'How many people think I should put my hat back on?'

madonnalicious reader spencer filmed Madonna's speech to the crowd at the show in Montreal last night. Madonna started the speech without her beret on, asked the audience to put their hands up if she should put it back on. No one did, she laughed and said 'It's that bad?...That's f*cked up'.

Events: Big Band Madonna in New York City

Big Band Hot 100 is a monthly party at the Ace Hotel, pairing The Titanics (an 11-piece band - 3 horns, violin, guitar, bass, piano, drums + 3 backing vocalists), with guest singers from all over NYC (TV, cabaret, rock, Broadway, comedy) to perform cover versions of the current Billboard charts. This month The Titanics are changing course from the current crop of chart-toppers to have a little big band fun with the Madonna songbook from the 80s to today, from 'Madonna' to 'MDNA.'

Guest singers include Arden Myrin (Chelsea Lately, Suburbia), Eliot Glazer (Sh*t New Yorkers Say), Tami Hart (NYC rock band Making Frindz), Jessica Delfino (guitar comedian), Shonali Bhowmik (NYC rock band Tigers and Monkeys), Angela DiCarlo (Our Hit Parade), Kate Tellers (The Moth), and many more.

Big Band Madonna
Monday, September 24, 2012, 10 PM
$10 cover
Liberty Hall @ the Ace Hotel
20 W 29th St. (just east of Broadway)

For video and photos of past parties visit BigBandHot100.com
For more info contact Ben Lerman at [email protected]

MDNA Fan Pictures: Philadelphia (Part 3)

madonnalicious reader Randy took these great pictures at Madonna's first MDNA show in at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on Tuesday evening.

Madonna MDNA tour in Philadelphia is transformative

Madonna's latest reinvention may be her most revealing yet.
No, it's not because of her mid-show striptease during 'Human Nature,' where she stands for a bit in her bra and panties to show off the words 'NO FEAR' on her back. It's because her wild, nearly two-hour 'MDNA' tour, which she rehearsed at Nassau Coliseum for most of May, may come closest to reflecting her current state of mind, while building yet another artistic, well-choreographed slacklining spectacle. (The tour arrives at Yankees Stadium on Sept. 6 and 8.)
Not surprisingly, considering her recent divorce from director Guy Ritchie, it starts with a murderous rage. There's so much (fake) blood spilled during 'Gang Bang,' which pits Madonna against a full gun-wielding assault team, that it's like a season of 'Dexter' condensed into five minutes, complete with blood splatters on the massive video screens.
However, Madonna describes the show as 'the journey of a soul from darkness to light' and the brutal imagery of the first section quickly gives way to determination and joy, starting with 'Express Yourself,' which she mashes into Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way,' seemingly lovingly enough before punctuating it with 'She's Not Me.' While the joyous section, which includes the aggressively peppy 'Give Me All Your Luvin'' and 'Turn Up the Radio' done as cheerleaders and includes drummers hanging two stories above the stage, could have been longer, it includes one of the night's most memorable moments.
The reworking of 'Open Your Heart' with the Basque trio Kalakan as a sort of traditional European folk song, built only on drums and vocal harmonies, was pure joy, topped with Madonna dancing across the stage with 11-year-old son, Rocco, who looked extraordinarily comfortable in the spotlight.
Another standout moment is also a quiet one, where Madonna transforms her bubbly synth-pop classic 'Like a Virgin' into a waltz worthy of Marlene Dietrich, delivered haltingly and dramatically. At one point, Madonna even lies on the stage face down, the mic on the floor next to her mouth, she's so exhausted from the desperation for feeling a 'heartbeat next to mine.'
However, the biggest surprise in a night of twists and turns was actually an unscripted one. After keeping the crowd waiting more than an hour after her expected start time and enduring some boos before she took the stage, Madonna apologized. 'Forgive me,' she said. 'I wanted the show to be perfect for you because my fans deserve it, and quite frankly I deserve it.'
She went on to declare her love of America, fueled, in part, by her recent European tour, where she stood up against censorship and homophobia. 'In my country,' she shouted, 'we have freedom of speech, freedom of expression...Never forget how lucky you are to live where you live.'
For a woman known for being a demanding perfectionist, the end of her show was actually about being grateful and accepting of yourself - including 'I'm Addicted' and 'I'm a Sinner' - so that you can, once again, enjoy (and express) yourself.

