 | |
Madonna news - July 2012
← June 2012 | Aug. 2012 →
Madonna reacts to Olympia controversy too
Source: Madonna.com - 29 July 2012 
After Liz' statement on Friday, Madonna has added her own two cents on the Olympia controversy as well. Unfortunately, it is downplayed as the reaction of a "few thugs who were not fans", although everyone who attended knows it was in fact many fans who were disappointed. The throwing-bottles and calling-names was only a minority. To read our point of view, check our tour diary.
"Playing the Olympia was a magical moment for me and it was real treat to do this special show for my fans and be so close to them. Unfortunately at the end of the show - after I left the stage - a few thugs who were not my fans rushed the stage and started throwing plastic bottles pretending to be angry fans. The press reports have focused on this and not the joyous aspect of the evening. But nothing can take away or ruin this very special evening for me and my fans. When I looked out in the audience, everyone I saw had a smile on their face. I look forward to having this wonderful experience again."
Liz reacts to Olympia controversy
27 July 2012Following the controversy of yesterday's gig at the Olympia in Paris, Madonna's spokesperson Liz Rosenberg has released the following statement:
Madonna’s Paris club show was planned as her heartfelt thank-you to France, which she expressed at the start of her show. Despite a grueling concert tour, she desperately wanted to perform for her fans in an intimate setting at the historic Olympia as a means to honor her love for French artists, French cinema and a tribute to France’s long history of welcoming and inspiring artists, authors, painters, poets and minorities from other countries over the years.
The show was not billed as her full MDNA concert and tremendous effort was made to keep the ticket prices reasonable ($100 for 2,000 floor seats) and keep them strictly for her fans.
The show cost Madonna close to a million dollars to produce. She has done a handful of club dates in the past and they were never more than 45 minutes. And by the way, she put on a fabulous show, which was streamed for millions of fans around the world.
Madonna praises France, 'knows made Le Pen angry'
Source: AFP via Yahoo! - 27 July 2012
US pop queen Madonna praised France for its tolerance and welcoming attitude to minorities and said she knew far-right leader Marine Le Pen was "very angry with me" over a provocative video.
"I know that I have made a certain Marine Le Pen very angry with me. It's not my intention to make enemies," Madonna told 2,700 fans at a sell-out concert at the Olympia hall in Paris on Thursday.
France's far-right National Front said earlier this month it would sue the singer over a video at an earlier Paris concert showing party leader Le Pen with a swastika on her forehead.
The video, which served as a backdrop for Madonna's performance of the song Nobody Knows Me, flashed a picture of Le Pen's forehead superimposed with a swastika, followed by an image resembling Nazi leader Adolf Hitler.
Madonna went on to praise France for its tolerance and the welcome it had extended to black entertainers.
"Before the civil rights in America, African American artists were not allowed to perform in America ... but France opened their arms to them, Josephine Baker, Charlie Parker ... people of colour, people with difference, minorities felt welcome in France," she said.
"If we don't learn from history we will just repeat it. So the next time you want to point the finger at somebody and blame them for the problems in your life take that finger and point it back at you."
Irish actor Pierce Brosnan, star of Roman Polanski's "The Ghost Writer" and a former James Bond incarnation, was among the fans cheering the US pop icon.
"We know her, my wife wanted to come so we bought tickets," Brosnan told AFP.
Brosnan was in Paris for "Love Punch," a film with Emma Thompson being shot in the French capital.
Madonna wrote and performed the title song for the 2002 Bond film Die Another Day starring Brosnan and Halle Berry.
The singer performed for just an hour at the Olympia hall, drawing boos when the curtain went down.
Olympia show to be streamed on LoveLife's Youtube channel
Source: PR Newswire - 25 July 2012
LOS ANGELES, July 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Following overwhelming demand for tickets to Madonna's intimate club show scheduled to take place on Thursday, July 26th at the historic Olympia in Paris, the Material Girl has invited her fans around the world to see her performance via a live global stream through LoveLive's YouTube channel beginning 10:15pm Paris time CET; 4:15pm ET. There will also be a post stream of the show where the footage can be viewed in its entirety.
The show, which was confirmed by Live Nation - Madonna's MDNA international tour partner -, will include songs from the artist's current album, MDNA, along with her new single, Turn Up The Radio as well as several classics. MDNA which was released by Universal Records debuted at No. 1 in over 40 countries. The Olympia, founded in 1888 has been the site of legendary shows by performers such as Marlene Dietrich, Edith Piaf and Charles Aznavour.
