Two events featured below:
Event 1. ‘Girl Gone Wild' Madonna's MDNA Tour Comes to London's Hyde Park 17 July 2012
Following Madonna's album release ‘MDNA' earlier this year she decided to embark on a world tour which kicked off in Tel Aviv in May 2012. Fortunately for all her UK fans her tour schedule included London and Birmingham so I secured a place in the Golden Circle for a good view of the show at Hyde Park on 17 July 2012.
Madonna is an artiste I greatly admire and whenever she performs at concerts she rarely disappoints. She's a superb entertainer, wildly energetic and provocative on stage. Her shows are unadulterated, uncensored, artistic and cutting-edge.
Prior to Madonna's show, special guest electronic DJ/Music Producer Martin Solveig whom Madonna worked with on her MDNA album played some tracks on stage. LMFAO then livened up Hyde Park with dance hits ‘I'm in Miami Bitch,' ‘Shots,' ‘Party Rock Anthem' and LMFAO then stripped down to beach wear for the track ‘I'm Sexy and I know it.' LMFAO's dance music and zany antics made them an ideal supporting act for Madonna's audience.
Madonna's MDNA concert opened with the sound of church bells chiming whilst a giant lantern producing smoky incense was lowered down and swung slowly across the stage. After a dramatic build-up, the back screen parted revealing a confession booth which Madonna emerged from covered in a black veil and gold crown. She charged out from the booth brandishing a fake rifle dressed in a tight black outfit with a crucifix dangling from her cleavage and wearing her Chanel gloves. Male dancers dressed as monks pulled off their red robes to accompany Madonna in a high-octane dance routine while she sang ‘Girl Gone Wild!'
Still in masculine mode, Madonna was then depicted in a motel room scene on a bed gun-toting whilst swigging liquor from a bottle during her song ‘Gang Bang.'
The MDNA show concept was a cocktail of contemporary choreography and music from her latest MDNA album mixed with some of her greatest hits. During the concert Madonna had several costume changes, she was seen marching in girly cheerleader outfits and wearing a conical corset made by designer Gaultier in the ‘Vogue' sequence. She also stripped down to a sexy see-through bra and fishnet tights baring her toned buttocks while singing ‘Like a Virgin.'
Madonna looked super fit and incredibly agile leaping around and covering the entire stage. She climbed up stage sets and even walked on a tight rope during a dance routine. Madonna and her backing dancers' performances were flawless.
In order to keep her sound fresh Madonna changes her concert repertoire each time and she experiments with new music trends and collaborates with the most current producers and DJs.
Madonna closed the MDNA show with a high energy dance track ‘Celebration' and as she descended on the plinth she shouted "thank you very fucking much, good night!" to her fans in Hyde Park.
I admire Madonna's passion for performing and see her as an inspirational artiste/role model. Long may Madonna continue her reign as Queen of Pop, as a loyal fan I'm always ready to ‘get into the groove' and ‘cause a commotion' any time!
©Article and concert photos by Gina Chrysanthou
LMFAO - suppporting act at Madonna's MDNA concert Hyde Park
Event 2. Sir Tom Jones Concert at Sandown Racecourse Wednesday 18 July 2012
During the summer season Sandown Park presents a special series of ‘Music Nights' featuring major recording artistes which take place alongside the racecourse in the evening after race meetings. This year the Music Nights programme commenced with legendary popular Welsh singer Sir Tom Jones who returned to Sandown on Wednesday 18 July 2012.
Having watched Tom as a judge recently in the BBC1 series ‘The Voice UK' and having enjoyed his fantastic performance at the Diamond Jubilee concert, seeing the master himself perform live at Sandown Park was a fabulous treat.
As daylight faded at Sandown Park, Tom Jones appeared on stage to a huge crowd. He was in top form, charming, charismatic and super slick. His voice sounded strong, smooth and resonated clearly over the racecourse.
Tom sang some songs from his latest album ‘Spirit in the Room' however as expected, the songs that proved to be most popular with the audience were his classic hits ‘What's New Pussycat,' ‘It's not Unusual,' ‘Kiss,' ‘Sex Bomb' and his band played the Flamenco version of ‘Delilah.'
From time to time Tom Jones prompted interaction from the audience by saying ‘'Oh yeah, oh yeah?!" The audience were thrilled and enraptured by him and swayed to his songs all night.
Like fine vintage wine Sir Tom Jones improves with maturity, he's one of our greatest and coolest entertainers and we look forward to seeing more of him for many years to come.
© Article and concert photos by Gina Chrysanthou
Please click link below to view the full photo collection published in Gallery:
Madonna at Hyde Park and Tom Jones at Sandown Park