This was the one that really set the standard for all concerts that followed and changed the face of live gigs. You really should watch Truth or Dare the documentary filmed during this tour. The tour was very eventful, she was almost arrested in Toronto for the Like a Virgin sequence and nearly excommunicated for the religious content. Some of the dancers later sued Madonna because of the documentary. They also made a super interesting documentary themselves called Strike a Pose which I would recommend.
This was my first Madonna concert (of the 8 tours I have seen of hers). Still my favorite show of all time. I was 17 and seen her in her second night in Chicago. This tour really did change the game for pop concerts. It was so much more than just lights, pyro, and video screens. Their was a message, there was a journey. This show set the standard for the shows we see today. Rolling Stone named it the best tour of the 90's. The Truth or Dare documentary film chronicles this tour and everything happening behind the scenes. It's a must watch! Like A Prayer is still my favorite Madonna album to date, but I love them all. Keep up the Madonna journey! Loving it man!
Wow, 8 times, that's impressive! Couldn't even imagine seeing this at 17 omg! Would have been ICONIC! And 100%, you can see the influences in today's concert, which is nothing unusual for Miss Madonna haha! Thanks for joining me on the journey 🥰
@@bennshouts I agree. She is the queen for a reason. Can’t believe she is celebrating 40 years of her first single being released. Wow. Time has flown by. Yeah at 17, it was quite something to see. Especially as a small town boy. But I loved her so much (still do) I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. I am blessed to have gone. I was also lucky to see this show from like the 4th row in front of the stage. Life changing for sure. 🙌🏻
Keep It Together is a fucking brilliant end to the show! The performance pays tribute to iconic films Cabaret and Clockwork Orange and Busby Berkley musicals. In this performance the song transforms from being an ode to biological family to a celebration of chosen family (i.e. her and all of her dancers who actually did become like a family on this tour), with this being elevated even further in this final show with the entire crew getting a moment. It hits an emotional note with queer audiences who understand more than anyone the importance of chosen family. There never was and never will be another performer that can add so much nuance, art and entertainment into a 10 minute performance.
More than anything, pays tribute to Bob Fosse's style, who Madonna had already paid tribute to in her "Open You Heart" video, since he had just passed at that time. It also bears mentioning that Bob Fosse wanted to do a film version of Chicago in the 80s with Madonna before passing away.
33:25 have you heard of the AIDS crisis? This late 80s early 90s was a time when gay people were ostracised by the Reagan and the Thatcher government in the USA and the UK, and generally all over the world. Many died and many suffered due to lack of governmental help and response, because at first the health crisis hit mainly gay men. Madonna was almost the only mainstream star at the height of their career who spoke out about safer sex, and who calls out for compassion and respect towards the gay community at this time. Listen to the song Spanish Eyes from her Like A Prayer album
I’m still hoping you react to the Sooner or Later at the Oscar’s and Vogue at the mtv awards. These performances are much different than what you saw in the tour and likely more interesting. And frankly they are both iconic
Still so impressive... And it's more than 30 years old !! Blond Ambition changed the way of doing live concert for ever. Every pop star took her example and still doing. Epic.
Great review! I was there for the concert on Long Island, NY. One of my first concerts, very lucky. Just like you, I remember me and my friends thinking Like a Prayer came so early! Definitely the best segment, with that transition from Like a Virgin and the Live to Tell/Oh father following.
Blond Ambition Tour - the blueprint. Nobody does shows like Madonna. Nobody. And if you can believe it her shows get better after this. I can’t wait for you to react to The Girlie Show (1993) and The Drowned World Tour (2001), my favorite Madonna shows. Also, try to watch her 1991 documentary Truth or Dare (or it might be called In Bed with Madonna in Australia. They used a different title overseas because truth or dare is an American game).
Us Aussies were completely devastated that she did not bring this tour to Australia! This is the tour that actually created the 'concert as a performance' that you know of today and it is acknowledged for creating the standard - remember this was 32 years ago! Massive sets, screens, seamless transitions, different eras, dancers, etc, etc. In this tour Madonna was really the first person to be full on singing and dancing at the same time and all live! All the costumes were designed by Jean Paul Gautier. The tour caused a lot of controversy because of the catholic imagery and the sexual content. The Pope urged everyone not to see it and called it 'satanic'. And, the simulated masturbation of Like A Virgin, nearly got her arrested in Canada. They threatened to arrest her if she did it again the following night and she did it regardless and even more than previously hahaha. There are 5 different acts to the concert: Metropolis, Religious, Dick Tracey, Art Deco and an encore. She follows this kind of format at all her concerts with the goal of taking people on a journey. 800 000 people bought tickets to the concert worldwide and Madonna was named the second most successful solo touring act of the time, behind only Michael Jackson. Now that you've watched the concert, you now need to watch the Madonna: Truth or Dare documentary which was called In Bed With Madonna in Australia as it’s the behind the scenes of this tour. It was released at the movies and also has lots of controversy as part of it - same sex kissing (men) at a time when you did not see it. You'll also see the part where she nearly gets arrested. The other thing to note is that Madonna's tours become even better as she goes along - The Blond Ambition Tour was only the beginning!
Epic amount of information - thank you! I would have been DYING if I was around when this was going down live haha! It's even more insane, all without social media too, if she had that on her side omgggggg, although maybe because info was harder to get in a way, it added to the hype. Love how huge she was and that she just did whatever she wanted. Love her sm.
Im loving your reactions. I was 17 and begged my uncle to take me to wembley stadium to see this. it seated 80,000 at the time. Being in the crowd for that Like A Prayer moment was the highlight of my teens. I've seen her live many times over the years but Like A Prayer @ Blonde Ambition still gives me full body goosebumps. I think you'll like The Girlie Show and you'll love Confessions. They all have their merits. Deff check out Truth or Dare. Its an eye opener.
Thank u so much for this reaction!!! Im not a 80s kids but I would have loved to see this tour live. I think it's one of Madonna's best. Thank you, you should make more videos like this❤️ . Sending love from Uruguay 🇺🇾
Thank you for your appreciation and honest reactions! Truly an iconic Madonna tour that will never be forgotten. This tour set the stage for all tours going forward from other artists. The first that told a story.