Toby L, Creative Director of LoveLive commented: "We are beyond elated to be hosting a global stream of one of the world's most iconic artists in such a unique and intimate circumstance which will bring our audience closer than ever to Madonna. This performance typifies what we're doing with the LoveLive music series, which will continue to feature the world's most recognisable music artists."
Patrick Walker, Senior Director, Content Partnerships EMEA, YouTube commented: "It's incredibly exciting that Madonna's performance from this iconic, intimate venue will be available to her fans around the world via YouTube. No one needs to miss out on this great addition to YouTube's music line-up this summer."
Madonna's MDNA Tour, currently whirling through Europe, has reaffirmed her reputation as one of the most thrilling and fearless performers ever: "Spectacular" raved the Mail. "Seeing Madonna live is a privilege," glowed The Independent. "Another world-class show her fans will lap up," raved The Sun. "Madonna's back with a vengeance…our disco Messiah," commented MOJO Magazine.
The global live stream can be viewed through the LoveLive channel on YouTube @www.youtube.com/madonnaclubshowparis
Madonna: 'I'm glad I helped write Born This Way'
Source: Digital Spy - 23 July 2012Madonna has made a new dig at Lady GaGa in relation to her track 'Born This Way'.
GaGa came under scrutiny when the song was first released, due to it sounding similar in parts to Madonna classic Express Yourself.
However, GaGa dismissed the accusations, saying that claims the song was based on Madonna's track were "retarded", although she later apologised for her choice of words.
Madonna has now quipped in an interview on Brazilian television. "I'm a really big fan of ['Born This Way']. I'm glad that I helped GaGa write it."
Madonna has previously made fun of the comparison by performing a mash-up of the two tracks during her MDNA tour.
Lady GaGa has yet to publicly comment on Madonna's comments, but recently made a speech on stage about general criticism of her work.
Madonna criticised for defying police warning to use gun props on stage
Source: The Scotsman - 23 July 2012
MADONNA has been criticised after brandishing a hand weapon and machine gun on stage in Edinburgh, just two days after the 12 people were shot dead in a cinema in Denver.
The US singer defied a warning from Lothian and Borders Police not to use the controversial props during her first-ever performance in Scotland.
Critics said the move was particularly insensitive in light of Friday morning's massacre, the worst US mass shooting since 2009.
"Madonna has obviously developed this as part of her routine, but I think common sense should have been applied this weekend. Given the recent events in Denver and the fact that she was in Scotland – where the Dunblane massacre occurred – better judgement should have been used," said Shabnum Mustapha, director of Amnesty International Scotland.
Madonna after-party causes noise complaints
Source: Monsters & Critics - 19 July 2012Madonna's after-show party following a concert in London's Hyde Park caused neighbours to complain about noise pollution.
The 53-year-old singer hosted a gathering at her Mayfair home with celebrities including George Michael and Stella McCartney as guests.
However local residents called out the noise abatement team over her loud bash.
One nearby dweller claimed the council did nothing to stop the noise until it was too late.
They told the Daily Mirror newspaper: 'It went on until quarter past two. It was all out in the garden - it woke me up. She is a pain'.
A Westminster Council spokesman said a complaint about loud music was called in after midnight from a resident in Great Cumberland Place.
He said: 'When officers arrived, they could clearly hear music and shouting.
'In their opinion it was unreasonable on a weekday evening so they served a noise abatement notice on the owner of the house.
'As soon as the notice was received, the volume was turned down and there were no further complaints.'
Madonna's MDNA TOUR Adds Special Performance At Paris' Famed Olympia July 26th
Source: Madonna.com - 18 July 2012 Madonna's fanatic French fans are in for a special treat with the announcement of an intimate one night only performance by the Material Girl at the historic Olympia in Paris on Thursday, July 26th. The show which was confirmed by Live Nation, Madonna's MDNA international tour promoter, follows The Material Girl's stunning performance last Saturday (July 14th) at Paris Stade de France. The Olympia show will include songs from Madonna's current MDNA CD including her new single, Turn Up The Radio as well as several classics. MDNA debuted at No. 1 in over 40 countries. The Olympia, founded in 1888 has been the site of legendary shows by performers such as Marlene Dietrich, Charles Aznavour and Jacques Brel.