From www.newsday.com/backstage-pass - thanks to Alex

Video: 'My fans deserve it, and quite frankly I deserve it!'

Madonna's speech to the crowd at the Phildelphia show on Tuesday 28 August was filmed by madonnalicious reader Mathew from the Golden Triangle.

 

Madonna expresses herself, often darkly, in powerful show

Forget marriage, motherhood and the kabbala. Madonna’s startling new 'MDNA' tour - which made its first American drive-by at Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Arena Tuesday night — finds her angrier, darker and more unhinged than on any road show of her 30- year career. It’s an idea-intensive, message-packed riddle wrapped in an enigma that must be seen to be believed.
Where to begin?
Where all things Madonna must, of course - with her original nurturing place and nemesis: the church. 'MDNA' kicks off in a shrouded cathedral, exuding ritual, mystery and no end of judgement.
That the star herself blasts into the scene miming her zippy electro-dance gem 'Girl Gone Wild' may sound cheeky and even giddy, but she comes in bearing a gigantic gun - one which, before long, she points directly at the audience.
Those who like their art confrontational may consider this a (literal) bangup start. Especially since it’s followed by Maddy mouthing 'Revolver,' which treats sex as a deadly lure, animated by images of ammunition raining down from the heavens.
From there, the star launches into 'Gang Bang,' which could be history’s first disco murder ballad. Here Madonna blows away an army of intruders with enough relish to secure a starring role in the next Quentin Tarantino gorefest.
Unsurprisingly, scenes like this caused many critics who caught the tour’s European dates to consider the show a disturbing downer. Clearly, that made Maddy self-conscious. Right before the American leg started on Tuesday, she issued a statement spelling out the breadth of her intentions. The long-winded directive stresses that she means the show to capture the 'journey of a soul from darkness to light.'
If so, that soul takes its sweet old time about getting to the light bit, and even then, it rarely stays there long. Even deep into the night, Madonna performed 'Human Nature,' a song recorded during her most confrontational period, the mid-’90s.
She animated it with a striptease that was in no way meant to be alluring - though the star, at 54, does look smashing. Instead, the move aimed to reveal the depth of Madonna’s defiant character, a role she by now occupies with unquestioned authority.

To read the rest of the Jim Farber review visit www.nydailynews.com

Thanks to Alex and DJ Danny Echi

MDNA Fan Pictures: Philadelphia (Part 2)

These pictures were taken at the Philadelphia MDNA show on Tuesday 28 August by madonnalicious reader Lou.

The New York Times MDNA Philadelphia Review

PHILADELPHIA - A ritual, a blood bath, slacklining, a partial striptease, drummers in midair, traditional Basque harmonies, a psychedelic train ride - they’re all part of Madonna’s 'MDNA' tour, which started its North American itinerary with an arena concert here at the Wells Fargo Center on Tuesday night. It comes to Yankee Stadium next Thursday and Sept. 8.

Madonna has described the show in a statement as 'the journey of a soul from darkness to light,' and perhaps it is. Near the beginning, after tolling church bells and chanting, a gun-toting Madonna is besieged by assailants from all directions and dispatches them in self-defense as giant spatters of blood fill the video screen. In that opening segment she sings about jealousy, divorce and, in 'Revolver' - with images of guns and ammunition - about sex as a weapon.

Yet the bad-gal nastiness soon gives way to more generous impulses, trading violent shock value for flamboyant showmanship. By the end she’s sharing a big dance party. And the concert is less a story than an excellent excuse for extravagant, perpetually surprising production numbers involving more than three dozen performers, while it turns some of Madonna’s past hits inside out.

To read the rest of the review visit www.nytimes.com/2012/08/30/arts/music

Thanks to Alex and Daniel

MDNA Fan Pictures: Philadelphia (Part 1)

madonnalicious reader Fernando sent in these great pictures taken from the front-row at Madonna's US MDNA tour opener that took place in Phildelphia last night.