Blond Ambition is her THIRD tour, if you're under the impression that this is her first tour. You're missing out if you haven't watched the Virgin Tour!
The first two are fun but much more conventional - anyone watching today would be surprised at how simple they were. But they're very fun to watch and her energy is insane.
@@bennshouts Who's that girl tour was her 1st major world wide stadium tour. It's a much more raw performance and really shows off her personality and charisma. Ciao Italia was the name of the concert video release.
@@lukesolly531 Yeah, each tour got bigger and more elaborate. I think Benn would maybe get a little bored with WTG though - at least as a "reactor" and not just watching it for fun. It's a great show, just not as visually and conceptually mind-blowing.
I was a young teen when this tour happened so I didn’t get to see it live but I remember very well how controversial it was. The front page of every newspaper, it was on the news constantly for months, you couldn’t not know about it. The thing I remember was people being so confused by the incorporation of so many musical theatre elements into the concert. The costume changes, the set changes, choreography, the use of props etc. None of that had really been done by a pop or rock star before, well not to the same degree. Lots of people applauded her for it, but there was absolutely also criticism that it wasn’t a rock concert in the traditional sense. It’s funny because now this is the norm, but at the time it was something that just hadn’t been seen before. Also the costumes are all designed by Jean Paul Gaultier and this collaboration (particularly the iconic cone bra) is still to this day widely recognised as one of the most important moments in fashion history.
The doc film Truth or Dare was a major box office hit with a wide screen showing, and I loved it at the time seeing it with an audience. This show from Nice was broadcast live on a Boston radio station, and I tape recorded it though I couldn't envision it.
Queen Of Pop… enjoy each tour as you watch them. A proud moment when she first toured here in Australia & it was one of her Sydney shows that was released on home video/laser disc
The last song is an iconic performance. “Boring”? Boring?! She literally infused the sounds of Simon & Garfunkel with Sly and the Family Stone. Arguably her most underrated and best song she’s ever recorded. Please please please try listening to the album version again … with headphones on… and LOUD. 😉
When I first watched the Blond Ambition Tour (one of the Yokohama, Japan shows), I can’t help but be mesmerized by her athletic physique. Like wtf. Did not think she was that fit during her prime. Such an inspiration.
@@bennshouts If you are more hungry for the Blond Ambition tour shows, please, check the 2nd to last show from Barcelona! The sound is tough, Madonna is FIERCE, the crowd is crazy and loud and you can feel the heat and humidity of the Spanish August evening. What bugs me is the fact that the Nice tour was shown live in America and I guess M wanted to communicate something to the US audiences... Barcelona show is much better!
I love the way they did one song with everybody to a song with just one dancer to just her and the girls. Such chemistry with them all that you haven’t seen since. Even in a Madonna show.
I had may 8th tickets in Dallas, had to sell ticket due to a military obligation. I forgot how amazing this show was. When aired on HBO I recorded it and completely wore that tape till it snapped in VCR. It is great to see younger generations see and appreciate Madonna in her prime, she was a force that many tried to cancell her but she only survived making her stronger. Thanks for the video.
i read that she started with the ponytail and changed it after a problem with the microphone while performing, it was entangled with the hair. so she got rid of the ponytail wig and used this style for the rest lf the tour.
I think other tours to react to would be... Dream Within A Dream - Britney Spears The Onyx Hotel - Britney Spears Back to Basics Tour - Christina Aguilera Les Foiles Tour - Kylie Minogue Fever2002 Tour - Kylie Minogue
Yes I was there! I actually have seen it twice live. I agree with you that the middle part is not the best, but at that time she could just stand there, do nothing and we all loved it. Like a virgin was a highlight as well as the Like a prayer part and the final of the show. This was her very last show of the tour, where she thanked the whole backstage crew of the show, which was cool. Her regular shows just ended with thanking the the dancers, backings and band like that. With a spotlight on her hat thrown on the floor the show was over. Which I thought was amazing. Thanks for letting me relive this moment, which I obviously did a thousand times already.
Madonna was sick of Material Girl by then, not only because it had already been performed on the previous tours but mostly because she's always been upset that people never got the irony of the song. So she's essentially mocking the song here, making it very clear that she doesn't actually mean the words despite everyone referring to her as "the material girl". And I totally agree with you about the second half of the show (especially the Material Girl - Into the Groove segment), and that's why I could never say it's my favorite tour. It's definitely iconic and groundbreaking in so many ways, but it kind of loses momentum after the epic second act, which is the heart and soul of the show for me. The Dick Tracy act is nice and cute, but after that it's an endless drag (although I like Keep it Together, but I understand how exhausting it can be lol). I think the tour after that (The Girlie Show, supporting the Erotica album) is much better and more interesting as a whole.
Cannot believe people don't get the tongue in cheek of it all! Love that she stood by how she felt and just make fun of it haha! Keen to see tours after this iconic one!
@@taintedlife2618 The Girlie Show and the Drowned World tour are my favorite Madonna concerts, from start to finish. I get the love Blond Ambition gets, and I do think it's iconic in many ways, don't get me wrong. I just don't think it's her best, mostly because of the pink dress segment, which for me is the most boring section ever in a Madonna show. On the other hand, the Like a Virgin - Papa Don't Preach section alone is better than entire careers.
Something needs to be said for Donna Delory and Niki Haris. Those girls tore it up! This is the girl group that tops all girl groups - yes even Destiny’s Child, and my favorite, En Vogue. Donna’s voice mirrors Madonnas and fills in the gaps and strengthens it, and Niki, well, Niki flattens her in Like a Prayer. And these women kept up with her and danced their asses OFF! Don’t get me started on the boys or the band.
I was there, London, Wembley Stadium, 21st July 1990. The performance was broadcast live on BBC Radio 1, Madonna was asked not to swear. So she said “fuck” 14 TIMES IN ONE MINUTE. Madonna: "Fuck Is Not A Bad Word!" This was a game changing concert!! Controversial for 1990.