With anticipation for ticket demands for Madonna's Olympia date at an all time high, the show will be streamed for all to see. Complete URL information to follow this week.
The MDNA Tour, currently whirling through Europe, has reaffirmed Madonna's reputation as one of the most thrilling and fearless performers ever and an artist who continues to produce visual extravaganzas. "Another world-class show her fans will lap up," raved The Sun in the UK. "Madonna's back with a vengeance... Madonna returns to defy the realms of possibility - our disco Messiah," commented MOJO Magazine.
Tickets for the exclusive opportunity to see Madonna at the 2700 seat will first go on sale to members of Madonna's fan club beginning Wednesday, July 18th at 1pm (13:00) through Thursday, July 19th at 3pm (15:00). Tickets will be held for the public and will go on sale after following fan club sales on Friday July 20th at 10:00 at www.olympiahall.com.
Tickets starting at 80 euros will be sold via internet only and will be limited to 2 tickets per person. All tickets purchased will be available night of show only at the will call window at the box office. Customers will be required to present picture ID and the credit card that tickets were purchased with. All transactions are non-transferable - only the person who purchased the ticket will be admitted entry. Once the tickets have been redeemed at the box office, the patron will be directed immediately into the venue.
UPDATE: The Olympia website has difficulties processing the massive amount of requests. Ticket prices: there are 3 seat categories for 89, 166 and 276 EUR.
Madonna won't tour Australia
Source: Sydney Morning Herald - 18 July 2012 
Madonna has once again snubbed her Australian fans after scrapping plans to tour next year.
The singer's concert promoter Live Nation confirmed the cancellation today, ruling out extra dates on her MDNA world tour.
"Madonna's tour will end in South America in December as planned. That's all we can say," a spokesperson said.
Madonna was due to confirm summer dates earlier this month but delayed the announcement until after the Olympics.
Stadiums had reportedly been booked in Sydney and Melbourne for her first Australian tour since 1993.
MDNA Tour tops Billboard's Hot Tours
Source: Billboard - 17 July 2012Though her album MDNA has been a relative disappointment since opening at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with 359,000 sold in its first sales frame (75% of its total to date), Madonna continues to be one of the world's top touring draws.
The Material Girl tops Billboard's latest Hot Tours ranking with the first box office totals reported from her massive MDNA Tour that launched at the end of May. Ticket sales revenue from the first 11 venues on the tour schedule totaled $49.5 million from 417,448 sold tickets. The tour began in Israel on May 31 with a crowd of 33,457 in attendance for the first performance. The inaugural concert was held at Israel's largest football venue, Ramat Gan Stadium in Tel Aviv with revenue topping $4.3 million (US$). Following the tour opener in Israel, Madonna made her first concert appearance in the United Arab Emirates with a two-show stint at du Arena on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi on June 3 and 4. The Box office gross was $8 million (US$), tops among the 11 concert engagements included in this week's tally.
The MDNA Tour's European leg kicked off in Turkey on June 7 with a crowd of 47,789 in attendance at Türk Telekom Arena in Istanbul. Concerts followed in Italy, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Denmark and Sweden. Barcelona's Palau Sant Jordi hosted the legendary pop star for two performances on June 20 and 21, and another two-show run was held at the O2 World arena in Berlin on June 28 and 30. When the European trek ends on August 21 in Nice, France, the tour will then cross the pond for its first U.S. performance. The North American leg will kick off in Philadelphia on August 28 and continue through late-November. A South American leg begins in Colombia on November 28 and will wrap on December 22 in Argentina.
If Madonna goes overtime in Hyde Park, the plug will be pulled on her
Source: London Evening Standard - 16 July 2012Madonna was today warned she will be cut off just like Bruce Springsteen if she over-runs a strict curfew when she plays Hyde Park.
The singer, 53, is set to perform before 50,000 fans tomorrow night in her first appearance in England for four years. But she has been told not to over-run the 10.30pm curfew after the plug was pulled on Springsteen as he duetted with Paul McCartney in front of a sell-out 80,000-crowd on Saturday.
John Probyn, chief operating officer of Live Nation, said: "It won't happen again. We've had lengthy conversations with Madonna's people. They contacted us. We've worked out with them what time she needs to go on stage to finish on time. That's all in hand."
