eXtremeOccident

Also, since no one is posting clips of the Adele gig, which keeps being referenced in posts (serious pet peeve), see below for an example of the stunning cinematography and slow sweeping shots:
Sure, parts of Madonna's show could use other aesthetic choices (I hope she goes back to lots of close-up shots), but the overall style is nice. I'd imagine tonight's venue is a similar size to what is seen here. Curious if the crowd will be as lit.
Additionally, hoping that the stage is a little, let's say, less sparse / more lit tonight, so as to maximize on how this gig translates to film. This was definitely done with Confessions.

Also, since no one is posting clips of the Adele gig, which keeps being referenced in posts (serious pet peeve), see below for an example of the stunning cinematography and slow sweeping shots:
Sure, parts of Madonna's show could use other aesthetic choices (I hope she goes back to lots of close-up shots), but the overall style is nice. I'd imagine tonight's venue is a similar size to what is seen here. Curious if the crowd will be as lit.
Additionally, hoping that the stage is a little, let's say, less sparse / more lit tonight, so as to maximize on how this gig translates to film. This was definitely done with Confessions.

Hearing rumors from a very reliable source (same one who confirmed Rebel Heart on Showtime months in advance) that all streaming rights have already been sold to Disney+. Premiering in June to correspond with the Avengers movie release as part of a massive content launch that's expected to compete heavily with Netflix (hence the Netflix rumors).
Additionally, she's apparently signed a 5-year partnership with Disney for exclusive Madonna content. This means that her material can be used in original movie productions, theme parks, etc. Similar to how Aerosmith licensed its content to the Rock N Roller Coaster in Florida. And Disney will co-sponsor future touring, if it is to take place (similar to how Virgin Mobile had heavy sponsoring rights during the Britney Circus Tour).
There are talks Disney may be spearheading a biopic about her life, capitalizing on the success of Rocketman and Bohemian Rhapsody. There are already quiet talks talking place with Keira Knightly and Dakota Fanning. Her management sees this as a way to re-introduce her legacy to a new generation, I guess? I don't know, but I wouldn't be surprised if she launches a massive new legacy project in parallel. Probably not for a good few years, though. 
I'm surprised myself, but she's done crazier things. This insider has yet to be wrong. 
 

As a fan of both, it was only like 10 dates, which is similar to the Madame X Tour. Let's not get into the dramatics with our fellow rival fanbases 
Anywho, agreed that it's a little peculiar she's filming opening night. Seems unlike her, but we'll see. I do think that they definitely have bumped up filming in case something happens. She likely has already sold rights to broadcast the concert and would be at risk of breaching it if she suffers further injury.
That said, can't wait to hear about the show tonight! Hoping for some big crane camera work so that we get a few beautiful long shots of the whole venue. Would kill for them to use 35MM film again, like for Confessions. The cinematic result was next level. To this day, the pinnacle of any concert recording.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again -- The elements are there for a great show, both with the current thematic elements and the existing setlist / choreography. It's the flow that's an absolute mess (I had similar sentiments about Rebel Heart).
All this show needs is a better narrative (hence the interlude changes), tighter production, and a set list with songs that are complementary to one another, both via audio / mixing and lyrical content. 
Additionally, I think way more time could have been put into the choreography and staging, but alas, I'm not trying to reach here...though I still think if she hired Celine's production team from Vegas for a theatre show, this would have been next level...but I digress...
Imagine the following....note that there are only 5 song changes, and these were teased at various points (except for Bedtime Story / Secret). I would kill for a show like this.
Act 1 - Madame X Is A Prisoner 
1. Introducing: Madame X / Joan of Arc (Intro)
2. Dark Ballet
3. Killers Who Are Partying
4. Human Nature
5. What It Feels Like For A Girl
6. Bedtime Story
Act 2 - Madame X Is A Head of State
7. The Coffin (Interlude)
8. American Life
9. Papa Don't Preach (Full) 
10. Future (Piano Mix)
11. Express Yourself (Full)
Act 3 - Madame X Is Traveling Around The World
11. Extreme Occident (Interlude)
12. Batuka 
13. Like a Virgin (Fado Style)
14. La Isla Bonita (Welcome To My Fado Club Tempo / Instrumental) (Full)
15. Medellin
Act 4 - Madame X Is A Mother 
16. Easy Ride Instrumental (Orchestral Interlude Extending Into...)
17. Frozen
18. Rescue Me Interlude / Rescue Me (Full)
19. Come Alive
20. Crave (Tracy Young Mix)
Act 4 - Madame X Is A Spy In The House of Love
21. Madame X Manifesto Extended (Interlude)
22. Vogue
23. Secret
24. Justify My Love
25. I Don't Search I Find
Act 5 - Madame X Is Bringing Light To Dark Places
26. James Baldwin Quote / Dancer Gunshots (Interlude)
27. God Control
28. Like a Prayer (With Elements of I Rise)
 

