Madame X Tourbook finally available online
The Madame X Tourbook is now available from Madonna’s official online store! All tourbook orders placed before 11:59pm PST tomorrow, Nov 2nd, qualify for a 20% discount on any and all Madame X Tour merch ordered along with it: shop.madonna.com
(Madonna’s Facebook page)
Madonna Madame X Tour: 7 things fans need to know
Madonna is finally bringing her Madame X Tour to San Francisco, set to perform three nights, Nov. 2, 4 and 5 at the lovely Golden Gate Theatre.
Here are seven things fans should know before going to the show:
1, The late, late show
The shows now start late — really late. The curtain time has been inexplicably changed from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. And our guess is that Madonna actually won’t take the stage until more like 11 p.m.
2, It’s a long show
The run time is approximately 2 hours 20 minutes. So, do the math and what you get is that fans will still be at the Golden Gate Theatre at 1 a.m. If the curtain goes up late, that finish time could get closer to 2 a.m.
3, Don’t BART
Sure, it will likely get you to the show on time. But it’s looking real dicey that it’ll get you home after the concert. The last northbound train is scheduled to pass through Powell Street Station (the closet station to Golden Gate Theatre) at 12:22 a.m. on Nov. 2., with the last southbound train following at 1:05 a.m. Madonna might still be onstage at those times.
4, Doors open early
The doors open at 7:30 p.m., which is three hours prior to show time. Organizers are asking that fans arrive no later than 9:30 p.m.
5, Tickets are SUPER expensive
Prices range from (gulp!) $74 to $2,111. The latter is a special VIP ticket that includes a pre-show reception with beverages and light appetizers. But don’t think you’re getting a meet and greet. “No Artist participation included in package,” the ticketing website informs.
6, But tickets might still be available
At last check, there were tickets still available for the Nov. 4 and 5 shows. See broadwaysf.com for more details.
7, The set list
Here’s what Madonna performed on Oct. 16 at the Chicago Theatre, according to setlist.fm:
“God Control”
“Dark Ballet”
“Human Nature”
“Express Yourself”
“Papa Don’t Preach”
“Madame X Manifesto”
“Vogue”
“I Don’t Search I Find”
“Papa Don’t Preach”
“American Life”
“Batuka”
“Fado Pechincha”
“Killers Who Are Partying”
“Crazy”
“La Isla Bonita”
“Sodade”
“Medellín”
“Extreme Occident”
“Rescue Me”
“Frozen”
“Come Alive”
“Future”
“Crave”
“Like a Prayer”
“I Rise”
SEE: The Queen of Pop get intimate (in San Francisco)
No, not THAT kind of intimate. We’re talking about Madonna and her Madame X tour, which comes to San Francisco for three shows starting Nov. 2. She’s performing at the small-ish Golden Gate Theatre rather than a big rock palace. And it’s said to be one of her most personal shows yet. Or if you want a singer-songwriter with a lot fewer bells and whistles, the terrific Lucinda Williams will be in Oakland performing one of the ’90s best albums. Here’s a look at these and other concert options.
More at SantaCruzSentinel
Niki Haris & Donna De Lory present SONGS AND STORIES at Mmhmmm at The Standard Hotel in West Hollywood
Acclaimed recording artists and Madonna’s famed backup singers Niki Haris and Donna De Lory will reunite for a night of nostalgia in which they share the soundtrack of their lives at Mmhmmm in the Standard Hotel in West Hollywood on Friday, November 22, at 7:30pm, it was announced today by Chris Isaacson Presents.
In this singular celebration, these soulful sisters will serenade the audience with perfect harmonies crafted from Niki’s jazzy belt and Donna’s breathy tone. Their music carries a rare kinetic energy forever pulsing between these kindred spirits. Each song is a defining moment among the many stories they’ve amassed over their stunning careers as they track their personal evolution from backup singers to solo artists to motherhood.
Niki Haris is the daughter of Grammy Award-nominated jazz pianist Gene Harris. She has toured the world’s biggest stages from Carnegie Hall to Wembley Stadium, Lincoln Center, Staples Center, and everywhere in between. Known for her jazz, gospel, pop, and deep house vocals, she has performed with jazz greats like Stanley Turrentine, Red Holloway, and Ray Charles, as well as pop superstars Sheryl Crow, Whitney Houston. Along with singing backup for Madonna on four world tours, she appeared in the movie Truth or Dare and acted in the videos for Vogue and Music.