The Like a Virgin - Papa Don't Preach segment is truly one of the greatest live performances ever. I do think maybe it comes too soon in the show, because how can you top it? She really hated songs like Material Girl by this point, so she's kind of making fun of it. But since it was such a big hit, I guess she felt obligated to perform it. Even though some of those sections are a little "meh," and I think she has "better" tours later in her career, this one was just so groundbreaking and influential. Nobody except maybe David Bowie had ever put on such a theatrical show. Will be interesting to see your reaction to later tours (especially Drowned World and Confessions). She definitely kept pushing the envelope in terms of what you could do on stage technologically, etc.
100% agree with all of this! So interesting that she actually did Material Girl like that cause she hated it haha, have never seen an artist do that, most just perform the song normally, even if they're over it haha
I think the one flaw in the show is Material Girl. It’s too corny. I do like the costumes and hair salon deco stuff just wish they would have dropped the silly voice.
@@bennshouts Yeah it's why she "reinvents" her older songs so much, especially "Like a Virgin" which has gone through so many transformations over the years - especially since she didn't write that one, so it's sort of like her putting her own stamp on it.
@@bennshouts well, material girl is an ironic song about the 80s consumerism-materialism, therefore in the video she reproduces Marilyn Monroe's number "diamonds are a girl best friends" from the film "gentlement prefer blondes" based on a book of Anita Loos which was a parody of the golddiggers...but the song was so huge back then that the press started to name Madonna: the Material Girl and I guess she was upset about it...I think here she intentionally did a parody of the song to see if the people catch the ironic sense of the song! And after she never played again...till the Rebel Heart tour...
I saw this concert on TV, on channel 9 I think. I remember thinking it was the most amazing concert and I remember being so excited at the time, even though it was only on TV. It was still iconic though. I agree with everything you said about it and feeling very similar. I remember her saying how she hates performing Material Girl and that’s why she took the piss out of the song and continues to do so. She has also said that Cherish was lame too, which is why she probably portrayed them in this way. That’s my guess anyway. Anyway good job mate. Thoroughly love your channel and have now subscribed. Daniel
Saw this in Dallas TX when I was 18 and I'll never forget how excited I was! The "interesting costumes" were designed by Jean Paul Gaultier and their aesthetics meshed so perfectly...celebrating the masculine/feminine paradox, the burlesque showgirl and the bondage dominatrix all with a twist of humor. She really hated performing Material Girl at this point and still being constantly labeled with that moniker so this cheeky version kinda thumbed her nose at the song. Promoting safe sex in the AIDS era was very important to her and not many people were speaking up about it, particularly those with her platform so hence the condom references. The Like A Prayer section can seem like it's early but it ultimately makes sense in the overall arc of the story, much like the powerful finale. Also you may have been underwhelmed by Vogue but you must watch the MTV awards version she did a few months after the tour and all will be forgiven. Really fun watching with you!
@@bennshouts even the idea of collaborating with a top tier designer like JPG on costumes for a pop concert was pretty groundbreaking at the time. Another thing that's pretty commonplace and even expected now. The moment that's known as the "Vatican speech" she made to the press at an Italian airport, defending herself in the face of Catholic boycotts, describes the show in a first person account better and far more eloquently than any of us could. Its on TH-cam.
Keep It Together was her current single when she started the tour (along with Vogue as the B side) so at the time it made sense to end the show with this track and personally it really does fit well especially if you watch Truth or Dare...it really makes for a beautiful ending.
I was 10 years old when this tour was going on…I absolutely idolized Madonna…I would have loved to see her live…I only saw parts of this show because I wasn’t allowed to watch it…seeing it years later, I really appreciate it…so iconic!
Saw this at Wembley Stadium, 22 July 1990. I was just turned 16 … and what an impression it made. Solidly started my love of live music. Weirdly half the concert we saw was in daylight. It’s still up there on my best life long memories.
Great reaction. The Church section is my favorite part of the concert too. And I think the word you’re looking for is “act” not “era”. At least in the context of a live show.
My favorite song performance from the Material Girl era is Cherish, and it grows and grows on you...the harp is there because of the lyric reference to Cupid, to Cherubs in general, and 😇 angels.
I saw the 5th night in LA. I think she did 7 sold out nights at LA Sports Arena. i was 20 and the energy and excitement in the air was electric. You have yo understand that this tour CHANGED the game of how tours were done. She was Lady Gaga on steroids as far as popularity goes. All with zero social media. MTV, radio and print was the game. Like a Prayer was her biggest hit but then she released Vogue that summer and suddenly it eclipsed her biggest hit and album. I agree regarding that section where she makes fun of her hits. It was a little sad to not get the epic versions but overall this tour was one of her greats. My favorite though would come 11 years later with the Drowned World Tour in 2001.
@@bennshouts none do. Not even her own. BUT drowned World was my first Madonna concert to attend and it is an amazing show. As are the Girlie Show and Confessions tours. The strongest concerts in history. I would love to see any on par with those if anybody has suggestions!
I saw this live when I was 13 in Philadelphia. Had horrible seats and my ticket was $28.75. Now I pay around $400 a ticket for her shows. I mostly only remember vogue and like a virgin the most
Overall, I prefer The Girlie Show Tour (1993; directed by her brother Chris), but Truth or Dare is a great music documentary and there are some memorable performances from the Blonde Ambition Tour (1990). Love the "I'm Going To Tell You A Secret" documentary and corresponding Reinvention Tour (2004). Then of course there is the slick and seamless Confessions Tour (2006; widely considered her best), her highest-grossing tour, Sticky & Sweet (2008-09), and her second highest grossing tour, MDNA. The Drowned World Tour (2001) is her most experimental.
