The opportunity to see a superstar close out a legendary venue does not come along very often… And to be honest, I probably won’t truly understand the weight of last week’s experience for years from now! It is without a doubt, watching Lady GaGa preform live at Roseland Ballroom Monday night was an unbelievable experience!
[tweet https://twitter.com/baltizar777/status/450835238173024257 align=’center’]Last Monday’s show at Roseland Ballroom was the second time I’ve seen Lady GaGa live, with the first being in Denver Colorado during 2010’s Monster Ball Tour. While many things have changed in for myself in four years, the inspirational Lady GaGa remains an incredible vocalist, performer, and speaker. The doors of the iconic venue opened promptly at 8pm and invited fans into a land of rose-filled imagery, gracefully paying homage to the venue.
The show’s opening act GaGa’s longtime bestie, Lady Starlight, demented some new disc-jockey skills, hyping the crowd with a thumping bass. While not everyone was necessarily buying what she was selling, I love how loyal GaGa remains to her close friends. If I ever rose to some level of fame, I would hope to do the same!
After teasing the audience by reaching out a doorway with her paws up, Lady GaGa kicked off the night with a touching acoustic version of “Born This Way.” The song’s message, along with GaGa’s heavenly vocals, started the night with a vulnerable touch that had some attendees already crying (possibly myself and who I was with…) While this rendition wasn’t a typical high energy opening, it was an admirable way to start off the night. From there, GaGa took to the rafters with some New York style during “Amen Fashion / Black Jesus.” While it may seem odd to include this song in the setlist, the performance perfectly set Lady GaGa’s desired “New York City” homage mood.
Soon after, GaGa journeyed down to the main stage while performing “Monster,” another interesting song choice but still incredible spectacle. From there, “Bad Romance” got the crowd going crazy! “I know that you know this dance, do it!” commanded the queen, and of course, she was correct and we all danced! Toward the end of the song GaGa climbed a latter from the stage to the upper level balcony where any dedicated “Little Monster” would have noticed mama GaGa, (Cynthia Germanotta) and creepy-but-talented photographer, Terry Richardson sitting in the area. The energy remained high as mother monster dove into ARTPOP smash “Sexxx Dreams” before disappearing to a second stage on the right side of the venue.
The next section was composed of a very intimate moment with piano ballad GaGa performing “Dope” and “Yoü and I.” Unfortunately for non-VIP guests like myself, despite being a few feet away from the superstar, our sight was filled with sea of booties! Even more unfortunate, it seemed to be guest night for either Roseland or Citi Bank higher-ups, because not a single VIP seemed like they belonged there. I couldn’t resist snapping a photo of this couple who looked like my parents. #awkward. Congrats to them though, I’m sure they loved the VIP treatment! It just would’ve been nice if our unfortunate sea of booties was filled with ones I didn’t feel so uncomfortable staring at!
GaGa then returned to the main stage as a familiar synth intro began and GaGa exclaimed, “Do you remember when you first heard this song?” The grand performance of first single ever, “Just Dance,” was a personal favorite with its nostalgic value reminding me how far this incredible woman has come. Then it was back the piano for a memorable version of “Poker Face” that fans haven’t heard live in a while! The show closed with the explosive track “Applause,” a ton of confetti, and an encore of Lady GaGa’s new single “G.U.Y.” These last moments were a party filled blur where senses were overwhelmed with insane visuals and incredible sound.
Lady GaGa provides endless inspiration whenever she opens her mouth! She speaks eloquent truths and moves the world with her voice. I will always support this artist and feel speculator knowing I was able to enjoy this rare experience.
If you didn’t get a chance to see Lady GaGa close out Roseland Ballroom, be sure to “get more gaga” tonight as her last show lifestreams here. Let me know how you experienced the show @baltizar777 or comment below!
Baltizar Music 