Donna De Lory comes from a musical family helmed by her father Al De Lory, legendary keyboard player for The Wrecking Crew and Grammy Award-winning music producer. She has been performing professionally since she was eight years old. Her vocal work can be heard on albums by Carole King, Leonard Cohen, Carly Simon, Jewel, Ray Parker Jr., Kim Carnes, Laura Branigan, Belinda Carlisle, Selena, Bette Midler, Aisha, Barry Manilow, and more. For nearly 20 years she worked as a backup singer and dancer with Madonna, beginning with the Who’s That Girl Tour in 1987 and continuing through the Confessions Tour in 2006. As a recording artist, she has released 14 solo albums including her most recent, Here in Heaven. In 2016 she teamed up with Niki Haris to record their rendition of Madonna’s 1993 single Rain, for which the pair provided the original backing vocals.
Admission is $35-$75 (VIP and Artist Circle available which include post-show meet and greet) and tickets may be purchased online at www.ticketweb.com or by phone at (866) 468-3399. Doors open at 6pm for cocktail and dinner service (minimums apply) and showtime is 7:30pm.
The Standard Hotel is located at 8300 Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood, 90069.
More at BroadwayWorld
Pace University School Of The Performing Arts Presents Adaptation Of A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM Set To Madonna
Pace University’s School of Performing Arts fall mainstage season will kick off on November 20 with a new Madonna-inspired adaptation of William Shakespeare‘s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Fourteen Madonna classics will be woven through the original spoken text of Shakespeare. The show is a collaboration between the acting and dance program at Pace.
The production, “Welcome to the Wood, A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is directed by Grant Kretchik, the head of the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Acting Program at the Pace School of Performing Arts, and choreographed by Jess Hendricks, featuring Pace’s BFA’s Commercial Dance dancers. The creative team is comprised entirely of Pace University students, including set designer Brett Martinez, costume designer Arin Goldsmith, lighting designer Elijah Sullivan, sound designer Julia Riley, and props master Colleen O’Brien. The production is stage managed by student Lindsay Jones and company managed by student Emily Huber.
“It is as elegant as it is erotic, as sophisticated as it is sensual, and as timeless as it is tempting” says Kretchik. He adds, “Crowds gather to “Get Into the Grove” as DJ Puck spins Madonna classics well into the night. “The Deeper and Deeper” one goes into “The Woods” it is a place where the experienced can feel “Like a Virgin” and lovers and “Material Girls” can “Open Your Heart.” After a night in “The Wood” it is possible that the bourgeoisie and the rebels come together.” For tickets and more information, visit schimmelcenter.org.
More at BroadwayWorld
5 things to do this week in Las Vegas: Madame X Tour
At some of her Las Vegas shows over the past decade, she’s mock crucified herself atop a glimmering cross, pole danced on a leather saddle and been joined by a marching band suspended from the rafters, among many other visual flourishes. So what will Madonna do when she returns to town in support of latest record “Madame X”? Whatever it is, you’ll see it in detail as she’s playing a decidedly more intimate venue than usual. See her at 8:30 p.m. Thursday and Nov. 9 and 10 at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace. Tickets start at $55; call 800-745-3000.
More at ReviewJournal
HER VEGAS: MADONNA, HELLO KITTY AND MORE
A Kiss from Madame X
“I will never be what society expects me to be. I have seen too much,” rasps Madonna, praying in the dark before introducing herself as Madame X in the video for recent hit “Medellín.” But society can’t possibly have expectations for the pop phenom after nearly 40 years of watching her. She is about art that shakes you, even if the statements she makes tend to be highly danceable.
That’s the vibe of her 14th studio album and eponymous tour, which makes its way to a newly renovated Colosseum at Caesars Palace Nov. 7 and 9-10. Madame X’s world is the stuff of noir and Lisbon nightclubs, personal expressions of love and blistering political postures. That is to say, it’s a theatrical whirlwind, anchored by the ever-magnetic 61-year-old. Whether unleashing her acidic wit or swaggering in heels and fishnets, she commands the room.
