I know this is supposed to be a photography blog, but I feel that an exception can be made in this case. I had the opportunity to cover one of the biggest tours going across North America when Lady Gaga had a concert last week at the Centre Bell in Montreal. Sadly, the coverage did not include a pass to take any photographs. So, since I would like to preserve the moment for posterity, here is my review, with one solitary cellphone photograph, for The Old Blog. Much thanks goes out to Lady Gaga's management team at Haus Of Gaga, Evenko and Christopher Gonda of V13 Media for helping get me in there for the show. As always, it is much appreciated.
They say that a picture is worth a 1000 words. That’s why I like photography, I can say a lot while saying very little. However, my trusty Canon sidekick was not permitted inside of the Centre Bell. Meaning it will be up to my words to try and paint as colourful a picture as my photographs usually do.
“Will you come back and see me in twenty years?” That was the question on Lady Gaga’s mind as she neared the end of an epic evening in Montréal. “I’ve been loved by you all here for 20 years. Whether you’ve been here for all 20, or if this is your first time, thank you.” Was the emotion real? Or were those the words of a seasoned professional? It’s hard to know sometimes, but I do believe that Lady Gaga was speaking from the heart. It’s true that Montréal has been a special place for her. And she returned the love by holding not one, not two, but three concerts here. Sadly, the third concert ended up being cancelled due to health issues.
A sold-out Centre Bell hosted Lady Gaga’s The Mayhem Ball Tour. Before the curtain had even been raised, it was already living up to its name. It was mayhem in the streets outside of the building. Arriving nice and early to pick up my ticket to the show, I was met with a mass of humanity larger than any concert I had ever attended before.
For any locals who may be reading, the line began at Centre Bell. It went up Drummond to boulevard Réne-Levesque. It continued for a block before turning right and going half the way down Stanley, almost back to the Centre Bell itself. A full city block. Luckily, spirits were high and some of the costumes being worn by the fans were outstanding.
An hour later, I had finally arrived in my seat, but there was no time to relax. The lights dimmed and a dual image of Lady Gaga appeared in the enormous video wall behind the stage. The stage looked like a giant gothic opera house. She entered the stage atop a huge French revolution era gown to the massive roar of the crowd. After an operatic version of “Bloody Mary”, the bottom of the gown was torn away. It revealed a corset full of dancers.
So began the first of five acts for our show. Act I: Of Velet And Vice kicked off with a rowdy version of “Abracadabra”. Fireworks and wristband lights had the building aglow as Lady Gaga implored her Monsters to “Chante Montréal!” She speaks French very well and the local crowd appreciated it. The first act came to an end with “Poker Face”.
Act II: And She Fell Into A Gothic Dream opened with Lady Gaga half buried in a giant sandbox. She sang “Perfect Celebrity” while having some cheeky fun with a skeleton. Shortly, the other dancers zombie walked out of the sand to join in on the fun. This act featured a toned down version of “Paparazzi” and the touching “Alejandro”. As the act came to a close, Lady Gaga walked the length of the stage, trailing a huge bridal train behind her. It was lit up like a rainbow before she once again disappeared after “The Beast”.
Titled, The Beautiful Nightmare That Knows Her Name, the third act began with Lady Gaga positioned at one of the top levels of the opera house. She described dreaming as a child and never letting those dream die. This led to “Killah” and “Zombieboy” as Lady Gaga and crew performed around a giant skull. “Just Dance” brought this Act to an end as neither Lady Gaga nor the crowd showed any signs of weakening.
Shortened versions of “Shadow Of A Man” and “Kill For Love” opened Act IV – Every Chess Board Has Two Queens. Lady Gaga asked where Montréal’s queer community was before blasting in to “Born This Way”. The entire crew of dancers joined her as they filled the stage. A figure clad in red then appeared atop the giant dress from the beginning of the show. They came together during an emotional “Million Reasons”. They rowed in a boat of skulls to the other end of the stage while Lady Gaga sang “Shallow”. “Die With A Smile” and “The Edge Of Glory” were performed solo from a piano before the tempo picked up for “Vanish Into You”. During the song, Lady Gaga shared some moments with the crowd. When she stopped to take a photo with a front row fan, that girl’s face almost lit up the building on her own.
Alas, all good things come to an end. However, at the Mayhem Ball, things go out with a bang. For the finale, titled Eternal Aria of The Monster Heart, Lady Gaga was wheeled onto the stage on a gurney. The sound of a heart monitor flat lining was quickly replaced by “Bad Romance” as Lady Gaga and crew dominated the stage one final time. Fireworks went off over the opera house stage before a trap door lowered our conquering songstress below. To a deafening roar and standing ovation.
After the final credits rolled, a camera a crew caught up with everyone backstage. They celebrated and removed their make-up before singing their way back on stage. One final time for “How Bad Do You Want Me”. What. A. Show!
It was musical theater, sprinkled with healthy doses of drama. Lady Gaga was a beast on stage. All eyes were on her, and she made sure it remained that way. Her facial expressions were amazing and the set pieces were a sight to behold. As the evening came to a close, I felt a little tinge of sadness. I didn’t want it to end. But, like the rest of the sold out crowd, we left the excitement of The Mayhem Ball and returned to the far less colourful world that awaited us outside. Hopeful to catch a glimpse of the extravaganza once again.
With my thousand words used up, I hope that I painted something of a picture for you. I have never experienced a concert like that before. Beginning to end, it was non-stop sensory overload. A nearly three hour ride of musical madness that simply must be seen.
Miss Gaga, I was one of those first timers tonight. I’ll probably be a little more rundown twenty years from now. But, I can’t think of anything else I would rather do come that day than to attend another of your shows. After nearly a full year, this tour is coming to an end. Hopefully it won’t take twenty years for her to return. Don't you dare miss it when Lady Gaga performs in a town near you.
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