If anyone here remembers the Britney Femme Fatale Tour (yes, I know, it was an absolute mess, but that's besides the point), I always thought that show provided a good thematic foundation for what I would have expected with this tour. The idea of the Femme Fatale traveling all over the world was very similar to what I thought Madonna would do with Madame X. The story was told throughout the show in interludes (none of it made sense, but again, it's Britney not Madonna lol).

this is a show I'd pay a lotta money to see

If anyone here remembers the Britney Femme Fatale Tour (yes, I know, it was an absolute mess, but that's besides the point), I always thought that show provided a good thematic foundation for what I would have expected with this tour. The idea of the Femme Fatale traveling all over the world was very similar to what I thought Madonna would do with Madame X. The story was told throughout the show in interludes (none of it made sense, but again, it's Britney not Madonna lol).

Haha thanks, one my friends has always said I should apply to be a creative consultant for her  She's an incredible artist, but it never hurts to have a few team members around her that can help her sculpt out her vision...it seems that is what is missing for her nowadays. She always had her brother or Jamie King very readily advising. It seems she went rogue and did the executive producing of this show on her own, and I think that's what has partially caused this shift in how her tours are perceived nowadays.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again -- The elements are there for a great show, both with the current thematic elements and the existing setlist / choreography. It's the flow that's an absolute mess (I had similar sentiments about Rebel Heart).
All this show needs is a better narrative (hence the interlude changes), tighter production, and a set list with songs that are complementary to one another, both via audio / mixing and lyrical content. 
Additionally, I think way more time could have been put into the choreography and staging, but alas, I'm not trying to reach here...though I still think if she hired Celine's production team from Vegas for a theatre show, this would have been next level...but I digress...
Imagine the following....note that there are only 5 song changes, and these were teased at various points (except for Bedtime Story / Secret). I would kill for a show like this.
Act 1 - Madame X Is A Prisoner 
1. Introducing: Madame X / Joan of Arc (Intro)
2. Dark Ballet
3. Killers Who Are Partying
4. Human Nature
5. What It Feels Like For A Girl
6. Bedtime Story
Act 2 - Madame X Is A Head of State
7. The Coffin (Interlude)
8. American Life
9. Papa Don't Preach (Full) 
10. Future (Piano Mix)
11. Express Yourself (Full)
Act 3 - Madame X Is Traveling Around The World
11. Extreme Occident (Interlude)
12. Batuka 
13. Like a Virgin (Fado Style)
14. La Isla Bonita (Welcome To My Fado Club Tempo / Instrumental) (Full)
15. Medellin
Act 4 - Madame X Is A Mother 
16. Easy Ride Instrumental (Orchestral Interlude Extending Into...)
17. Frozen
18. Rescue Me Interlude / Rescue Me (Full)
19. Come Alive
20. Crave (Tracy Young Mix)
Act 4 - Madame X Is A Spy In The House of Love
21. Madame X Manifesto Extended (Interlude)
22. Vogue
23. Secret
24. Justify My Love
25. I Don't Search I Find
Act 5 - Madame X Is Bringing Light To Dark Places
26. James Baldwin Quote / Dancer Gunshots (Interlude)
27. God Control
28. Like a Prayer (With Elements of I Rise)
 