The setup is more Broadway musical than stadium show, and with that intimacy comes the rule that all attendees leave their phones locked in soft cases before taking their seats.
Madonna wants to see eyes, not screens. Fans want to see some old hits on the set list, and while the focus is on fresh material (including homages to the fado music she’s gotten into living in Portugal), rich treatments are given to such classics as “Like a Prayer” (1989), “Vogue” (1990) and “Frozen” (1998). The latter is stripped way down, just the singer and a giant screen projecting artful visuals of eldest daughter Lourdes.
That screen shows an American flag superimposed on ominous smoke for “God Control” and its stirring message about gun violence. It shows footage of protests around discrimination for “I Rise.” But as much as Madonna relishes lending her voice to heavy issues, she also revels and jokes and cha-chas through the moods of Madame X.
So if you expect anything, let it be rhinestones with your dose of reality. –Erin Ryan
Caesars Palace, 8:30 p.m. Nov. 7 & 9-10, starting at $55 plus tax and fee. 800.745.3000 Ticketmaster
More at Las Vegas Magazine
Early Madonna posters added
Three early original posters added to The First Album and Like a Virgin pages. Original black/white shot for the debut album and a rare poster for the debut album from Thailand. For the Like a Virgin era we have a poster that was supposedly used in ‘OUR PRICE’ music stores.
Check them all out in the memorabilia sections.
Much more to come!
Catch Parlor Social in San Francisco 11/3!
Headed to San Francisco for Madonna this week? Then, mark your calendars for Sunday, 11/3! Next up for Ric’key’s ‘Not Giving Up On You Tour’ is this Sunday 11/3 at the Boom Boom Room in San Francisco! It’ll be a night of #SpeakeasySoul and #ProhibitionFunk by Rick, Dessy, and some very SPECIAL guests! Tickets are just $15 in advance. Get yours today at https://wl.seetickets.us/event/PARLOR-SOCIAL-THE-GOLD-SOULS/395069?afflky=BoomBoomRoom
They Write the Songs: Series 4: Madonna – listen now at BBC Radio
Barry Manilow assesses the songwriting career of Madonna from ‘Like A Virgin’ to ‘Ray of Light’ and beyond. Over thirty years Madonna has constantly and successfully changed direction, innovated and re-invented her sound, image and writing. Barry follows her development from the simple two chord structure of ‘Into the Groove’ to the sophisticated lyrical ideas behind ‘Papa Don’t Preach’. It’s a career of continuous experimentation with new musical ideas, new images and a constant quest for the best in rock and pop music.
Me Against The Music (Britney + Madonna) discography online – 21 pressings
After their iconic kiss during the ‘Hollywood’ performance at the VMA’s in 2003, it was only natural that a collabration between the two ladies would be released.
Me Against The Music was the lead single from Britney’s album ‘In The Zone’, Madonna was featured throughout the track ‘responding’ to Britney in the verses and singing the chorus together. Madonna was also present to film the music video together with Britney which was directed by Paul Hunter. MTV later also aired a ‘Making Of’ of the music video.
Madonna has never performed the track live, whereas Britney has. Although at the end of ‘Holiday’ in the Re-Invention Tour (2004) Madonna sang ‘all the people on the floor…..sing Holiday, all the people on the left….sing Holiday’ and so on and so on. Which was a direct wink to the ‘all my people on the floor let me see you dance’ line from the Me Against The Music lyrics.
We have just uploaded the discography to the single release, we were able to collect 21 different pressings which you can check out HERE
Madonna’s artistic defiance makes her a San Francisco audience favorite
One of the more niche testaments to my personal fandom is a spiral-bound, stainless steel art book, its title discreetly etched into the cover: “Sex.”
Yes, Cicconephiles (a term meaning a superfan of Madonna, taken from the star’s last name, Ciccone), I own Madonna’s notorious 1992 photo book released in conjunction with her “Erotica” album, the one that scandalized the zeitgeist with its nudity and depictions of sexuality. Most shockingly for a pop star at the time, many of the most risqué photos featured the singer herself. It’s a project that pretty succinctly sums up key aspects of Madonna’s career.