Madonna hails freedom at US show

Madonna said she was happy to party in America as she kicked off the US leg of her MDNA Tour in Philadelphia.
The Queen of Pop - who has been touring Europe for three months - told the crowd they should 'never forget how lucky you are to live where you live and to have the freedom that you have'.
The star made the comments after talking about the arrest of three members of the punk-rock female band Pussy Riot. The women were sentenced to two years in prison after performing a 'punk prayer' at Moscow's Christ the Saviour cathedral in which they called on the Virgin Mary to deliver Russia from its leader, Vladimir Putin.
'In my travels around the world the one thing I truly witnessed is we in America have freedom of speech, freedom of expression,' the singer said.
Madonna is among several stars who have called for the Pussy Riot members to be freed.
'I don't think that it's a coincidence that I'm in the city where the Declaration of Independence was signed,' Madonna said to nearly 20,000 fans at the Wells Fargo Centre. 'We are in the land of democracy.'
Russian activists recently sued Madonna, claiming they were offended by her support for gay rights during her show in St Petersburg. A law passed in February makes it illegal to promote homosexuality to minors, and the author of that law has pointed to the presence of children as young as 12 at Madonna's concert on August 9.
When speaking about Pussy Riot, Madonna said that about 80 gay men were jailed in St Petersburg because of their sexual orientation. She told the crowd that the arrests were unfair, and they booed in her support.
Then the 53-year-old told the US audience: 'Don't get fat and lazy and take that freedom for granted.'

From Press Association Via Yahoo! News

MDNA Tour: Inside the Wells Fargo Center

madonnalicious reader Matthew snapped this shot as the audience fill the arena last night ahead of Madonna's MDNA US tour opener - the picture gives a great look at the floor seating arrangements around the catwalk.

Madonna's MDNA Philadelphia Tour Speech

madonnalicious reader Matthew filmed Madonna's speech to the crowd at her first show in the US at the Wells Fargo Center in Phildelphia last night.

Guy Oseary's MDNA tour message to fans

With the completion of the European leg of the MDNA Tour and the US opening this evening in Philadelphia, I have been reflecting on things from my vantage point as Madonna's manager. This has been a magical and incredible journey thus far.

One of the great highlights has been the chance to spend more time with Madonna's fans every night.
Many of you have come to show after show, again and again. Many of you have flown across the world to see the show.
I have met thousands of you personally and even photographed thousands more.
Your support and dedication is greatly appreciated.
I've truly enjoyed listening to your thoughts each night. I've agreed with many of you and even argued with some. I loved all of it. You've shared with me your positive opinions and even in a few cases some criticism. Both are coming from the same place: your LOVE for Madonna - Thank you for sharing!
In just a few hours MDNA tour begins a new chapter in Philadelphia with the start of our sold out U.S. and Canadian dates.
I look forward to meeting more of you there, taking your photos and hearing what you have to say.

Enjoy the show!
Best - Guy Oseary

From Madonna.com

Good MDNA Day America!

After a long wait as the tour trekked across Europe the MDNA Tour finally hits the US tonight for the first time at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia!

madonnalicious needs readers to send us pictures and video clips from the shows as the tour travels across North America. We would especially like video clips of Madonna's speech to the crowd at each show!

Please send any pictures/videos to us at [email protected] - large amounts of pictures/and or video clips can be sent via www.wetransfer.com

Most of all have fun, dance and sing at the shows!

The MDNA Tour - In Madonna's Own Words

My show
Is a journey.
The journey of a soul from darkness to light
It is part cinematic musical theatre.
Part spectacle and sometimes intimate Performance art.

But above all its a journey
From darkness to light
From anger to love.
From chaos to order.

It's true there is a lot of violence in the beginning of the show and sometimes the use of fake guns - but they are used as metaphors.
I do not condone violence or the use of guns.
Rather they are symbols of wanting to appear strong and wanting to find a way to stop feelings that I find hurtful or damaging. In my case its wanting to stop the lies and hypocrisy of the church, the intolerance of many narrow minded cultures and societies I have experienced throughout my life and in some cases the pain I have felt from having my heart broken.

Ultimately as we follow through the journey of my story, the audience can see quite clearly what I see -
That the enemy is within and the only way to survive Disappointment Disapproval Judgment Heartbreak Jealousy Envy And Hatred Is with Love - not with revenge - not with guns and not with violence.

In spite of all the chaos and darkness and intolerance we seem to be encountering more and more in the world,
We cannot allow our anger or bitterness to swallow us up.
We come to understand that
There is an innate and pure love inside us all and we have to find a way to tap into it.

And we can't do it by being victims or placing the blame or pointing the finger at others.
But by recognizing that the enemy is within
And when we come to terms with it
And accept it
And struggle to change ourselves,
Then we can change the world without hurting anyone and we can inspire others to do the same.
When you watch a film there are usually good guys and bad guys to help illustrate this point, Sometimes I play both.
I enjoy acting out this journey.
For none of us are perfect and we all have our own journey of growth to go on.
I know people can relate to it.
It's very important to me as an artist that my show not be taken out of context.

