on everything but the music.

[M]

I agree! If you weren't depressed before the concert, you were after! I usually like to have fun at concerts and escape reality for a bit. Half of my group walked out! She doesn't seem to have a bright hopeful outlook for all of us!! I guess I prefer the glass half full. We all had a lot of laughs making fun of her on the way home though so it wasn't all a bust! We put on some Kenny Chesney and had a blast!

[jb]

The dancing was great, the music was terrible. Everything went on just a little too long. The crowd certainly was not standing for most of the show, I had pretty good seats and everyone around me remained in theirs until she did her well known songs. The guy in front of me kept shaking his head. I'm sure she gets tired of performing her hits from the 80's and 90's but that is what most of us want to hear. You are getting old Madge, and so are your fans, if you want to keep us engaged you have to play what we know. Kind of disappointed I wasted money on that, the last tour was better.

[sls]

I must have gone to a differnt show then the people that commented. She rocked and her body and dancing rocked. Well worth the ticket price for me. I expected theatrics and an OK performance from Madonna, but both were AMAZING.

[onthemark]

I believe that is the first review of Tim's I have read that contained the term 'sculpted buttocks'...

[Lindsay]

I went to see another 80's icon instead - English Beat at Knuckleheads. Dave Wakeling has written some classic songs: I Confess, Save it For Later, Mirror in the Bathroom, Hands off She's Mine. He even played some General Public -Tenderness and Never You Done That. Intimate setting, good sound, on time and reasonable ticket prices. No regrets.

[Endtro]

"I believe that is the first review of Tim's I have read that contained the term 'sculpted buttocks'"

and hopefully it's not the last!

[jhnycat]

cocksure, sculpted buttocks,
then the chili pepper review: buffed and ripped?
Sounds like you've got a promising career in porn novels, Tim.

[Dutch Rudder]

Madonna not singing "Lucky Star" or "Borderline" is like Brian Johnson refusing to sing "Back in Black."

[dw]

It certainly was a big production. Great coreography and dancers that ran circles around her, but the music was awful, really. I can understand her wanting to make a statement that she's still relevant, somehow, but she only proved that she isn't and that she refuses to cater to her fan base. Seemed like she was talking to/performing for a younger generation that didn't get the memo to come to the concert. Lots of head-shaking and disappointment in my section that unnecessarily made us wait to start the show, didn't play many of the songs we hoped to hear, no encore, etc, etc. Sculpted buttocks nonwithstanding, definitely my last Madonna concert.

[Bob Kelly]

Warm -up music was so bad , and loud we went into the outer concourse.
Hey madonna, we came for he hits,but only a few,in two hours.we came for the classic songs, not I SHOT MY LOVER IN THE HEAD CRAP.
We only stood and enjoyed ONE SONG the hole night.
i will never go see her again, and would like my 300.00 refunded.
Starting at 10:30 is way to late,and not thinking of fans
Elton John is right, your career is over.

[Tim Kelleher]

.........it seemed like more of a broadway show or Vegas than a concert. It had the huge event feel that something important was about to occur. Many would have preferred the tried and true favorite hits. With a catalog as deep as hers it seemed like lost opportunity coupled with sadness not the hear the songs that we know and associate with her.

[Steve Perry]

All of the Facebook comments I've seen mirror the negativity of the comments on this post. Tim usually does not have such a different perspective than a typical music lover, which is why I enjoy his reviews so much. I wonder why the disparity this time around.

[pellboy]

The 10:30 start time was referenced in TF's preview article about Madge. Reading that or a quick google search about the tour in progress and you would have been privy to that information as well as the non-hit heavy setlist. Just saying.

Still sucks to come out that late when the ticket reads 8pm, but it certainly shouldn't have come as a huge shock to those attending. It also sucks to have to do research before attending a show these days, but you almost have to anymore to ensure that you don't get ripped off or at the very least, less than you expected.

[Bubba Brown]

I had a great time at MADONNA. Main reason I went to see her is because she's never played Kansas City before. Opener PAUL OKENFORD was okay. Does she lip-sync the entire set? If so, why? I'm thinking she wants her vocals to be flawless - ? I didn't hear one person complain about the high ticket price. After experiencing this two-hour extravaganza, I CAN see why her show costs so much. She has SO much energy for a woman of 54. Plus, she looks great! I almost didn't make this show. The opening segment was phenomenal. Was there any (hidden meaning to it?) Most memorable concert to say the very least.

[Jorges]

Thanks to my fellow Kansas Citians who attended for doing us proud and making Madonna realize that we are the best fans anywhere in the world... that was nice to read.

Set lists... set lists... set lists.... ever whining about set lists... Its eiher too many war horses and too bad they rely on their old hits .....
OR
its too many new songs... we want to hear the old hits.....

Humans basically want whatever they dont have, until they have it... then they want something else.

[KC Jones]

what blew me away was the 15 or so semi tractor-trailers outside of the sprint center. what the hell did she need all those trucks for? was the stage/production really so collossal to warrant that many 18-wheelers? I joked to my wife that they were filled with costumes.

[Corky]

Ya know, I was debating whether Madge was for me. Never seen her, big production, all that. (Sculpted buttocks!)

After reading all this, it makes me glad I went to see English Beat!

And, that leaves money to travel to Omaha on Saturday to see Dylan.....

This was the 2nd time that they've been through Knuckleheads this year.

Great band. We all had a great time, for just $15 advance price. Cheap!!

Shook all their hands, was actually able to thank the artist for playing.
(And, it didn't cost half of a mortgage payment to see a show like it usually does at Sprint Center)

Don't get me wrong, folks.