So your critique on the pacing of the show inspired me to think about the setlist. My ideal setlist for this tour would be as follows: 1. Express yourself (great opener, no need to change it!) 2. Open your heart 3. Causing a commotion (cutting "wheres the party" unnecessary album track already performed on the previous tour)* 4. Material girl (moving this goofy act to more of the start of middle than the beginning of the end) 5. Cherish 6. Into the groove 7. Sooner or later (this act is much slower and better suited mid show) 8. Hanky panic 9. Now I’m following you 10. Like a virgin (this and the following church bit is epic, so it should be closer to end like you expect) 11. Like a prayer 12. Live to tell/oh father 13. Papa don’t preach 14. Vogue (This being the last song before the encores make sense) 15. Holiday 16. Keep it together And if a song is needed to replace "Wheres the party", perhaps "lucky star" or the way too little performed "Borderline". I could see "borderline" being cutesy and transitioning into the material girl hair salon bit. "True Blue" might work here too because of the 50's/60's girl group theme, but again, Justice for "borderline"!
You should watch the documentary "Truth or dare" (European title: In bed with Madonna). It's a behind the scene look from the Blond ambition tour. One of the best and most important music documentary ever!! She cemented her status as a LGBTQ-icon and ally with that movie!
The era that you weren't too keen on was definitely a 'It was the 90s, you had to be there' thing especially when she talked about putting the rubber on. Back then there was a huge campaign in the States promoting safe sex. I got to watch this when it first aired and I still love it.
Next tour you watch of Madonnas has GOT TO BE Confessions Tour. It stands the test of time, down to the mixes of older songs… the costuming… the visuals… the stage production. It is PERFECTION.
This was her last stop on the tour. Her voice has been through it. BUT I love her lower raspy register. But if you like this I invite you to watch other stops on the tour. Especially earlier ones with the ponytail which is such a different effect. Also different angles let you see the dancers better in certain parts like Now I’m Following you which was never my favorite but when you see what the dancers are doing it is so much better.
Yeah, I think I prefer that one too, but BA was just so iconic and influential. And that LAV - PDP segment is the greatest thing she's ever done on stage.
I loved your reactions.. 1. Gaultier designed the costumes... 2. Causing a Commotion well that was the style in the 90's or what will be..she's ahead in fashion. 3. Its not called eras in her concert, they are called Acts. Like theatre or Operas etc. This concert is the bechmark of all concerts after... Aka. Modern Pop and Concert Tours... Yes Madonna is the foundation of our Pop Realm
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This was the one that really set the standard for all concerts that followed and changed the face of live gigs. You really should watch Truth or Dare the documentary filmed during this tour. The tour was very eventful, she was almost arrested in Toronto for the Like a Virgin sequence and nearly excommunicated for the religious content. Some of the dancers later sued Madonna because of the documentary. They also made a super interesting documentary themselves called Strike a Pose which I would recommend.
Can definitely see how this has influenced so many pop singers now - incredible, considering how long ago it was! So inspiring! 🥰
@@bennshouts how long ago? It was yesterday, darling
@@bennshouts i wish 😪
This Concert Tour is the blueprint for every pop concert nowadays. Iconic, epic and legendary.
Period.
But none of them really match her.
@@johniii8147at all
I saw the show in London when I was 16 with my best pal and his mum. The crowd and the energy was incredible! ❤
Omg jealous!
This was my first Madonna concert (of the 8 tours I have seen of hers). Still my favorite show of all time. I was 17 and seen her in her second night in Chicago. This tour really did change the game for pop concerts. It was so much more than just lights, pyro, and video screens. Their was a message, there was a journey. This show set the standard for the shows we see today. Rolling Stone named it the best tour of the 90's. The Truth or Dare documentary film chronicles this tour and everything happening behind the scenes. It's a must watch! Like A Prayer is still my favorite Madonna album to date, but I love them all. Keep up the Madonna journey! Loving it man!
Wow, 8 times, that's impressive! Couldn't even imagine seeing this at 17 omg! Would have been ICONIC! And 100%, you can see the influences in today's concert, which is nothing unusual for Miss Madonna haha! Thanks for joining me on the journey 🥰
@@bennshouts I agree. She is the queen for a reason. Can’t believe she is celebrating 40 years of her first single being released. Wow. Time has flown by. Yeah at 17, it was quite something to see. Especially as a small town boy. But I loved her so much (still do) I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. I am blessed to have gone. I was also lucky to see this show from like the 4th row in front of the stage. Life changing for sure. 🙌🏻
Keep It Together is a fucking brilliant end to the show! The performance pays tribute to iconic films Cabaret and Clockwork Orange and Busby Berkley musicals. In this performance the song transforms from being an ode to biological family to a celebration of chosen family (i.e. her and all of her dancers who actually did become like a family on this tour), with this being elevated even further in this final show with the entire crew getting a moment. It hits an emotional note with queer audiences who understand more than anyone the importance of chosen family. There never was and never will be another performer that can add so much nuance, art and entertainment into a 10 minute performance.
Makes so much sense!! Thank you!
More than anything, pays tribute to Bob Fosse's style, who Madonna had already paid tribute to in her "Open You Heart" video, since he had just passed at that time. It also bears mentioning that Bob Fosse wanted to do a film version of Chicago in the 80s with Madonna before passing away.
33:25 have you heard of the AIDS crisis? This late 80s early 90s was a time when gay people were ostracised by the Reagan and the Thatcher government in the USA and the UK, and generally all over the world. Many died and many suffered due to lack of governmental help and response, because at first the health crisis hit mainly gay men. Madonna was almost the only mainstream star at the height of their career who spoke out about safer sex, and who calls out for compassion and respect towards the gay community at this time. Listen to the song Spanish Eyes from her Like A Prayer album
Makes sense now, def didn't think about it like that at all - thanks for the info! I love that she was speaking out
We don’t call them rubbers in Australia, so that’s why he was probably confused. 😅
I’m still hoping you react to the Sooner or Later at the Oscar’s and Vogue at the mtv awards. These performances are much different than what you saw in the tour and likely more interesting. And frankly they are both iconic
I’m pretty sure they’re next! 😘
She always mixes up performances of the same song to keep it fresh.
Madonna´s concerts are a pieces of art worthy to be watched. You'll love every on of them!
Keen to see them all!