It must be watched with an open heart from beginning to end. I am sure if it is viewed this way, the viewer will walk away feeling inspired, Invigorated and will want to make the world a better place.

And this of course was always my intention.

From Madonna.com

Fan Pictures: Zurich (Part 3)

These pictures were taken in at the MDNA show in Zurich on Saturday 18 August by madonnalicious reader Jonathan.

Fan Pictures: Zurich (Part 2)

madonnalicious reader Beatrix captured these pictures of Madonna during the soundcheck and the show that took place in Zurich on Saturday 18 August.

Kiss 98.5fm Buffalo, NY competition for MDNA tickets

Kiss 98.5fm a local radio station in Buffalo, New York are having a Madonna Contest on Thursday 30 August 2012. The best Madonna 'look-a-like' will win two tickets to her MDNA concert at the Yankee Stadium. Another contest will see fans win tickets to the Toronto show. For more information visit www.kiss985.com6

Listen to Janet & Nick in the morning for your chance to win a pair of tickets to see Madonna in concert, September 12th at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto! And listen Thursday where the best Madonna 'Lookalike' wins a trip for two to NYC including: roundtrip airfare, one-night hotel stay, and a pair of tickets to see Madonna, September 6th at Yankee Stadium!

Thanks to Patricia

Swiss Press: 'SonntagsBlick'

Madonna was featured in a four-page article in Swiss newspaper 'SonntagsBlick' that was published on Sunday 19 August - the day after the MDNA show in Zurich.

Thanks to Rosanna

Madonna Notches 43rd No. 1 on Dance/Club Play Songs

Madonna earns her record-extending 43rd No. 1 on Billboard's Dance/Club Play Songs chart, as 'Turn Up the Radio' lifts 2-1. (The ranking will refresh on Billboard.com Thursday, Aug. 30.)
'Radio' is Madonna's third Dance/Club Play Songs No. 1 from 'MDNA,' which bowed atop the Billboard 200 the week of April 14. 'Give Me All Your Luvin',' featuring Nicki Minaj and M.I.A., led the week of March 31, while 'Girl Gone Wild' reached No. 1 just three weeks later.
'Radio' is headed for radio, too: Interscope Records begins seeking airplay for the song at mainstream top 40 stations on Sept. 25.
With her 43rd leading title on Dance/Club Play Songs, Madonna pulls further away from runner-up Janet Jackson, who has 19. Beyonce and Rihanna follow with 18 No. 1s each, trailed by Kristine W (16) and Mariah Carey (15).
Looking forward, with one more No. 1 on Dance/Club Play Songs, the Material Girl would claim even more historic honors.
Upon her latest coronation, Madonna is now one No. 1 away from tying George Strait's record for the most toppers on any single Billboard chart. The King of Country has sat at the Country Songs chart's throne with 44 titles between 1981 and 2009. With one more No. 1 on Dance/Club Play Songs, the Queen of Pop would tie Strait for unmatched Billboard chart royalty.
Given her multi-format appeal, as opposed to Strait's status as a country-exclusive act (and an unparalleled one, at that), Madonna leads not only Strait but also all artists for the most No. 1s on all Billboard charts combined. With 'Radio' ruling Dance/Club Play Songs, Madonna logs her record-extending 156th leader on an active, current-based domestic Billboard survey.

From www.billboard.com

Madonna MDNA World Tour - Moment Factory Teaser

After 3 months in Europe and the Middle East, Madonna's MDNA Tour arrives in North America. The team at Moment Factory worked 4 months on the creation of the video content for 12 of the 24 songs of the show.

Madonna MDNA World Tour - Teaser from Moment Factory on Vimeo.

