Okay, I recognize that I’m going to very unpopular but I have to admit I wasn’t too impressed with Lady Gaga’s show last night.
Firstly, her opening act, Semi Precious Weapon was terrible. Admittedly, I’m not a punk fan. But their drummer was mediocre, their guitar players weren’t great and dude couldn’t sing his way out of anything at all. And so crude. I knew we were in for something when there were viewer discretion signs on the way into Rexall and I’m pretty open minded. But I’d be very concerned if a kid of mine (or neice, nephew, cousin, neighbor’s kid) was in the audience. Every second word was the F-bomb and I seriously felt they were hiding being vulgarity and over-the-top showmanship to hide their lack of talent. It wasn’t clever and it wasn’t spectacular by any stretch.
‘Nuff said about SPW.
On to Lady Gaga. Now, I’ll admit, there were some definite flashes of brilliant talent. My favorite moment of the concert was Gaga in her bikini at the piano. The woman can play. And she definitely has some pipes. The songs she did in this portion of the concert was fabulous and it just left me wanting.
And some of her messages were actually quite cool – throw away your insecurities, accept and love people, equal rights – all things I totally agree with. The message about seeing yourself as beautiful and not listening to what others say is something girls (I say girls because that’s how I relate) actually brought a tear to my eye.
But I think there were a lot of negative messages around it – no concept of right and wrong, the “anything goes” mentality, and my personal favorite for obvious reasons – seeing this icon and role model smoking away like a chain smoker on a 50 foot video. It will be interesting to see if the rate of smokers in young people rises.
When it came to her viewpoints on Christianity and Jesus, it was interesting that my husband and I had different views on the show. I was offended a little bit. And saddened. I felt it was extremely mocking and from someone who is pretty open-minded about the Gay and Lesbian community who is also a Christian, I was offended. My husband said the opposite. He took it as that religion says Jesus loves you only if you are “insert criteria here” but that her viewpoint on Jesus was He loves everyone. I just felt there was enough mocking in the presentation that most people would see it as a slam against my faith rather than supporting it. It makes me sad to think that people might see me in this light.
And I admire her dedication to helping homeless teens who have been kicked out by families due to sexual orientation. I admire her wanting to change attitudes and raise awareness. I just have to wonder if it wasn’t so in your face and mocking, that more conservative people would listen. It seems to me that it was set up in a way that pushes people further away from acceptance.
So what about the music, which is the most important thing for me? Well, again there were moments, mere moment of fabulousness, sandwiched in between terrible videos that were too drawn out and a “story line” that I thought was just kind of dumb. And while I loved some of the costumes (the fair/angel costume was so pretty and cool), some of them were just plain stupid (like the Cousin It/Sweetums costume from the Muppets.) I was actually quite bored during the first half and the second half got a little better.
Anyway, there is some talent there for sure. I understand the appeal. I still like some of the songs. Will I ever go see her again?
Maybe if she did a “Barebones, Adams-like” tour at the Winspear.
Firstly, her opening act, Semi Precious Weapon was terrible. Admittedly, I’m not a punk fan. But their drummer was mediocre, their guitar players weren’t great and dude couldn’t sing his way out of anything at all. And so crude. I knew we were in for something when there were viewer discretion signs on the way into Rexall and I’m pretty open minded. But I’d be very concerned if a kid of mine (or neice, nephew, cousin, neighbor’s kid) was in the audience. Every second word was the F-bomb and I seriously felt they were hiding being vulgarity and over-the-top showmanship to hide their lack of talent. It wasn’t clever and it wasn’t spectacular by any stretch.
‘Nuff said about SPW.
On to Lady Gaga. Now, I’ll admit, there were some definite flashes of brilliant talent. My favorite moment of the concert was Gaga in her bikini at the piano. The woman can play. And she definitely has some pipes. The songs she did in this portion of the concert was fabulous and it just left me wanting.
And some of her messages were actually quite cool – throw away your insecurities, accept and love people, equal rights – all things I totally agree with. The message about seeing yourself as beautiful and not listening to what others say is something girls (I say girls because that’s how I relate) actually brought a tear to my eye.
But I think there were a lot of negative messages around it – no concept of right and wrong, the “anything goes” mentality, and my personal favorite for obvious reasons – seeing this icon and role model smoking away like a chain smoker on a 50 foot video. It will be interesting to see if the rate of smokers in young people rises.
When it came to her viewpoints on Christianity and Jesus, it was interesting that my husband and I had different views on the show. I was offended a little bit. And saddened. I felt it was extremely mocking and from someone who is pretty open-minded about the Gay and Lesbian community who is also a Christian, I was offended. My husband said the opposite. He took it as that religion says Jesus loves you only if you are “insert criteria here” but that her viewpoint on Jesus was He loves everyone. I just felt there was enough mocking in the presentation that most people would see it as a slam against my faith rather than supporting it. It makes me sad to think that people might see me in this light.
And I admire her dedication to helping homeless teens who have been kicked out by families due to sexual orientation. I admire her wanting to change attitudes and raise awareness. I just have to wonder if it wasn’t so in your face and mocking, that more conservative people would listen. It seems to me that it was set up in a way that pushes people further away from acceptance.
So what about the music, which is the most important thing for me? Well, again there were moments, mere moment of fabulousness, sandwiched in between terrible videos that were too drawn out and a “story line” that I thought was just kind of dumb. And while I loved some of the costumes (the fair/angel costume was so pretty and cool), some of them were just plain stupid (like the Cousin It/Sweetums costume from the Muppets.) I was actually quite bored during the first half and the second half got a little better.
Anyway, there is some talent there for sure. I understand the appeal. I still like some of the songs. Will I ever go see her again?
Maybe if she did a “Barebones, Adams-like” tour at the Winspear.
Hi Paula,
ReplyDeleteA shame you didn't enjoy most of it. I totally agree with your assessment of SPW. I managed 10 minutes before leaving. Blessedly they were only on for 30.
Regarding her religious statements, I saw it the same way as your husband. I didn't think she was mocking, just pointing out how many people use religion as the reason for disliking people with different sexual orientations.
Personally, I was tired of the soapbox by then. I don't care what she believes in. I paid for music and a show, not a religious-sexual diatribe.
It's interesting that you liked the piano segment the most, whereas that was my least favourite. No question she can play, but I was there for the spectacle.
I loved the constantly changing sets and costumes. It was like watching a play instead of a concert. As for the odd costumes, well, that's Gaga. :) They were rather tame compared to some I've seen.
In the end, my friend and I quite enjoyed it. I wanted a live music video, and she provided.
Thanks for your feedback and point of view. It encourages me that someone else saw it the same way. I think I was like you; I got tired of the soapbox and it bored me. I think I also need to rethink the acts I see live. Those that are very techno, video driven are the concerts I tend not to enjoy as much. I thought Cher was just okay and Britney was horrible. I'm really there for good music and amazing playing and singing. However, we did see George Michael in Vancouver and he has been the best so far. Loved him!
ReplyDeleteJesus definitely loves all! It's Christians who do not love all....
ReplyDelete