So happy your Madonna tour journey has begun! Her tours have evolved so much since this,your in for a ride.🙂
Me too!!
The concert that changed live shows forever.
😍😍😍
seen her live on tour on every tour from 87 to 2019. This was a great night, watched it at Wembley Stadium in London with 70,000 other fans.
Dedicated! Love it 🥰
Still so impressive... And it's more than 30 years old !! Blond Ambition changed the way of doing live concert for ever. Every pop star took her example and still doing. Epic.
Literally! EPIC.
@@bennshouts ..... And not her best . My favorite is The Girlie show even if the PERFECT one is The Confession Tour.
BAT is a historic concert that impacted the industry! But... Se te van a bajar las bragas cuando veas el Confessions Tour (translate this! )
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA, I'm keen!
keep it together was THE perfect ending imo
Omg lets go!
👱🏻♀️💋
Totally Love your energy Benn! Great review
Aww, thank you so much!!! ❤️
Great review! I was there for the concert on Long Island, NY. One of my first concerts, very lucky. Just like you, I remember me and my friends thinking Like a Prayer came so early! Definitely the best segment, with that transition from Like a Virgin and the Live to Tell/Oh father following.
Haha yes! RIGHT?! I was shook how quickly it came!!
Blond Ambition Tour - the blueprint. Nobody does shows like Madonna. Nobody. And if you can believe it her shows get better after this. I can’t wait for you to react to The Girlie Show (1993) and The Drowned World Tour (2001), my favorite Madonna shows. Also, try to watch her 1991 documentary Truth or Dare (or it might be called In Bed with Madonna in Australia. They used a different title overseas because truth or dare is an American game).
SO KEEN FOR IT ALLLLLL!
Us Aussies were completely devastated that she did not bring this tour to Australia! This is the tour that actually created the 'concert as a performance' that you know of today and it is acknowledged for creating the standard - remember this was 32 years ago! Massive sets, screens, seamless transitions, different eras, dancers, etc, etc. In this tour Madonna was really the first person to be full on singing and dancing at the same time and all live! All the costumes were designed by Jean Paul Gautier. The tour caused a lot of controversy because of the catholic imagery and the sexual content. The Pope urged everyone not to see it and called it 'satanic'. And, the simulated masturbation of Like A Virgin, nearly got her arrested in Canada. They threatened to arrest her if she did it again the following night and she did it regardless and even more than previously hahaha. There are 5 different acts to the concert: Metropolis, Religious, Dick Tracey, Art Deco and an encore. She follows this kind of format at all her concerts with the goal of taking people on a journey. 800 000 people bought tickets to the concert worldwide and Madonna was named the second most successful solo touring act of the time, behind only Michael Jackson. Now that you've watched the concert, you now need to watch the Madonna: Truth or Dare documentary which was called In Bed With Madonna in Australia as it’s the behind the scenes of this tour. It was released at the movies and also has lots of controversy as part of it - same sex kissing (men) at a time when you did not see it. You'll also see the part where she nearly gets arrested. The other thing to note is that Madonna's tours become even better as she goes along - The Blond Ambition Tour was only the beginning!
Epic amount of information - thank you! I would have been DYING if I was around when this was going down live haha! It's even more insane, all without social media too, if she had that on her side omgggggg, although maybe because info was harder to get in a way, it added to the hype. Love how huge she was and that she just did whatever she wanted. Love her sm.
Im loving your reactions. I was 17 and begged my uncle to take me to wembley stadium to see this. it seated 80,000 at the time. Being in the crowd for that Like A Prayer moment was the highlight of my teens. I've seen her live many times over the years but Like A Prayer @ Blonde Ambition still gives me full body goosebumps. I think you'll like The Girlie Show and you'll love Confessions. They all have their merits. Deff check out Truth or Dare. Its an eye opener.
Omg love that you got to experience it live and what a crowd!!!! So keen to see more of her live stuff!
My first madonna concert i was 20 and was blown away by the whole thing love you reactions to the whole Madonna era x
I can imagine! Seeing her live would have been incredible! Thanks for watching ❤️
OMG YOU DID IT!! ICONIC!
YEP 🥰🥰🥰🥰
No wayyy!!! I never thought you would react to this!! ❤️😭
hehe, it's hereeeeee!
Thank u so much for this reaction!!! Im not a 80s kids but I would have loved to see this tour live. I think it's one of Madonna's best. Thank you, you should make more videos like this❤️ . Sending love from Uruguay 🇺🇾
Thank you for your appreciation and honest reactions! Truly an iconic Madonna tour that will never be forgotten. This tour set the stage for all tours going forward from other artists. The first that told a story.
Thank YOU for watching
Blond Ambition is her THIRD tour, if you're under the impression that this is her first tour. You're missing out if you haven't watched the Virgin Tour!
The first two are fun but much more conventional - anyone watching today would be surprised at how simple they were. But they're very fun to watch and her energy is insane.
Yep, we went with this one cause it's the first 'MAJOR' tour so to speak
@@bennshouts Who's that girl tour was her 1st major world wide stadium tour. It's a much more raw performance and really shows off her personality and charisma. Ciao Italia was the name of the concert video release.
@@lukesolly531 Yeah, each tour got bigger and more elaborate. I think Benn would maybe get a little bored with WTG though - at least as a "reactor" and not just watching it for fun. It's a great show, just not as visually and conceptually mind-blowing.
Into the Groove is based on the You Can Dance version. She often uses released remixes in her live shows. It’s cool.
This show may not have been as high-tech as her later amazing tours but it was innovative and it had heart and soul. Still my favorite to this day.
She sings Keep It Together with the song that inspired it, Family Affair by the iconic Sly & The Family Stone.
What a show! Iconic and epic! Loved the peaks and valleys throughout the concert.
