MADONNA -Confessions from the Dance Floor

(photo from www.madonna.com)

During Madonna's recent tour run at Madison Square Garden of "Confessions from the Dance Floor" I had the privilege to attend late last month. (Thanks babysmurf!) It was my first time inside Madison Square Garden and boy is it big! The venue was extremely hot per Madonna's request to lower the AC to preserve her voice (rumor had it started in Chicago). It would set the tone for a very HOT HOT night.

Doors opened at 7pm and the concert was said to start at 8pm. But of course, we all know concers never start on time. Madonna hit the stage a bit after 9pm around 9:15pm and performed an almost 2 hour set. The bulk of the songs were from her newest album (which I sadly have not really listened to save her radio hits). The graphics, dancers and costumes were great. I must admit not understanding seeing "xray photos" up on the screen while she sang "Like a Virgin". But later on reading a review, it mentioned it was her own xrays from her fall off a horse awhile back.

Madonna delivered a great performance with its ups and downs. First of all she looked fabulous (I saw her a long time ago during her BLOND AMBITION TOUR) and alot has changed. Her T-shirts where $15 to $20 then and now cheapest is $30 to as high as $60 each. I loved the ethnic diversity of her dancers and they all were athletic and very good. During one of the songs, there were visuals of the world and its realities (a statement on life outside of our own protected ivory tower in the USA). Last time I saw something like this was at the U2 concert last October. Madonna even played the electric guitar to show us her skills!

I tended to favor the rousing dance renditions with "Sorry". I loved the roller skaters on stage too! Everyone was having a blast and a lot of fun!

I must admit I did not care for the heat (Hot as Hades), she doesn't do encores (it would be nice if she did), wished she sang other songs than some that she did choose ("La Isla Bonita" and "Like a Virgin" made the cut to be sung). I would have rather have had "Material Girl" over "La Isla Bonita".

Exiting was a pain, both the escalators and stairs were congested. It took a bit of time from the balcony area (section 437) and we were seated just under the box seats. We had a great view of the stage and tv screen. The announcer did mention Madonna apologized in advance for those who cannot see the screens or had obstructions not permitting them to see everything.

This concert was my most expensive ticket thus far out of all my outings. It sure was a memorable experience. I went with a pal whom I have gone to Erasure, Brian Adams and Pet Shop Boys concerts in the past. So we had a great time! Thanks a million for the opportunity.