Asked whether the plug would be pulled on Madonna if she were to run over, Mr Probyn said: "Yes. We'd have no choice. We are effectively breaking the law if we carry on. There's not a lot we can do. She will finish on time."
Westminster council today revealed it received one complaint about the noise from Springsteen's gig on Saturday night, with a second yesterday.
The council, which has cut the maximum number of concerts in Hyde Park from 13 to nine from next year, said Springsteen had not breached its 75 decibel maximum. Last night Paul Simon also stayed within the sound limit, though many concert goers complained the music was not loud enough — a complaint of many who attended the Springsteen gig.
Police concerns about the need to evacuate the crowd via Hyde Park Corner were behind the decision to cut the sound before 10.40pm as Springsteen and McCartney sang Twist and Shout.
Springsteen said "I've waited for this moment for 50 years" as he introduced the ex-Beatle to the crowd. Guitarist Steve Van Zandt tweeted afterwards: "Is there just too much fun in the world? We would have been off by 11 if we'd done one more. On a Saturday night! Who were we disturbing?"
Rachel Gould, who Springsteen plucked out of the crowd to dance with him on Dancing in the Dark, said: "10.30pm is very early to end a gig. I was just really disappointed he didn't get the chance to finish the set off. The last song is always where he thanks Clarence Clemons, who was his saxophone player." Clemons died last year.
Fan Adam Coulter said: "It seemed extraordinarily petty-minded. History was being made before our eyes. Bruce seemed so happy to be back in the UK. Is this going to make him think twice about coming back?"
A Westminster spokeswoman said: "These time limits are a compromise between the interests of the organisers on one hand and local residents on the other, and are put in place for a reason — to get people out safely and to minimise disruption for residents."
Mark Field, Conservative MP for Cities of London and Westminster, said: "It's a matter of getting the right balance. There have been a number of occasions where these concerts have over-run and I think it's right that the organisers decided to put their foot down and pull the plug."
Turn Up The Radio video premiere
16 July 2012The Tom Munro directed video for Turn Up The Radio premiered today on VEVO. Also check the single cover on the left.
Madonna sued over Vogue
Source: MTV.com - 14 July 2012Twenty-plus years after releasing her iconic song Vogue, Madonna is being sued over the 1990 hit.
According to E! News, Delaware-based company VMG filed a suit Wednesday against the pop star and her onetime label, WB Records, claiming the track samples the 1977 song "Love Break." Vogue was produced by Shep Pettibone, who also worked on remixes of "Love Break" and is named in the suit as well.
"The portions of 'Love Break', which have been copied into Vogue and all its various 'mixes,' 'remixes' videos, YouTube versions, etc. are numerous but intentionally hidden," the suit from VMG reads. "The horn and strings in Vogue are intentionally sampled from 'Love Break' throughout."
As for Pettibone's part, the suit says he "intentionally disguised the sampling he did in Vogue."
They are now looking for compensation two decades later since, they claim, it took more modern technology to discover the alleged sample. "The unauthorized sampling was deliberately hidden by [Madonna] within Vogue so as to avoid detection," they continued. "It was only when VMG specifically looked for the sample, with the technology available to it in 2011, that the sampling could be confirmed."
VMG says it attempted to give notice of copyright infringement twice before in July 2011 and again in February 2012. "In addition to [Madonna's] profits that are attributable to the copyrighted material," VMG is also seeking damages. A rep for the singer had not responded to MTV News' request for comment by press time.
Vogue originally appeared on the soundtrack of the film Dick Tracy, I'm Breathless (Music From and Inspired by the film Dick Tracy). It hit the top of the charts that year and was the biggest-selling [single] of 1990. The black-and-white, David Fincher-directed video is as iconic as the song itself. It won three of the nine VMAs it was nominated for, including Best Direction, Best Editing and Best Cinematography.
Earlier this year, Madonna commented on the similarities between her own Express Yourself and Lady Gaga's "Born This Way." She famously called Mother Monster's track a "reductive" version of her own feel-good anthem. She currently performs a mash-up of the two tracks on her tour.
Regardless of how the lawsuit shakes out, Madonna will release a new video Monday for her single Turn Up The Radio.