From the opening pages, it’s clear what Madonna and photographer Steven Meisel were taking inspiration from (Robert Mapplethorpe, Helmut Newton, Kenneth Anger, etc.) and then filtering through a Madonna-centric lens. At times, it reads like a marketing stunt that has some legitimately great material. But all these years later, it’s also still brave and at times a little brilliant, even if not entirely original. That’s also a good description for Madonna.
When it was announced that the singer would be playing three dates at the 2,297-seat Golden Gate Theatre in San Francisco this November, there was much excitement among the Bay Area Madonna fan base. We are a Madonna-loving town with nights dedicated to her music at gay clubs and bars (most notably, Oasis does a yearly Mother show tribute to her) and there are even mentions of her in The Chronicle from early in her career in Herb Caen’s column in the 1980s. Her music and various personas from “Like a Virgin” to “Madame X” have stretched across a remarkable four decades.
So why do Cicconephiles still stan the 61-year-old performer?
I asked a few Bay Area superfans, and interestingly, everyone I spoke to frankly pointed out Madonna’s flaws: She’s not a perfect singer. She’s probably difficult to socialize with, based on her behavior on talk shows. She has maybe five good films, which isn’t terrible until you remember she’s made about 30.
But they also say that the flaws are partially why they love her. Maybe she’s not artistically above reproach, but she’s really committed to her vision.
She probably isn’t the most gracious person in the room, but does she need to be? Women, LGBT people and others at the margins are so often told to shut up and be pleasant that it’s always exciting when one of us defies that dictate. That defiance is part of her appeal, and San Francisco is a culturally defiant city.
Then the fans quickly launch into passionate testimonials.
Dancer Linda Gamino remembers her uncle, Rick, sneaking her a copy of Madonna’s “Virgin Tour” video as a child and how she would race home to dance with her idol. In high school, the first work Gamino choreographed for herself was to “Frozen,” a single off Madonna’s 1998 album “Ray of Light.”
“I’ll always remember seeing her in ‘A League of Their Own’ in the theater,” Gamino recalls. “Her character is tying her shoe, she looks up and we see her for the first time, kind of smirking. The audience here went crazy.”
Performer Terry McLaughlin has seen Madonna in concert four times and says part of why he’s spent as much as $500 to see her live is that she always brings A+ queer collaborators into her production, like fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier.
“She’s also been there with gay audiences as an advocate since way before it was popular,” says McLaughlin.
Victoria Sutton has seen every Madonna tour since “Blond Ambition” in 1990 and will be there at the Golden Gate (the shows run Saturday, Nov. 2, as well as Nov. 4-5). She notes that Madonna frequently tours leading up to elections and isn’t shy about addressing social and political issues artistically.
“I remember this one dance she did about gun violence that was really bloody and gripping,” says Sutton. “At 61, she’s not afraid to speak her mind, which makes it easier for me to do that at 53.”
Excitingly, Madonna’s many personas and artistic eras have kept us guessing what’s next. My friend photographer Frederic Aranda and I once joked about how we can keep track of events in our own lives by remembering what phase Madonna was then going through. The woman is such a force in pop culture that you can actually keep time by her (the only other person I can think of that you can say that about is Jesus).
Drag queen Venus D-Lite, a “RuPaul’s Drag Race” season three contestant, is well-known for her Madonna drag and says that San Francisco audiences even fawn over Madonna impersonators with enthusiasm.
“Maybe people like her because she likes to prove people wrong,” says D-Lite, whose next performance as Madonna is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 4, at the Cafe in San Francisco. “She kind of gives me the courage not to give a s— what anyone else thinks.”
My feelings about Madonna are best summed up by the “Sex” book. Like that tome, I admire that she has always had a completely committed artistic vision, even if that vision is sometimes flawed.
And, yes, I also love her defiance.
By the way, aside from all the social theory, the woman has also given us some pretty danceable music.
More at San Francisco Chronicle
Good deal on clear vinyls at Amazon Spain
Amazon Spain offers you a good deal on two of the re-issued clear vinyls
Score them now!