I was a young teen when this tour happened so I didn’t get to see it live but I remember very well how controversial it was. The front page of every newspaper, it was on the news constantly for months, you couldn’t not know about it. The thing I remember was people being so confused by the incorporation of so many musical theatre elements into the concert. The costume changes, the set changes, choreography, the use of props etc. None of that had really been done by a pop or rock star before, well not to the same degree. Lots of people applauded her for it, but there was absolutely also criticism that it wasn’t a rock concert in the traditional sense. It’s funny because now this is the norm, but at the time it was something that just hadn’t been seen before. Also the costumes are all designed by Jean Paul Gaultier and this collaboration (particularly the iconic cone bra) is still to this day widely recognised as one of the most important moments in fashion history.
BEYOND INSANE what this concert caused, did and still influences today! It's really something else!!!
The tour cemented her as the queen of pop.
If you keep reacting to her tours, you'll see how she reinvents her songs and it never sound the same
YASSSS KEEN!!!
@@bennshouts NEED to watch you going through that journey!!!!
The doc film Truth or Dare was a major box office hit with a wide screen showing, and I loved it at the time seeing it with an audience. This show from Nice was broadcast live on a Boston radio station, and I tape recorded it though I couldn't envision it.
Aww, that's so cute!!!
@@bennshouts yeah, indeed!And so are you. But not So cute
The part you disliked (pink dress) I get it but “Into the Groove” was performed amazingly within that segment with amazing choreography
Queen Of Pop… enjoy each tour as you watch them. A proud moment when she first toured here in Australia & it was one of her Sydney shows that was released on home video/laser disc
The last song is an iconic performance. “Boring”? Boring?! She literally infused the sounds of Simon & Garfunkel with Sly and the Family Stone. Arguably her most underrated and best song she’s ever recorded. Please please please try listening to the album version again … with headphones on… and LOUD. 😉
Wait till he sees it in Truth or Dare.
When I first watched the Blond Ambition Tour (one of the Yokohama, Japan shows), I can’t help but be mesmerized by her athletic physique. Like wtf. Did not think she was that fit during her prime. Such an inspiration.
Yes it was the last show of the tour.
Haha, I got that during watching
@@bennshouts If you are more hungry for the Blond Ambition tour shows, please, check the 2nd to last show from Barcelona! The sound is tough, Madonna is FIERCE, the crowd is crazy and loud and you can feel the heat and humidity of the Spanish August evening. What bugs me is the fact that the Nice tour was shown live in America and I guess M wanted to communicate something to the US audiences... Barcelona show is much better!
Favorite reaction so far!!!
Eeee, thank you!!! 🥰
I love the way they did one song with everybody to a song with just one dancer to just her and the girls. Such chemistry with them all that you haven’t seen since. Even in a Madonna show.
My favorite Madonna tour right after The Confession Tour which is an absolute must see!!!
Saw it in NJ/NYC 1990. Meadowlands. The most amazing show ever! =)
I had may 8th tickets in Dallas, had to sell ticket due to a military obligation. I forgot how amazing this show was. When aired on HBO I recorded it and completely wore that tape till it snapped in VCR. It is great to see younger generations see and appreciate Madonna in her prime, she was a force that many tried to cancell her but she only survived making her stronger. Thanks for the video.
I LOVED the ending!!!!
Obviously she thanked each one because it was the FINAL concert.
I completely agree with ur reaction my man
👍💙👊zane
Totally!!!
The only thing you missed from this tour stop, was the Iconic Blonde Ponytail, she wore through the whole tour, minus this performance.
In many ways this tour gave birth to many Gaga looks
Ahh of course!
She actually stopped wearing the ponytail around the time she got to do the European leg. So it wasn’t just this night that she didn’t wear it.
i read that she started with the ponytail and changed it after a problem with the microphone while performing, it was entangled with the hair. so she got rid of the ponytail wig and used this style for the rest lf the tour.
@@guscq2 she tried it!
I think other tours to react to would be...
Dream Within A Dream - Britney Spears
The Onyx Hotel - Britney Spears
Back to Basics Tour - Christina Aguilera
Les Foiles Tour - Kylie Minogue
Fever2002 Tour - Kylie Minogue
Finally a new Madonna reaction ❤️
Yesssss 🥰
This was my first Madonna concert. I was 10 years old! LOL Great memories. Iconic, bold, provocative tour! Especially for that time.
100%! What a concert for ten years old!!
I was able to see this concert in Detroit and it changed my life! I was 18 and it still is the best concert Ive attended!
Love this!!!
I was there! It blew my mind. There has not been another artist that has blew me away the way she did back then. Never will be!
One of her best tours
Yes I was there! I actually have seen it twice live. I agree with you that the middle part is not the best, but at that time she could just stand there, do nothing and we all loved it. Like a virgin was a highlight as well as the Like a prayer part and the final of the show. This was her very last show of the tour, where she thanked the whole backstage crew of the show, which was cool. Her regular shows just ended with thanking the the dancers, backings and band like that. With a spotlight on her hat thrown on the floor the show was over. Which I thought was amazing. Thanks for letting me relive this moment, which I obviously did a thousand times already.
I was at the LA show at the coliseum. I was in the 6th grade. This was my first concert.
Madonna was sick of Material Girl by then, not only because it had already been performed on the previous tours but mostly because she's always been upset that people never got the irony of the song. So she's essentially mocking the song here, making it very clear that she doesn't actually mean the words despite everyone referring to her as "the material girl".
And I totally agree with you about the second half of the show (especially the Material Girl - Into the Groove segment), and that's why I could never say it's my favorite tour. It's definitely iconic and groundbreaking in so many ways, but it kind of loses momentum after the epic second act, which is the heart and soul of the show for me. The Dick Tracy act is nice and cute, but after that it's an endless drag (although I like Keep it Together, but I understand how exhausting it can be lol). I think the tour after that (The Girlie Show, supporting the Erotica album) is much better and more interesting as a whole.
Cannot believe people don't get the tongue in cheek of it all!
Love that she stood by how she felt and just make fun of it haha!
Keen to see tours after this iconic one!
Ok so what is your favorite concert show ever?
