Lady Gaga made her Australian debut in Brisbane only a few short years
ago (five in fact), opening for the Pussycat Dolls. The Dolls were on the way out and Gaga looked like she was about to ride the Zeitgeist. History proves that she did and now she’s back playing another sold out night at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.
In town for the #artRave: Art Pop Ball, Gaga delivered what will arguably be the best show she’s ever performed in this town to date. Yes, the multiple nights in big venues have dropped a little: but the faithful haven’t deserted her. The set for tonight’s proceedings looks like an ice village built on an glacier. The “event” opens with all the pomp of Rio’s carnival. Emerging from below the stage, Gaga begins with a zeal that most performers keep in the tank for the encore.
Artpop began the night, followed by G.U.Y and Donatella. The show was broken into pockets of songs and musical intervals designed to keep the mood ‘up’.
Venus, Brooklyn Nights and MANiCURE kept the momentum going and Gaga wasn’t afraid to lay down her philosophies or break down the fourth wall. Fan mail was read aloud, invites were offered to ‘backstage’ and Gaga spoke at length: which only added to the mystery of this incredible performer.
Poker Face was massive, while the snippet of Telephone could have been much longer. By the time Pokerface was happening the bulk of the venue were on their feet: while Gaga reminded us we weren’t even an hour into the extravaganza yet!
Paparazzi was another audience favourite while Born This Way was delivered as a bare bones take at the piano.
The dancers, alongside a rocking band, were the co-stars. The final furlong included Judas, Aura and Sexxx Dreams. Bad Romance was a highlight and Gaga won a heart when she invited a young girl on stage as she took her bows and played alone at the piano.
Despite the size of the room, Gaga creates an intimacy with her audience. (Witness the mass gypsy dance by fans on the floor). One of the great nights, Gaga’s current tour takes what she does to another level. Not since U2 rolled out the PopMart tour has an artist taken to the big rooms and delivered something this bloody special. More power to her.
Sean Sennett
