Live Review: Lady Gaga at Wrigley Field
Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga
Wrigley Field, Chicago
Friday, August 25, 2017
Superstar artist/actress Lady Gaga is no stranger to stadiums, starting with her performance at this yearâs Super Bowl where she emerged as the ultimate victor thanks to a show-stopping set anchored in patriotism and tolerance. However, when her sold out Joanne World Tour landed at Wrigley Field, she just so happened to make history again, this time for being the first woman to ever headline The Friendly Confines, and for almost two hours, demonstrated she has equally big balls (her word) as any of the guys.
Granted, the latest long player that shares the tourâs namesake hasnât exactly lit the globe on fire compared to her earlier solo works or stunning jazz collaboration with Tony Bennett, but in concert, it came to life alongside many of this decadeâs most defining pop touchstones. Although comparisons to Madonna, David Bowie and Liza Minnelli have trailed Gaga since her 2008 breakthrough, the 31-year-old born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta is truly an astounding entertainer whoâs now occupies a lane entirely her own.
Bringing along a stage stacked with hydraulic platforms that frequently elevated the leader and her dozen dancers, plus six Broadway-styled acts complete with their own fashions and themes, the singer/songwriter barreled through a series of dance-floor fillers, gritty rockers and piano ballads. And no matter the vibe of a track or her aerobic level, Gaga appeared to sing, no, make that slay nearly every note, suggesting she wouldnât have needed a single prop other than a microphone and spotlight if there werenât stands of fans several bases away.
Even so, every section was on its feet well before the countdown clock expired and âDiamond Heartâ introduced the evening with a full electric band, who continued pumping additional muscle into âA-Yoâ and âPoker Face.â The mood moved towards a western/Latin motif as âJohn Wayneâ and âAlejandroâ emerged, though the club-ready beats were right around the corner when âJust Danceâ and âApplauseâ let loose.
Yet the true test of Gagaâs vocal talents occurred when she landed behind the piano for the equality-based âCome To Mamaâ and a stripped down, reflective take on âThe Edge Of Gloryâ (dedicated to both her longtime musical director and a dear friend she lost to cancer). Her emphasis on messages climbed to the next level during âBorn This Way,â which has perhaps been most extensively embraced in LGBT contexts, but really applies to anyone beaming with pride over their beliefs and individuality.
Little Monsters also got to see a guitar playing Gagaâs more vulnerable side throughout the country-leaning âJoanne,â about an aunt she never met who died from lupus at a mere 19, though the glammed-up âBad Romanceâ seemed to secure the most eyeballs thanks to its claw-adorned choreography. Surprisingly, the standard portion of the show closed with the brand new, bubbly smash-in-the-making âThe Cure,â prior to an encore of the piano ballad âA Million Reasonsâ when Gaga once again let her voice be the center of attention as she blinked back tears over just how far sheâs come in a relatively short amount of time.
-Review by Andy Argyrakis
Category: Live Reviews