Thanks to Terry

Madonna Apologizes for Skipping Australia on 'MDNA' Tour

Madonna hasn't been to Australia in almost 20 years, and the 'Girl Gone Wild' star again skipped the country when scheduling her 'MDNA' tour, which kicked off in Israel on May 31. On Sunday, Madge issued an audio message to fans in Australia, apologizing for once again leaving their country off her tour schedule.
'I just want to say to all of my Australian fans that I am really and truly sorry to have disappointed you,' she said. 'I know the last time I was on tour, I missed Australia as well, and I can promise you in my heart of hearts that it was my intention to come again, but like the last time, my children are my first priority.'
Although it was announced in February that Madonna would be performing in Australia, Live Nation confirmed in July that the 'MDNA' tour would wrap in South America in December after traveling through Asia, Europe and North America. Madonna was last in Australia for the 'Girlie Show World Tour,' with a final performance on Dec. 4, 1993 in Sydney.
The Queen of Pop continued her explanation to fans, saying that it was 'a really hard decision' to make. 'Because my children are older, I can't take them on the road with me everywhere,' she said. 'I have to spend more time away from them and at the end of the year I really feel that I would be an irresponsible parent if I didn't stop my tour and spend time with them.'
Madonna concluded her message by asking fans to 'please forgive' her and promising that when she does visit Australia, she will have made the wait worth their while and will 'put on the greatest show on earth.'

From www.billboard.com

Fan Pictures: Birmingham (Part 5)

These pictures were taken at the MDNA show at the NIA in Birmingham on Thursday 19 July by madonnalicious reader Billyboybowden.

Fan Pictures: Birmingham (Part 4)

madonnalicious reader Phil (aka Materialcowboy) shares these pictures he took at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham, UK on Thursday 19 July.

To my fans in Australia...

An audio message from Madonna to her Australian fans.

Events: 19th London Madonna Fan Party

Oh My God - BONG! It's the 19th London Madonna Fan Party and the first one since the MDNA Album launch Party earlier this year! Fresh from arranging Madonna's Birthday Celebration Surprise this year at the Oslo show with her Official Fan Club Icon, and support from her greatest fan sites - Madonnalicious and Madonnatribe - Madonna Fan Party UK are preparing for what will hopefully be the biggest and best Madonna Fan Party London has ever seen!

Join Madonna fans from all over the world on Saturday 27th October at G-A-Y Late, Goslett Yard, Soho, London for over 8 hours of non stop Madonna hits, remixes, rarities and live clips including all your favourites and even MDNA Tour performances!

The only Fan Parties supported by Madonna's team, the reason for this FREE event is to CELEBRATE 30 YEARS of Madonna - yes, in October it will have been 30 years since the Queen of Pop released her first single, 'Everybody'.

Not only will you be able to dance & sing, but you'll be able to get together with fans you met across Europe on the MDNA Tour this summer. If you are coming for the first time or one your own, please post on the Facebook Page or message Madonna Fan Party directly to make sure you have the best day!

Doors open at 2pm and entrance is free - arrive early to make sure you see your requests and make sure you get in!

More details on www.madonnafanparty.co.uk and make sure you RSVP at the Facebook Event Page: www.facebook.com/events/347200322020845/

Creating Content For Madonna MDNA

Under the creative influence of set designer Mark Fisher and lighting designer Al Gurdon, with production manager Jake Berry and video technical director Stefaan Desmedt watching over the tour on the road, Madonna's MDNA tour sports the largest video screen in the world (eight columns of Daktronics 10 mm SMD Outdoor Video LED Display), according to tour promoters.

Filling those screens with multimedia content was largely the responsibility of Moment Factory, following an acclaimed collaboration for the NFL’s Super Bowl XLVI Halftime Show at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis that featured Madonna.
'The show is a theatrical journey,' says Sakchin Bessette, creative director and co-founder of Moment Factory. 'It goes through so many different worlds and emotions, and they are all linked together in a great way. It’s a real honor to have the chance to work so closely with Madonna. She has changed the musical landscape so profoundly, and so many times, over the course of her career.' Swedish film and music video director Jonas Akerlund and Dago Gonzalez also created some of the video content for the tour.

The team had four months to develop concepts, create designs, and produce multimedia content for songs across three acts of the production. The process required full 2D and 3D animation production as well as the coordination of multiple video shoots in India, New York, and Montreal. The artists at Moment Factory took advantage of the full potential of the screens on the set—also comprising two Winvision 875 LED Screens for stadium dates with content running through a setup of three United Visual Artists d3 HD Media Servers and six Barco FLM-HD20 projectors.

The main stage surface actually contains 36 cubes, motorized and covered with the Daktronics LED modules, that can be raised and lowered during the performance to create a constantly evolving visual environment. The results are widely varied: 'Girl Gone Wild' is set in a photorealistic 3D cathedral; 'I’m A Sinner' takes the audience on a kaleidoscopic train trip through India; and the grand finale, 'Celebration,' is a full-throttle blast of shape, color, and movement.