I also think the James Baldwin quote at the end of the show is a better wrap-up to the concert. The show deserves a more theatrical intro.
I Don't Search I Find is another song that shouldn't be mixed in the middle of a section. Instant Madonna classic and a perfect main set closer.
And I still don't understand why Eurovision looked like such a better production than what she ended up having on tour. It was very similar technical elements and couldn't have possibly been that much more expensive. It was still mainly projections and stairs. But the additional moving parts and staging pieces made a huge difference. Like, look at Future -- It's eye candy. She needs more abstract shapes on the stage so that there are more possibilities to creatively light / project 

Funny you say that -- I almost put that as the closer for Act 1 instead, but Bedtime Story deserves a spotlight tour performance -- One of her most criminally underrated songs. Additionally, I think it ties in well with the typewriter theme throughout the show, and I'd love for the stage to go dark with the words "And all that you've ever learned, try to forget, I'll never explain again" typed out.
Since the show is so heavily political and about "disturbing the peace", I like the idea of the first act being her Joan of Arc moment where she breaks from misogyny (hence Human Nature for sex and What It Feels Like For A Girl, which would be a more sinister take on the original song). Additionally, Killers Who Are Partying really deserves an overly theatrical performance to give the song more context. It's a throwaway in the current show, and it should be a highlight. And the final song of the section would be kind of a preview of what's to come in the rest of the show. 

I've said it before, and I'll say it again -- The elements are there for a great show, both with the current thematic elements and the existing setlist / choreography. It's the flow that's an absolute mess (I had similar sentiments about Rebel Heart).
All this show needs is a better narrative (hence the interlude changes), tighter production, and a set list with songs that are complementary to one another, both via audio / mixing and lyrical content. 
Additionally, I think way more time could have been put into the choreography and staging, but alas, I'm not trying to reach here...though I still think if she hired Celine's production team from Vegas for a theatre show, this would have been next level...but I digress...
Imagine the following....note that there are only 5 song changes, and these were teased at various points (except for Bedtime Story / Secret). I would kill for a show like this.
Act 1 - Madame X Is A Prisoner 
1. Introducing: Madame X / Joan of Arc (Intro)
2. Dark Ballet
3. Killers Who Are Partying
4. Human Nature
5. What It Feels Like For A Girl
6. Bedtime Story
Act 2 - Madame X Is A Head of State
7. The Coffin (Interlude)
8. American Life
9. Papa Don't Preach (Full) 
10. Future (Piano Mix)
11. Express Yourself (Full)
Act 3 - Madame X Is Traveling Around The World
11. Extreme Occident (Interlude)
12. Batuka 
13. Like a Virgin (Fado Style)
14. La Isla Bonita (Welcome To My Fado Club Tempo / Instrumental) (Full)
15. Medellin
Act 4 - Madame X Is A Mother 
16. Easy Ride Instrumental (Orchestral Interlude Extending Into...)
17. Frozen
18. Rescue Me Interlude / Rescue Me (Full)
19. Come Alive
20. Crave (Tracy Young Mix)
Act 4 - Madame X Is A Spy In The House of Love
21. Madame X Manifesto Extended (Interlude)
22. Vogue
23. Secret
24. Justify My Love
25. I Don't Search I Find
Act 5 - Madame X Is Bringing Light To Dark Places
26. James Baldwin Quote / Dancer Gunshots (Interlude)
27. God Control
28. Like a Prayer (With Elements of I Rise)
 

Well, per Tribe, there are rumblings this will be a Netflix special....but recorded AFTER the European Leg ends? Per a very reliable insider, too....hm.

Well, per Tribe, there are rumblings this will be a Netflix special....but recorded AFTER the European Leg ends? Per a very reliable insider, too....hm.

Human Nature is one of the best parts in person, so no. The only issue is the abrupt transition from Dark Ballet into it. 
 
Which brings me to the main issue — Song transitions. Her old tours had a bit of a mega mix feel to them with the set list, and this one is completely missing that instrumental coherence, even if the song themes don’t go together.
 
I’ve mentioned before that the biggest issue with the set list is the ordering of songs and the terrible production on some of them. The framework is there for a great set. But Crave into Like a Prayer for instance? What...?
 