I dig Madonna. Like a great number of her songs, actually. The pop stuff. But this tour sounded like it might not have made me happy I think.

[Chris Christie]

"Thanks to my fellow Kansas Citians who attended for doing us proud and making Madonna realize that we are the best fans anywhere in the world...."

We don't have to prove a damn thing to this media whore who can't even sing live and then still charges her fans over 300 bucks for the best seats. She wouldn't lower herself to come to Kansas City until almost 30 years into her dubious career, so I'm shocked that so many people turned up at the Sprint Center last night. Must have been a real 'style over substance' kind of crowd.

[Dave Davies]

I woould to request that reviewers from now on remember to tell us what section they sat in?

I think where one sits/sees/stands affects their perception of a show.... and it would also be interesting to know how much the reviewer paid for a ticket.... same reasons.

[Bubba Brown]

Chris Christie - MADONNA, herself may not necessarily be the REASON she had never played Kansas City before. My guess it probably might be the promoter(s) involved. Who wants to risk losing their shirt? I remember that in maybe 1985, rumor was she was supposed to play two gigs at Kemper Arena both both shows were scrapped (supposedly) before the contracts got signed.

Jorges - GOOD POINT there!! Most people ONLY want stuff UNTIL they get it. Plus, I always say that people all too often do NOT appreciate what they already have it.

[Jorges]

Cheers Bubba...
Yup if you read some hard core Rush, Stones or Springsteen type of fan sites you will see supposed true fans bitching about them playing their most famous songs in concert.

Then you read a review of Maddonna here, and people bitching about not enough old songs.... then you see many regulars on this board bashing of good ole rock bands (Kansas, Styx, Poison, REO, Seger etc etc) touring and playing mostly their hits and bashing on them for not having new music.

I guess people just like to bitch... and I guess I am bithing about their bitching... and eventually the will start bitching about me bitching about their bitching.... in the end... it just a bitch.

;)

[Kelley Hoffman]

My group from Wichita all paid for VIP seating($500 a ticket), and thought the WHOLE THING---set, dancers, and MADONNA was FAB-U LOUS!!! Of course shes gonna mix old and new-thats exactly what to expect of an artist---and the lady can still belt out tunes, and dance like a kid...actually-we all thought BETTER than the kids...The Queen still rules!

[913KCKKID]

Being from Wichita I can see how you would be impressed with the show as well as the indoor plumbing at Sprint Center.

[Carl Lomg]

Dude, make fun of acts and venues...
but there is no need to mess with someone who had fun at a show, and is telling us about it, that is not cool.

Thanks for checking in Kelley!

[NEW]

"I guess people just like to bitch... and I guess I am bithing about their bitching... and eventually the will start bitching about me bitching about their bitching.... in the end... it just a bitch."

Good points Jorges. let me add revisionist history bitching to the mix. Decades ago, I saw Neil Young on his Rust Never Sleeps tour. He basically played the entire album with maybe 4 or 5 standards thrown in. I recall everyone but me bitching about how the show sucked and why didn't he play "Heart of Gold" yada yada yada. A year later, the album Rust Never Sleeps came out, was lauded as one of the greatest albums of the era and remains so to this day and now those same people who bitched go off about how it was one of the most awesome shows they have ever seen. Go figure.

[Jorges]

Great story NEW!

Then again any Neil Story is a great story. :)

I saw that Rust never sleeps tour (I have seen Neil every time he has come to KC) and I was in 117th Heaven, I LOVE THAT ROCKING STUFF!! but I have always been a crazed rock and fkn roller, so anytime people skip the mellow crap is/was OK with me.

The only time I bitched about Neil was on the Shocking Pinks tour, and sure enough, years later I am all like "Oh yeah I was there on that tour, I loved it, it was so cool and trendy" (LOL, I dont really say that, I really say... what I just said, just admitting it all) ;)

NEW, I am still jealous of you seeing him at Red Rocks on this tour, and I dont get jealous of anyone. Sigh... it looks like I wont see this tour... I sure as fk wasnt driving to bumfk Oklahoma to see him last month...

...and I am too poor to go see him in Newark, but I wish I could. :(

Oh well, at least GOOD OLE NEIL ALLOWS THE WHOLE SEPT 29TH 2012 SHOW TO EXIST ON YOUTUBE!!!!
YIPPPEEEEE!! Neil is so cool.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQOSqKrpInU

[pellboy]

Gotta love Neil. Listening to Psychedelic Pill at work as we speak.

[Steve J]

I wonder if people paying $150 for lower level seats for Aerosmith will complain about them playing 6-8 songs from their new album?

[pellboy]

As long as they play a heavy dose of Night In The Ruts, those seats will be a bargain!

[kmoon]

So, where is a picture of her "sculpted buttocks"??

[No Longer a Madonna Lover]

I am no longer a Madonna fan! Apparently her time is more important than the rest of ours... who starts a concert 2 1/2 hours late and proceeds to greet us with "Hello Kansas City, You Mother F***ers" seriously? Lipsinking, new songs most don't know, barely understood old songs played in a medley? Really? The opening DJ was sad too, most went out onto the concourse to avoid hearing it for the entire paintful hour (even though he started 45 minutes late as well).

Madonna you are not the primadona you think you are. I am saddened to know I bought a ticket and supported you, however that will never happen again.

Only positives, you look to be in GREAT physical shape, your dancers are amazing and your stage was the best I have ever seen. After that a big ZERO for your performance and attitude.

Rumor has it you are a nightmare behind the stage too.... brand new carpeting in your dressing room? You take anything you touch after a concert? Really? Who do you think you are?

Trust me, you aren't what you use to be. Get over yourself. That is a lot of money and time I will never get back in my life.