'With Moment Factory, it’s never about ‘providing content;’ it’s about creating a piece, a story in itself, which is very close to my philosophy of art,' says show director Michel Laprise. 'Projection is a medium that employs a great deal of technology, and one of the many qualities I much appreciate from Moment Factory is the way they make it feel and look so organic, very warm. Their team has a way of working that is similar to that of a painter or a visual artist.'

From livedesignonline.com/projects/madonna_MDNA - thanks to Chad

Madonna Merchandise - New Items Online!

Some new items have been added to the official Madonna online store at http://madonna.fanfire.com - we especially like the 'I'm A Sinner' t-shirts!

Video: Madonna pops out of her corset in Oslo!

Madonna had some trouble with her corset during the lacing-up scene during 'Like A Virgin' at the MDNA Oslo show on Wednesday 15 August as shown in this video clip filmed by madonnalicious reader Rob.

UK Magazines: 'Grazia'

UK magazine 'Grazia' featured Madonna's support for Pussy Riot in Russia.

Video: Madonna dedicating 'Masterpiece' to Elton John

Fellow fansite www.madonna-tv.com filmed the moment when Madonna dedicated 'Masterpiece' to Elton John at the Nice show on Tuesday 21 August.

Madonna Dedicates Golden Globe-winning Song To Elton John

Madonna has moved to end her longrunning feud with Sir Elton John by dedicating her song Masterpiece to the rocker during a concert in France earlier this week.
The Material Girl has kept a dignified silence throughout the one-sided war of words with the Rocket Man legend, who has taken several swipes at the star over the last few months.
John took aim at the singer after she beat him to the Golden Globe for Best Song in January when Masterpiece, her track from her period film W.E., won the honour.
He then branded Madonna a 'fairground stripper' after she exposed her breast on stage during her MDNA tour.
But the pop superstar chose to take the higher ground during a concert in Nice on Tuesday by dedicating the song to her most famous critic, telling the crowd that she 'forgives' him for his constant criticism.
She said, 'I want to dedicate this song to a Mr. Elton John. I know he's a big fan of it, and I know he's a big fan of mine. And you know what, I forgive him. You gotta start somewhere.'

From contactmusic.com

Madonna celebrates completing European MDNA tour leg

Madonna and crew celebrated the end of the European leg of the MDNA tour at an after party at the Billionaire Monte Carlo - and was spotted dancing round a pole!

From www.mailonline.com

Win Tickets to Desperately Seeking Susan in London!

As part of MGM HD’s celebration of their Free Weekend (Aug 31st – Sept 2nd) MGM, TIME OUT LIVE AND GUILTY PLEASURES ARE HOSTING THE MADONNA THEMED GUILTY PLEASURES CINEMA PARTY. The night kicks off with a screening of Madonna's Desperately Seeking Susan at the Troxy this Saturday (25th Aug) followed by a whole evening of Madonna themed entertainment.

MGM HD would like to invite Madonna fans to enter a competition to win 5 pairs of free tickets to this event, all you have to do is answer these questions. 'Whilst filming Madonna's directorial debut W.E, there was an interruption during the filming of the final scene. The questions are, 'Where was the final scene shot and what was the interruption caused by?'

Send your answers to JCarr (at) MGM.com no later than 2pm on Friday 24 August.

Those that want to secure your tickets now or for more information please go to www.guiltypleasures.co.uk/london/tickets-dates and order yours today!

Zurich Souncheck Video: 'I Don't Give A'

Here is a full-length clip of Madonna soundchecking 'I Don't Give A' at the Letzigrund Stadium, Zurich filmed by madonnalicious readers Mark and Vanessa Q.

Events: Madonna Special in Buenos Aires

A Madonna / Michael Jackson special is going to take place at a bar in Buenos Aires, Argentina on Saturday 25 August. Admission is free. Click flyer to enlarge.

Fan Pictures: Nice (Part 1)

madonnalicious reader Neil (And-i-feel) took these pictures of Madonna supporting Pussy Riot at the last European show at the Stade Charles Ehrmann in Nice.

