The MDNA tour boasted solid production values including visually entrancing backing videos ranging from Tarantino-esque, blood-splattered revenge stories (in the likes of Revolver and Gang Bang) to the kitsch, garish colours of her cheerleader based Express Yourself routine. Not mention the atmospheric Kabbalah-infused, ritualistic opening. However, the dark nature of Madge’s new material and the sometimes morbid atmosphere exuded from the backing videos, clearly left some of the audience alienated.
The first interlude presented us with striking grey shots of headstones set against a stunning soundtrack of Madonna’s Heartbeat and Best Friend, but this proved to be the final straw for many. The standing audience, a large proportion of whom were clearly expecting Madge to flail around stage belting out Holiday or Dress You Up, flocked out in droves with around 20% leaving six songs in. Most of the audience however had the sense to embrace this theatricality of this awe-inspiring assault on the senses.
Madonna’s vocals were flawless throughout, with the star’s rendition of classic hits including Like A Prayer or Express Yourself and newer material like Turn Up The Radio and I’m A Sinner sounding equally fresh. However, to no fault of the singer the venue showed a complete technical inadequacy – with the speaker system muffled and quiet, making it an impossibility to understand any of the singers repartee with the audience.
Those in the audience that left after the first interlude, soon missed out on the MDNA Tour’s spectacular upbeat transformation. Madge burst out on stage in a cheerleader outfit with a marching band to a vivacious rendition of Express Yourself laced with elements of She’s Not Me and Gaga’s Born This Way, which proved to be a clear highlight of the show. This was followed by her flawless Gimme All Your Luvin, which may not have been a commercial smash but proved to be a delight to hear live.
Unfortunately, the MDNA audience – many of whom had walked out, would have surely been more suited to a Vera Lynn concert. Many around myself refused to embrace the atmosphere or make any attempt to let go and enjoy themselves, simply sitting staring blankly at the distant stage. I was dying to hear Madge’s “Don’t ever sit down at my show” speech – most of the audience was much in need of it. It may have been due to an unfamiliarity of the material from Madge’s MDNA album – but surely when one goes to see the MDNA Tour, one listens to the album to familiarise with the tracks that are going to be played – after all this was not a greatest hits tour.
Perhaps this audience felt detached due to the distance from the stage? The video screens were small and as previously mentioned the sound quality was poor – the Murrayfield venue was simply not well-prepared enough to cope with a show of this scale. In comparison, Sir Paul McCartney’s Up and Coming tour at Hampden Park was well equipped with huge screens and a stunning sound system, making even those sat at the back of the stadium feel like part of the show – the same cannot be said for the Edinburgh venue. To further disappoint, Madonna was forced to cut out two tracks (the pulsating I’m Addicted and classic Like A Virgin) from the set list due to a curfew on the stadium.
However, stellar renditions of the guitar-infused, Ray of Light-esque, Turn Up The Radio, the heartbreaking Masterpiece set against a backdrop of clips from the poignant W.E and an unforgettable bus-rooftop set performance of I’m A Sinner – leaving die-hard fans rather happy. Let us not forget her upbeat rendition of Vogue.
Surely all negative responses to the MDNA Tour could have been flipped around by its two song conclusion. The first being a flawless gospel-choir backed performance of Like A Prayer – seeing an audience of 40,000 standing singing alongside the Queen of Pop was awe-inspiring. The show was perfectly rounded off by a fun, colorful performance of Madge’s Celebration.
Madonna’s MDNA Tour did boast solid production values and proved a treat for fans of her new material, but unfortunately technical faults and an unprepared audience (expecting all classic hits) lead to a sense of detachment for part of the show. After a quick Twitter search, all those attacking the naysayers of the show were stood in the Gold Circle by the stage, blissfully unaware of the crowds leaving or the awful sound quality throughout the rest of the stadium.
If you can fill a stadium, you need to make sure those sitting at the back of the venue feel equally involved as those stood by the front of the stage. The MDNA Tour has simply left me sat on the fence, but I do know, I still love Queen Madge.
Was at the concert last night and couldn't agree more. It was a fantastic night and dont understand those who walked out. It was pure brilliance.
sound was terrible at south west stand had to move down to stairwell NOT Madonnas fault as the show look great for what i could see of it,emailed Murrayfield today their sound system was shocking !!!
I was sat in South 18. The sound was terrible, literally couldn't make out a word of what she was saying and from where we were to be honest we were all questioning her ability… As it turns out was the sound system which is a shame but leaves me feeling really disappointed as I love and respect Madonna. I have to also say that she spent a LOT of time off stage, I have always defended her when people have said she is too old, but I couldn't help thinking that was a planned way of showing she is beginning to struggle? The digs at Lady Gaga were funny, but also made her look a little bitter and desperate… Gimme all your loving, Express, Papa Don't Preach and Vogue were brilliant. I'm angry at the Murrayfield curfew by Like a Prayer everyone had gotten behind her and the lack of encore left everyone wanting more!
I was at the front of general admission, and the sound was fine. Most of the show was good, though some parts a bit boring. I've got the new album, which I quite like. I tried to embrace the atmosphere, rather than stand about.
Though why did she take so long to come on, then cut the show short? The crowd was getting pretty impatient, as was I, and then at the end, it was like… Was that it..?
She also didn't interact with the crowd much, especially those further back.
So while the stage show was mostly very good, and Madonna did I good job performing, the final package was all a bit average. Just kind of expected more from the experience. And for a stadium gig, she should have catered for the masses more.
Concert was just OK! I was expecting more vintage songs and madonna have could more attracked people there. Main screen was too small and quality of sound terrible. She was 90 min late and show finished very early in my opinion. But anyway thanks Got that she came to Edinburgh. It was unforgotable experience to see her in person..Martin
Thanks for the responses to the review. It seems that most people, whilst slightly disappointed did really enjoy themselves and of course Madge is still Queen.