Despite the supposed lackluster commercial performance of her latest ARTPOP album and the recent controversy surrounding the music video for "Do What U Want", pop superstar Lady Gaga put all the negative press behind her sparkling wings as her delivered a 90s-style rave performance for the San Antonio, Texas stop of her critically-acclaimed artRAVE: The ARTPOP Ball tour.
For this blogger's fourth time experiencing Mother Monster live in concert on Monday, her new adventure definitely impressed the thousands of eager fans and curious spectators who crowded the AT&T Center in San Antonio. With extravagant costumes, a well-prepared set list, pig-launching cannons and pounds and pounds of confetti and glitter, Gaga dove into her impressive song catalog to quiet even her harshest of critics.
Opening with tracks off her underrated latest album, the pop singer finally made an appearance singing the anthem of the night, "ARTPOP", reminding her fans that we all belong together, in all our glamour and cruelty of course. Quickly, Lady Gaga burst into a flawless dance routine for crowd favorite "G.U.Y" and brought her sassy attitude to the forefront for "Donatella". The energy was stellar, even if most of the audience had not heard the first few songs that were performed.
For the second act, and after a seashell bra costume change, Gaga performed a few more ARTPOP staples, the glorious, intergalactic "Venus" and stadium rock-sounding "MANiCURE", before returning to her beginning roots with shortened versions of her best-selling singles "Just Dance" and "Poker Face", moments which really brought the entire venue to their feet.
As with every stop of her artRAVE, Lady Gaga took to the piano to deliver a stunning, acoustic performance of "Born This Way" with a lucky fan from the audience by her side, cementing her fight for equal rights for the country, statements the entire venue seemed to agree with. It was during the performance when the show came full circle. It must be pointed out that not only is Gaga a talented musician, she is an activist, she is a friend, she is an inspiration to millions. It worked in her favor.
"Jewels N' Drugs" was only heard over the speakers as Gaga donned her dark green wig and seductive black latex for a short but sweet performance of "The Edge of Glory", followed by the shocker of the night, an unexpected "Judas" moment, complete with original choreography. The pop star then took time to read a few fan notes... one of which was not mine... invited a lucky handful backstage and proceeded with "Sexxx Dreams" and one of my favorite tracks, the campy yet catchy "Alejandro".
In true controversial fashion, Gaga got naked on stage during a recording of "Ratchet", an unreleased ARTPOP outtake, to highlight what goes on during one of her many costume changes. The venue was then filled with "ooh la la" and "I'm a free bitch baby" as "Bad Romance" began, one of the artist's signature songs. Her biggest ARTPOP hit, "Applause" soon followed and finally the show closed with the crazy, rave-inspired "Swine"... synchronized paint splattering included.
As the lights dimmed, as the energy was just about to go down, the crowd began chanting the name of the icon they had all come to witness in person, and soon, Gaga reappeared wearing a regal while dress to give just one encore... a piano-driven performance of "Gypsy", the single that should have been. It was the perfect closer, one last chance to bring everyone in the room together.
Forget the negative publicity you may have heard about Lady Gaga over the last few months, the girl can still entertain, giving her all for every single note. With a complex stage that stretched across half the venue, choreography that would make any artist lose their breath and show-stopping vocal delivery, the artRAVE was a moment which needed to be seen in order to be believed.
Sure, some of the songs performed were unfortunately reduced to simple snippets. Yes, more tracks such as "Marry the Night" and "LoveGame" should have been performed, and yes, the show did feel about half an hour too short, but the artRAVE was fun, it was exhilarating, it was a true pop party put on by a woman who single handled changed the genre for the better when she debuted in 2009. She still has the vocal abilities, she has the moves and she definitely has the heart and charisma needed to sell out a tour.
If you are second guessing the show, debating whether you should see it or not... if the San Antonio stop is any indication, I would advise you to get a ticket right now. It's no Monster Ball, but it is one hell of a ride from beginning to end!
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