Madonna drops swastika from France concert, backs Pussy Riot

Madonna dropped from her last concert in Europe a swastika that outraged France's right-wing party but again demanded the freedom of jailed Russian girl punk band Pussy Riot.
The video that accompanied the pop icon's performance in Nice of 'Nobody Knows Me' still showed National Front leader Marine Le Pen, but a question mark replaced a swastika that had previously flashed on the politician's forehead.
The appearance of the Nazi symbol at Madonna's Paris performance last month enraged the party, which launched legal action against the 54-year-old singer and threatened to return to the courts should she use it again.
A local party supporter, Gael Nofri, welcomed Madonna's decision.
'As far as I know, Madonna has never changed a video clip. This is proof that our arguments were valid. This is excellent news,' he said.
The pop diva used the last gig of a controversy-hit Europe tour to reiterate solidarity with three punk rockers jailed by Russian courts this month over a stunt in a Moscow cathedral criticising President Vladimir Putin.
'Free Pussy Riot!' Madonna shouted from the stage to a packed stadium in the southern French city.
At a concert in Moscow two weeks ago, Madonna donned a balaclava in solidarity with the protest punk band, angering Russian authorities.
The punk band wore knitted balaclavas when they performed a 'punk prayer' for the ouster of the veteran strongman in the church in February.
Madonna drew more criticism in Russia when she called for 'love and appreciation for the gay community' at a concert in St Petersburg, which had just banned 'homosexual propaganda'.
'I've seen some very scary things,' the star told the Nice crowd, slamming 'intolerance' and calling for the respect of 'human dignity'.
'The real deal is freedom and not just for Pussy Riot,' she said, adding later: 'Every human being deserves to be treated equally.'
'We have to be freedom fighters.'

From AFP Via Yahoo! News

Madonna Merchandise Special Offers

Fans who order Madonna merchandise from the official online store can take advantage of these 'Back To School' special offers - until Friday 24 August 11:59pm PT. To shop for Madonna products visit http://madonna.fanfire.com

Europe says goodbye to MDNA!

Tonight in Nice the last MDNA show in Europe is taking place...and we are sad to see Madonna and the MDNA crew move on. It has been a great European MDNA summer...even with all the rain!

But as we say goodbye, North America gets ready to say hello! The first show on US soil is in Philadelphia next Tuesday 28 August. For those seeing the tour in North America I bet it seems like you have been waiting forever to see MDNA!

madonnalicious continues to rely on readers pictures and videos from the shows, especially now as the tour is on another continent - so help keep our MDNA dose up by emailing us at [email protected]

UK Press: Madonna's South of France Holiday

Madonna's choice of beachwear (hey she just likes to keep out of the sun!) was featured in three UK newspapers today - the 'Daily Mail, Daily Mirror' and 'Metro'.

Madonna, her family and the MDNA team spent a short break in the South of France ahead of the last MDNA European show in Nice tonight.

Madonna to release workout DVD series 'Addicted to Sweat'

You can dance... for perspiration.
Madonna is introducing a series of workout videos called 'Addicted to Sweat,' for fans who want to get fit while learning her dance moves.
The dance-based workout, which was designed by the 54 year-old star and her personal trainer Nicole Winhoffer, is designed to promote agility, flexibility, and strength.
No gym required - all you need is a chair and the floor.
The four-disc set, due out on Sept. 5, includes the same moves that Madonna introduced on her MDNA tour, including the 'Drop Down,' 'Hop Forward' and 'Ride the Horse.'
The workout is the latest from Madonna’s entry in the world of fitness since she began opening Hard Candy, her global chain of fitness centers.
She opened the first Hard Candy in Mexico City in 2010 and it expanding to Russia and South America.

From www.nydailynews.com

Design a Madonna tshirt for UNIQLO!

The UNIQLO 'Global T-Shirts Design Competition' is currently underway and fans have the chance of designing a Madonna-themed t-shirt.

The entries will be judged in an online poll and by Madonna herself, with the winning design going into production!

For details and rules on the competition visit www.uniqlo.com/utgp2013 - the competition closes on Sunday 02 September 2012.

Thanks to Alex

Fan Pictures: Zurich (Part 1)

madonnalicious reader Michael captured these pictures of Madonna and her 'Free Pussy Riot' bodyart at the Zurich show that took place on Saturday 18 August.

Madonna speaks out in Zurich

Madonna speaks out for the first time regarding the sentencing of Russian punk band Pussy Riot during last nights concert in Zurich, Switzerland.