Bedtime Stories 25th anniversary – a personal memoir by Kimberly
While on holiday in Benidorm (this is just a coincidence I HAVE been to other places you know) Madonna’s new album ‘Bedtime Stories’ was released. I remember searching the streets of Benidorm for any record shops and managed to find the one store that sold records (aaaaaah the good ol’ days).
Thankfully they had just received only one copy of Madonna’s brand new album in stock and I remember thinking it was extremely overpriced (yes even in pesetas). But it was Madonna’s new album and what else to spent my pocket money on? It was the 90’s and it was one of those phases where you assumed looking like a christmas tree was ‘hot’, all ten of my fingers carried rings, a ton of necklaces around my neck and I had the obligatory ‘peace’ sign earrings sparkling up my ears. So yes I think it was rather necessary to spent money on something else than cheap bling.
The unfortunate thing was that I didn’t own a discman (yes I had the cassette walkman but that doesn’t fit a CD now does it?) so I had to wait to listen to the thing until we got back home in Amsterdam (the pre-internet days….) I wasn’t too keen on the cover artwork but I loved the colours used, especially the pastel blue jewel case (very Miami)
The first thing I did arriving back home was pop the CD into my stereo and lock myself into my room for the next hour or so. First thoughts ‘well now this is quite a departure from ‘Erotica’ and thinking everything sounded alike. Human Nature, Sanctuary, Inside of Me, Bedtime Story and Take a Bow were the highlights for me and I quite disliked Survival and Don’t Stop. I remember getting the new ‘MadonnaMania’ issue (Dutch fanclub magazine at the time) and they kind of shared my sentiments on the album. The more and more I listened to the album, the more I began to appreciate the stunning arrangements, lyrics and vocals.
I was completely set and ready for the ‘Bedtime Stories’ tour and so heartbroken when it didn’t happen because of other commitments on Madonna’s behalf. Anyhow I reached the phase where my hormones were ruling my life and therefore I lost Madonna for a little while in favour of romantic fantasies about Nick Carter from the Backstreet Boys (whom I discovered in a magazine before they released their first single and fell head over heels in love……awwwwww).
Today when I listen to the album it stands out as her most beautiful and mature record, stunning vocals, brilliant lyrics and some of her best collaborations ever (Babyface). Sanctuary is one of my all time favourite Madonna songs and secretly hoping she will perform it live one day, a girl (em….grown woman) can only dream.
Kimberly van Pinxteren
Bedtime Stories 25th anniversary – a personal memoir by Dave
Bedtime Stories turns 25 today. The last album that came out while I was still living at home with my parents. My teenage room was full of posters and I remember how happy I was to find some Bedtime Stories images to put on the wall. My local record store also gave me some promotional cubes.
I couldn’t stop listening to the album, even though the R ‘n B sound is not really my thing I still absolutely loved the album. Still love it today even though it’s not in my top list anymore.
Secret was a great lead single but Take a Bow stole my heart. Great song and fantastic video, she looks stunning in it. When I was not busy at school, I was glued to the VCR. Didn’t miss one single episode of MTV news. So many great Madonna items around that time. The Making of Take A Bow, Bedtime Story Pyjama party and don’t forget Wetten Dass and the instant classic Brit Awards performance of Bedtime Story.
This was also the year that I was struggling more and more with my coming out. The song Survival gave me strength. My loneliness couldn’t be described better than in Love Tried To Welcome Me, still a big fan of that song.
I have really good memories of this album.
Happy Birthday Bedtime Stories!!
Dave Crombeen
Crave (Remixes Pt. 1) feat. Swae Lee iTunes link available
Buy through iTunes, click direct link below
1 Crave (feat. Swae Lee) [Tracy Young Dangerous Remix]
2 Crave (feat. Swae Lee) [Tracy Young Dangerous Radio Edit]
3 Crave (feat. Swae Lee) [Benny Benassi & BB Team Extended Remix]
4 Crave (feat. Swae Lee) [Benny Benassi & BB Team Radio Edit]
5 Crave (feat. Swae Lee) [RNG Club Remix]
6 Crave (feat. Swae Lee) [Otto Benson Remix]
7 Crave (feat. Swae Lee) [Twisted Dee & Diego Fernandez Remix]
8 Crave (feat. Swae Lee) [Dan De Leon & Anthony Griego Remix]