@@taintedlife2618 The Girlie Show and the Drowned World tour are my favorite Madonna concerts, from start to finish. I get the love Blond Ambition gets, and I do think it's iconic in many ways, don't get me wrong. I just don't think it's her best, mostly because of the pink dress segment, which for me is the most boring section ever in a Madonna show. On the other hand, the Like a Virgin - Papa Don't Preach section alone is better than entire careers.
@@Pfink that same segment hosts into the groove which was performed amazingly on this tour.
@@matthewdunne8432 indeed, plus flowing into the slick Vogue.
The mother of all concerts!!! Iconic!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥❤️❤️❤️❤️
Something needs to be said for Donna Delory and Niki Haris. Those girls tore it up! This is the girl group that tops all girl groups - yes even Destiny’s Child, and my favorite, En Vogue. Donna’s voice mirrors Madonnas and fills in the gaps and strengthens it, and Niki, well, Niki flattens her in Like a Prayer. And these women kept up with her and danced their asses OFF!
Don’t get me started on the boys or the band.
I was there, London, Wembley Stadium, 21st July 1990. The performance was broadcast live on BBC Radio 1, Madonna was asked not to swear. So she said “fuck” 14 TIMES IN ONE MINUTE. Madonna: "Fuck Is Not A Bad Word!" This was a game changing concert!! Controversial for 1990.
I love this so much hahahaha! What an icon!
The Like a Virgin - Papa Don't Preach segment is truly one of the greatest live performances ever. I do think maybe it comes too soon in the show, because how can you top it? She really hated songs like Material Girl by this point, so she's kind of making fun of it. But since it was such a big hit, I guess she felt obligated to perform it. Even though some of those sections are a little "meh," and I think she has "better" tours later in her career, this one was just so groundbreaking and influential. Nobody except maybe David Bowie had ever put on such a theatrical show. Will be interesting to see your reaction to later tours (especially Drowned World and Confessions). She definitely kept pushing the envelope in terms of what you could do on stage technologically, etc.
100% agree with all of this! So interesting that she actually did Material Girl like that cause she hated it haha, have never seen an artist do that, most just perform the song normally, even if they're over it haha
I think the one flaw in the show is Material Girl. It’s too corny. I do like the costumes and hair salon deco stuff just wish they would have dropped the silly voice.
@@bennshouts Yeah it's why she "reinvents" her older songs so much, especially "Like a Virgin" which has gone through so many transformations over the years - especially since she didn't write that one, so it's sort of like her putting her own stamp on it.
@@bennshouts well, material girl is an ironic song about the 80s consumerism-materialism, therefore in the video she reproduces Marilyn Monroe's number "diamonds are a girl best friends" from the film "gentlement prefer blondes" based on a book of Anita Loos which was a parody of the golddiggers...but the song was so huge back then that the press started to name Madonna: the Material Girl and I guess she was upset about it...I think here she intentionally did a parody of the song to see if the people catch the ironic sense of the song!
And after she never played again...till the Rebel Heart tour...
Was there at Wembley London, 90,000 attendance the best along with the Girlie Show which I saw at Wembley in 93
Madonna is *the* standard 🤷🏾♂️💯
Watch “Truth or Dare” for a deeper look into this tour! You’re in for a treat.
Iconic Tour.
This tour changed the game. Long live the Queen of Pop
I saw this concert on TV, on channel 9 I think. I remember thinking it was the most amazing concert and I remember being so excited at the time, even though it was only on TV. It was still iconic though. I agree with everything you said about it and feeling very similar. I remember her saying how she hates performing Material Girl and that’s why she took the piss out of the song and continues to do so. She has also said that Cherish was lame too, which is why she probably portrayed them in this way. That’s my guess anyway. Anyway good job mate. Thoroughly love your channel and have now subscribed. Daniel
Saw this in Dallas TX when I was 18 and I'll never forget how excited I was!
The "interesting costumes" were designed by Jean Paul Gaultier and their aesthetics meshed so perfectly...celebrating the masculine/feminine paradox, the burlesque showgirl and the bondage dominatrix all with a twist of humor.
She really hated performing Material Girl at this point and still being constantly labeled with that moniker so this cheeky version kinda thumbed her nose at the song.
Promoting safe sex in the AIDS era was very important to her and not many people were speaking up about it, particularly those with her platform so hence the condom references.
The Like A Prayer section can seem like it's early but it ultimately makes sense in the overall arc of the story, much like the powerful finale.
Also you may have been underwhelmed by Vogue but you must watch the MTV awards version she did a few months after the tour and all will be forgiven.
Really fun watching with you!
AHH, that makes sense with the costumes and the acts, thank you!
Thanks for joining me, keen for more hehe
@@bennshouts even the idea of collaborating with a top tier designer like JPG on costumes for a pop concert was pretty groundbreaking at the time. Another thing that's pretty commonplace and even expected now.
The moment that's known as the "Vatican speech" she made to the press at an Italian airport, defending herself in the face of Catholic boycotts, describes the show in a first person account better and far more eloquently than any of us could. Its on TH-cam.
Yess. But I think he was confused as we don’t called condoms ‘rubbers’ in Australia.
Keep It Together was her current single when she started the tour (along with Vogue as the B side) so at the time it made sense to end the show with this track and personally it really does fit well especially if you watch Truth or Dare...it really makes for a beautiful ending.
Ahh, that makes so much sense! Thank you!!!
I was 10 years old when this tour was going on…I absolutely idolized Madonna…I would have loved to see her live…I only saw parts of this show because I wasn’t allowed to watch it…seeing it years later, I really appreciate it…so iconic!
I saw this show in Los Angeles in 1990. I had a great time.
YAY!
Saw this at Wembley Stadium, 22 July 1990. I was just turned 16 … and what an impression it made. Solidly started my love of live music. Weirdly half the concert we saw was in daylight. It’s still up there on my best life long memories.
Great reaction. The Church section is my favorite part of the concert too. And I think the word you’re looking for is “act” not “era”. At least in the context of a live show.
YES! That's it! I'm so stuck in 'eras' from reacting, it's the only world I could think of haha
i liked how you use "era" for these things. keep using it hehe
Every tour gets better from here!