In addition to completely reordering the set list (Dark Ballet really should have been the opener...God Control later in the set...I Don’t Search I Find as closer...), the concert would really benefit from a few song choice changes (nothing too major):
* Express Yourself / Papa Don’t Preach / La Isla Bonita in full and not a cappella
* Rescue Me Interlude into a full performance of Rescue Me
* Justify My Love in the spy section (imagine how theatrical this could be with the detectives?!)
* Removal of Crazy / Portuguese songs - Complete filler (sorry Sodade fans)
* Bedtime Story to close out show before encore of IDSIF — It totally goes with the words theme throughout the show 
* SOMETHING. ANYTHING. From Confessions. Why does this woman hate this album?!
 
And dear god, better choreography in some of the songs (I’m looking at you, Crave remix turned Cher concert).

Human Nature is one of the best parts in person, so no. The only issue is the abrupt transition from Dark Ballet into it. 
 
Which brings me to the main issue — Song transitions. Her old tours had a bit of a mega mix feel to them with the set list, and this one is completely missing that instrumental coherence, even if the song themes don’t go together.
 
I’ve mentioned before that the biggest issue with the set list is the ordering of songs and the terrible production on some of them. The framework is there for a great set. But Crave into Like a Prayer for instance? What...?
 
In addition to completely reordering the set list (Dark Ballet really should have been the opener...God Control later in the set...I Don’t Search I Find as closer...), the concert would really benefit from a few song choice changes (nothing too major):
* Express Yourself / Papa Don’t Preach / La Isla Bonita in full and not a cappella
* Rescue Me Interlude into a full performance of Rescue Me
* Justify My Love in the spy section (imagine how theatrical this could be with the detectives?!)
* Removal of Crazy / Portuguese songs - Complete filler (sorry Sodade fans)
* Bedtime Story to close out show before encore of IDSIF — It totally goes with the words theme throughout the show 
* SOMETHING. ANYTHING. From Confessions. Why does this woman hate this album?!
 
And dear god, better choreography in some of the songs (I’m looking at you, Crave remix turned Cher concert).

Human Nature is one of the best parts in person, so no. The only issue is the abrupt transition from Dark Ballet into it. 
 
Which brings me to the main issue — Song transitions. Her old tours had a bit of a mega mix feel to them with the set list, and this one is completely missing that instrumental coherence, even if the song themes don’t go together.
 
I’ve mentioned before that the biggest issue with the set list is the ordering of songs and the terrible production on some of them. The framework is there for a great set. But Crave into Like a Prayer for instance? What...?
 
In addition to completely reordering the set list (Dark Ballet really should have been the opener...God Control later in the set...I Don’t Search I Find as closer...), the concert would really benefit from a few song choice changes (nothing too major):
* Express Yourself / Papa Don’t Preach / La Isla Bonita in full and not a cappella
* Rescue Me Interlude into a full performance of Rescue Me
* Justify My Love in the spy section (imagine how theatrical this could be with the detectives?!)
* Removal of Crazy / Portuguese songs - Complete filler (sorry Sodade fans)
* Bedtime Story to close out show before encore of IDSIF — It totally goes with the words theme throughout the show 
* SOMETHING. ANYTHING. From Confessions. Why does this woman hate this album?!
 
And dear god, better choreography in some of the songs (I’m looking at you, Crave remix turned Cher concert).

Uh, no to cutting IDSIF....one of the best parts of the show...definitely a Top 3 highlight.
The Crave mix is super fun in person. It’s the staging, choreography, and costumes that suck. It also makes no sense how it leads into Like A Prayer, but that’s a different issue.
None of the songs should be cut, per se. However, much more elegant mixes, a coherent set list that actually made sense (i.e. a reordering of the songs), and better staging would make a world of difference. The bones are there for an incredible experience, but in person, the show definitely has its high and low points, due mainly to issues outside of song choice.

Come on...it doesn’t make her look bad? Again, there are 2000+ people who got screwed very last minute last night because of this incident. Would you empathize with them if every person who was supposed to go last night collectively decided to never see her again? I would — Last minute cancellation without an explanation, now the Insta posts with a complete lack of acknowledgement...
Sure, Live Nation may have scheduled too many dates, but the ball is in her court — This has been going on since NYC. A proactive business strategist, as we’ve all been led to believe is Madonna, would have taken a look at the itinerary right then and there, worked with Live Nation to reorganize, issued one mass press release, and left it at that. This fly-by-the-seat, “will she or won’t she show up?” behavior is nothing short of disastrous for her attendees. Couldn’t she discern that the late starts were bad enough? Believe me, any non-mega fan I’ve gone to shows with in the past won’t go again with me as a direct result of the late starts. It’s an absolute shame.
Let’s face it, the woman cannot afford to continue losing fans at this point.

