Culture

Madonna kicks off Celebration World Tour with electrifying sold out first night at London O2

Madonna live on stage at London's O2 arena for The Celebration World Tour

Madonna’s The Celebration World Tour kicked off in grand style last night, leaving fans crazy for her at the opening night in London’s O2,  the first of six sold-out shows at the iconic venue. 

Months of anticipation culminated in a spectacle that not only celebrated Madonna’s illustrious career but also offered a glimpse into her journey from a struggling artist to global superstardom.

It was a night of nostalgia and rejuvenation. Madonna, known for pushing boundaries and reinventing herself, treated the audience to a joyous journey through her chart-toppers, some of which she hadn’t performed in decades. 

Madonna, known for pushing boundaries and reinventing herself, treated the audience to a joyous journey…

Directed by long-time collaborator  Jamie King and featuring the musical direction of Stuart Price, the show embraced the euphoric dance beats of her ’80s classics as well as soul-stirring ballads – ‘Nothing Really Matters,’ ‘Open Your Heart,’ ‘Like A Prayer,’ ‘Into The Groove,’ and ‘Crazy For You.’

True to her reputation as the best-selling female artist of all time, Madonna left no stone unturned. The performance was a whirlwind of mesmerising choreography, bold costumes, and the most elaborate stage design of her career, courtesy of the renowned Stufish.

This world tour is no ordinary affair. With a staggering 78 dates and production handled by Live Nation, Madonna’s Celebration Tour is set to sweep across Europe before making a grand return to her adopted hometown, New York City, in December. 

The North American leg will follow, taking fans on an exhilarating musical journey throughout the spring of 2024. The celebration concludes with four sold-out shows in Mexico City next April.

For Madonna lovers, this roadshow represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the evolution of a pop legend. With a repertoire spanning over four decades and a show that combines nostalgia with a vision of the future, The Celebration World Tour is a testament to Madonna’s enduring influence on the music industry.

Audio-Technica Hotaru first review: floating, glowing turntable elevates vinyl playback

The Audio-Technica Hotaru is a music system like no other. This limited-edition turntable combines analogue vinyl playback with magnetic levitation and reactive lighting. Only 1,000 units have been made, each priced at €9,999.  The design is intended as both a high-end music system and a sculptural object d’art. The Hotaru uses a floating structure and…

Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year 2026: scenic Season 11 locations revealed

Landscape Artist of the Year returns to Sky for its 11th series on January 14. Hosted once again by Stephen Mangan, Sky Arts’ long-running competition, mixes artistic endeavour with leisurely location-hopping, as a fresh cohort of painters attempt to capture some of Britain’s most recognisable vistas.  This year also brings a new face to the…