My favorite song performance from the Material Girl era is Cherish, and it grows and grows on you...the harp is there because of the lyric reference to Cupid, to Cherubs in general, and 😇 angels.
PERFECT Ending! =)
After you react to Madonna's EROTICA album, I really hope you react to her GIRLIE SHOW TOUR!! It is amazing!!
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Her well earned physique for this show is was what popularized - muscular physique for women.
I saw the 5th night in LA. I think she did 7 sold out nights at LA Sports Arena. i was 20 and the energy and excitement in the air was electric. You have yo understand that this tour CHANGED the game of how tours were done. She was Lady Gaga on steroids as far as popularity goes. All with zero social media. MTV, radio and print was the game. Like a Prayer was her biggest hit but then she released Vogue that summer and suddenly it eclipsed her biggest hit and album. I agree regarding that section where she makes fun of her hits. It was a little sad to not get the epic versions but overall this tour was one of her greats. My favorite though would come 11 years later with the Drowned World Tour in 2001.
LOVED READING THIS!!!!!!
@@bennshouts none do. Not even her own. BUT drowned World was my first Madonna concert to attend and it is an amazing show. As are the Girlie Show and Confessions tours. The strongest concerts in history. I would love to see any on par with those if anybody has suggestions!
I saw this live when I was 13 in Philadelphia. Had horrible seats and my ticket was $28.75. Now I pay around $400 a ticket for her shows. I mostly only remember vogue and like a virgin the most
Omg $28 haha, WOW, what a price increase haha
Overall, I prefer The Girlie Show Tour (1993; directed by her brother Chris), but Truth or Dare is a great music documentary and there are some memorable performances from the Blonde Ambition Tour (1990). Love the "I'm Going To Tell You A Secret" documentary and corresponding Reinvention Tour (2004). Then of course there is the slick and seamless Confessions Tour (2006; widely considered her best), her highest-grossing tour, Sticky & Sweet (2008-09), and her second highest grossing tour, MDNA. The Drowned World Tour (2001) is her most experimental.
Madonna completely changed the game with this tour. This is the template for every pop act that toured after this.
Truth 👏
Literally, it's actually insane!
So your critique on the pacing of the show inspired me to think about the setlist. My ideal setlist for this tour would be as follows:
1. Express yourself (great opener, no need to change it!)
2. Open your heart
3. Causing a commotion (cutting "wheres the party" unnecessary album track already performed on the previous tour)*
4. Material girl (moving this goofy act to more of the start of middle than the beginning of the end)
5. Cherish
6. Into the groove
7. Sooner or later (this act is much slower and better suited mid show)
8. Hanky panic
9. Now I’m following you
10. Like a virgin (this and the following church bit is epic, so it should be closer to end like you expect)
11. Like a prayer
12. Live to tell/oh father
13. Papa don’t preach
14. Vogue (This being the last song before the encores make sense)
15. Holiday
16. Keep it together
And if a song is needed to replace "Wheres the party", perhaps "lucky star" or the way too little performed "Borderline". I could see "borderline" being cutesy and transitioning into the material girl hair salon bit. "True Blue" might work here too because of the 50's/60's girl group theme, but again, Justice for "borderline"!
YES YES YES!!!!!!
Borderline omg can’t believe I forgot about it!!!
You should watch the documentary "Truth or dare" (European title: In bed with Madonna). It's a behind the scene look from the Blond ambition tour. One of the best and most important music documentary ever!! She cemented her status as a LGBTQ-icon and ally with that movie!
She got her first Grammy for this as "Best Long Form Video" in 1992 :) It totally redefined pop concerts
I love when Carleton lifts her into the air.
The era that you weren't too keen on was definitely a 'It was the 90s, you had to be there' thing especially when she talked about putting the rubber on. Back then there was a huge campaign in the States promoting safe sex. I got to watch this when it first aired and I still love it.
Yeah that makes sense! 💖
Yes. But I’m also Australian and we don’t call them rubbers so that’s probably why he was confused.😂
You need to watch Truth or Dare or as it's called in Australia In Bed With Madonna, it's the documentary she filmed while on this tour
The BEST concert of the world 👑
Was at the 1st of 3 at London Wembley Stadium front of 80,000 was amazing never missed a tour .
INSANE CROWD!!!
Blond Ambition changed concerts forever
Next tour you watch of Madonnas has GOT TO BE Confessions Tour. It stands the test of time, down to the mixes of older songs… the costuming… the visuals… the stage production. It is PERFECTION.
I love that part between Like a Prayer and Like a Virgin. The Act of Contrition feel.
Now you know. This is what it’s all about. #legend
This was her last stop on the tour. Her voice has been through it. BUT I love her lower raspy register. But if you like this I invite you to watch other stops on the tour. Especially earlier ones with the ponytail which is such a different effect. Also different angles let you see the dancers better in certain parts like Now I’m Following you which was never my favorite but when you see what the dancers are doing it is so much better.
Nobody will EVER top Blonde Ambition. They should strive to even meet it but the music these days just isn’t as strong.
That show just is the blue print for everything that came after
to me her best concert tour is The Confessions Tour, epic!
Yeah, I think I prefer that one too, but BA was just so iconic and influential. And that LAV - PDP segment is the greatest thing she's ever done on stage.
Keen to see it!
No way. But yes one of her many peaks. The opening set is up there. I just think this has many more beloved songs.
They’re not eras, they’re acts within a show.
Ahuh
I loved your reactions.. 1. Gaultier designed the costumes... 2. Causing a Commotion well that was the style in the 90's or what will be..she's ahead in fashion. 3. Its not called eras in her concert, they are called Acts. Like theatre or Operas etc. This concert is the bechmark of all concerts after... Aka. Modern Pop and Concert Tours... Yes Madonna is the foundation of our Pop Realm
Thank you!!!
Love all your points too!!!
I want to go out dancing with this guy!
🕺🏻🕺🏻
I work out to this tour everyday its the best ever! My fav of all time
Yes she was playing that harp
It didn't peak early. You just simply loved the LAP section much! =)
very true!