That post was all we needed — Thanks, M. It’s nice to see her finally acknowledge what happened. Look, we just wanted to know what in the world is up. An injury is 150% *COMPLETELY* excusable. It’s good for her to finally set the record straight.
Hope she gets ample rest over the holidays and is able to return in January to continue delivering this lovely show  

That post was all we needed — Thanks, M. It’s nice to see her finally acknowledge what happened. Look, we just wanted to know what in the world is up. An injury is 150% *COMPLETELY* excusable. It’s good for her to finally set the record straight.
Hope she gets ample rest over the holidays and is able to return in January to continue delivering this lovely show  

That post was all we needed — Thanks, M. It’s nice to see her finally acknowledge what happened. Look, we just wanted to know what in the world is up. An injury is 150% *COMPLETELY* excusable. It’s good for her to finally set the record straight.
Hope she gets ample rest over the holidays and is able to return in January to continue delivering this lovely show  

Sorry, but....as a HUGE fan for the last 20 years...this whole era and last few years have left a terrible taste in my mouth, and I’m starting to want to turn in the fan card, as it seems a lot of fans are starting to consider...
This isn’t the Madonna we’ve come to love and respect. She was always revered for being a professional and, though a diva, always considerate of her fans and, at the bare minimum, able to put on mega-force concert that the pop stars just couldn’t compete with.
All of these Madonna characteristics seem to be gone lately.
Look, if I had been at the show last night, I’d be over the woman. It’s ludicrous she hasn’t provided a proper justification to the audience who was supposed to attend last night. These are *not* cheap tickets — And not everyone attending is a super fan. This is the holiday season where flight prices to the show would be jacked up, and furthermore, people likely made cognizant decisions to change their holiday plans so that they could see this show.
Why is she acting like this? Between the ridiculous late starts since 2012 (I’m sorry — none of you would wait that late for any other artist, and you know it), the complete disorganization and mismanagement of both her current tour and her legacy, the lack of interest in pleasing anyone with her show but herself, the tacky af photo auction, the rumors of what happened last night (I hate to say it — but I believe it, given the sources)....how can we go on continuing to defend all of this?
If these incidents were isolated and rare, fine. But they aren’t anymore — She’s clearly adopted a personality lately that just...isn’t what I used to idolize in her. 

I swear to you all, this isn’t an easy post. I absolutely adore and love the woman, but I’m exhausted of defending her. Lately, her attitude has become inexcusable. 
Ultimately, us members can fight in between ourselves and agree or disagree. I’m sure this post may spark some strong responses. But realistically, where does she go from here? I don’t see how she has a public comeback at this point. She’s spent almost a decade subjecting herself to regular bad press for decisions *she’s* making, rather than for the artful controversy that she used to produce. I don’t want to see her doing this to herself. I’m so sad to see her dwindling like she is lately, but she had complete control over that.
And, frankly, it seems she’s just over it at this point.
I truly hope she proves me wrong in the near future. I will always cherish the music and performances she has given us. 

Come on...it doesn’t make her look bad? Again, there are 2000+ people who got screwed very last minute last night because of this incident. Would you empathize with them if every person who was supposed to go last night collectively decided to never see her again? I would — Last minute cancellation without an explanation, now the Insta posts with a complete lack of acknowledgement...
Sure, Live Nation may have scheduled too many dates, but the ball is in her court — This has been going on since NYC. A proactive business strategist, as we’ve all been led to believe is Madonna, would have taken a look at the itinerary right then and there, worked with Live Nation to reorganize, issued one mass press release, and left it at that. This fly-by-the-seat, “will she or won’t she show up?” behavior is nothing short of disastrous for her attendees. Couldn’t she discern that the late starts were bad enough? Believe me, any non-mega fan I’ve gone to shows with in the past won’t go again with me as a direct result of the late starts. It’s an absolute shame.
Let’s face it, the woman cannot afford to continue losing fans at this point.