Madonna adds her voice to critics of Pussy Riot verdict

Madonna, who had already voiced her support for the Russian punk band Pussy Riot, on Saturday joined a chorus of celebrities in slamming a jail sentence handed down in Moscow to three women from the group over a protest against President Vladimir Putin.
'I protest the conviction and sentencing of Pussy Riot to a penal colony for two years for a 40-second performance extolling their political opinions,' Madonna said in a statement.
The three women, Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, 22, Maria Alyokhina, 24, and Yekaterina Samutsevich, 30, were convicted in a Russian court of hooliganism motivated by religious hatred for performing a 'punk prayer' in Moscow's Christ the Saviour Cathedral in which they called on the Virgin Mary to rid Russia of Putin.
The two-year sentence handed down against the three women on Friday has generated outrage outside of Russia, but within the country polls have shown that few Russians sympathize with them.
Judge Marina Syrova told the Moscow court on Friday, 'The girls' actions were sacrilegious, blasphemous and broke the church's rules.' She rejected their argument that they had no intention of offending Russian Orthodox believers.
Madonna had previously expressed her support for the band after they were arrested.
In her latest statement, Madonna said the two-year sentence was 'too harsh and in fact is inhumane.'
'They've spent enough time in jail. I call on all of Russia to let Pussy Riot go free,' she said.
On Friday, the European Union's foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said the sentences given to the women were 'disproportionate' to the crime, and European nations and the United States voiced similarly sharp criticism.
So did Canadian rock star Bryan Adams, actor Adrian Grenier and Black Keys drummer Patrick Carney, who vowed to not play a show in Russia over what he described as its move to 'imprison innocent musicians for speaking their minds peacefully.'
British singers Sting and Paul McCartney have also shown support for the Pussy Riot band.

From Reuters Via Yahoo! News

'Truth or Dare' Footwear Double-Page Advert

This double-page advert for the 'Truth or Dare by Madonna' footwear collection will also be featured in some upcoming US magazines - click on the advert to enlarge.

Thanks to JPASC24

Madonna's statement on Pussy Riot conviction

'I protest the conviction and sentencing of Pussy Riot to a penal colony for two years for a 40 second performance extolling their political opinions. Even if one disagrees with the location or how they chose to express themselves, the sentence is too harsh and in fact is inhumane.
I call on all those who love freedom to condemn this unjust punishment. I urge artists around the world to speak up in protest against this travesty. They've spent enough time in jail. I call on ALL of Russia to let Pussy Riot go free.'

Zurich ready for MDNA!

Madonna's MDNA tour hits Zurich in Switzerland tonight at the Letzigrund Stadium, this is the penultimate show of the European leg, with only Nice, France to follow on Tuesday...then it is off to North America!

Picture by Xavier

Anti-gay Russian activists sue Madonna for $10 million

A group of Russian anti-gay activists sued American pop star Madonna for $10 million (6.4 million pounds) on Friday, saying she had insulted their feelings when she spoke out for gay rights at a concert in St Petersburg last week.
Performing in black lingerie with the words 'No Fear' scrawled on her back, Madonna attacked a city law adopted in March that imposed fines for spreading homosexual 'propaganda'. She had earlier called the law a 'ridiculous atrocity'.
Homosexuality, punished with jail terms in the Soviet Union, was decriminalised in Russia in 1993, but much of the gay community remains underground as prejudice runs deep.
'She (Madonna) had been warned with words that she should behave in line with the law and she ignored it. So we will speak in the language of money,' said Darya Dedova, one of the 10 activists who filed the lawsuit in a St Petersburg court.
'Of course, it is difficult to measure moral damages and suffering but maybe people who earn money regardless of moral rules will better understand this,' Dedova said. She added if they won the case, the money would be sent to orphanages.
'Maybe someone does not see the link but after Madonna's concert maybe some boy becomes gay, some girl becomes lesbian, fewer children are born as a result and this big country cannot defend its borders - for me it causes moral suffering,' said Alexei Kolotkov, another of the activists who filed the suit.
The St Petersburg propaganda law is the model for a bill that has been submitted to the national parliament but has not yet faced a vote. Critics say they fear it could be used to clamp down on the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, for example by barring gay rights demonstrations.
In Moscow, gay rights suffered a blow when an appeal court upheld a lower court's ruling that found city authorities had acted legally when they rejected applications from activists to hold a gay rights march every year for the next 100 years.
Attempts to hold gay rights rallies in the Russian capital have often ended in arrests and clashes with anti-gay activists.
In May, dozens of people were detained in Moscow after Russian Orthodox activists broke up two gay rights marches, throwing water and shouting prayers.

From Reuters Via Yahoo! News