~ We'd like to point out that at the time rules weren't as strict about samples, just a year before Vogue, Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation was famously built around a sample of a Sly & The Family Stone track that never got credited either. Suing two decades later about something like this is simply being desperate for the money.
Madonna fans furious over Cher's tweets
Source: Advocate - 14 July 2012Divas are always starting trends, even if they don't mean to.
"Wtf is mdna" began trending worldwide on Twitter after gay icon Cher tweeted the question, according to Gay Star News. Fans explained it was the name of Madonna's new album MDNA and a reference to the popular party drug MDMA, or ecstasy.
Cher followed up with a sarcastic "How tasteful!"
Fans of the Material Girl weren't pleased. Asked whether she liked Madonna, Cher tweeted, "I Respect her ability ! Shes a genius."
The Twittersphere continued to press the issue, prompting reconciliatory tweets from the "Believe" singer trying to smooth things out:
"Didnt mean throw shade on Madge! shesBest at a what She Does! Called her Bad word once! Not nice! Ok didnt know Mdna shoot me i liv in cave"
"Doesnt ANY FKNG BODY CUT SLAK 4 FKNG MISTAKES ! It not like I CUT her Heart out with a SPOON!!!! Madge & i are cool ! Thats enough 4 me !"
Cher finally left followers with a promise to sort it all out: "Was trying to find Madge to tell her what bullshit this is, but ill straighten it out tomm !"
Turn Up The Radio video preview
13 July 2012The video for Turn Up The Radio got a short teaser preview aired this morning on ITV's Daybreak show.
Billboard announces first tour grosses
Source: Billboard - 12 July 2012 
Billboard has posted the boxscores of Madonna's tour stops so far. The 2 shows in Abu Dhabi are scoring highest with a gross sales of $8,053,500. All shows were sold out.
Tel Aviv: 1 show - gross sales $4,339,876 - attendance 33,457 / 33,457 - price range $644.03, $61.83
Abu Dhabi: 2 shows - gross sales $8,053,500 - attendance 45,722 / 45,722 - price range $298.12, $68.06
Istanbul: 1 show - gross sales $6,219,598 - attendance 47,789 / 47,789 - price range $655.27, $54.61
Rome: 1 show - gross sales $2,835,542 - attendance 36,658 / 36,658 - price range $187.69, $12.51
Milan: 1 show - gross sales $5,624,570 - attendance 53,244 / 53,244 - price range $194.55, $56.48
Florence: 1 show - gross sales $4,252,680 - attendance 42,434 / 42,434 - price range $189.66, $56.90
Barcelona: 2 shows - gross sales $3,893,274 - attendance 33,178 / 33,178 - price range $221.88, $50.72
Coimbra: 1 show - gross sales $3,156,022 - attendance 33,597 / 33,597 - price range $213.78, $45.27
Berlin: 2 shows - gross sales $3,679,378 - attendance 25,481 / 25,481 - price range $208.94, $56.98
Copenhagen: 1 show - gross sales $2,980,465 - attendance 29,416 / 29,416 - price range $254.58, $50.92
Gothenburg: 1 show - gross sales $4,510,807 - attendance 36,472 / 36,472 - price range $180.36, $50.50
Turn Up The Radio video premiere
12 July 2012 
The video for Turn Up The Radio will premiere on VEVO next Monday, July 16th.
A 30 sec. preview will be available tomorrow.
The video was directed by Tom Munro and recorded in Florence, Italy last month.
2nd Medellin show added & change to Rio show date
Source: Madonna.com - 11 July 2012
We are happy to announce that a second show at Medellin's Estadio Atanasio Girardot was just added to the MDNA Tour schedule and will take place on November 29th!
Tickets will go on sale at 12:01am local time on July 17th, while a devoted Icon pre-sale will start on July 12, at 11am local time for Legacy members / 12 Noon local time for Live Pass members.
Also, due to scheduling changes, Madonna's concert at Parque dos Atletas in Rio de Janeiro has been changed from Saturday, December 1st to Sunday, December 2nd.
Rio De Janeiro Ticket Information: All tickets for the December 1st show can be used for the new December 2nd show date. There is no need to exchange tickets. Anyone who purchased tickets and cannot attend the rescheduled concert should visit their retail outlet beginning July 10th to request a refund.
Turn Up The Radio to be released on August 5th
Source: Digital Spy - 5 July 2012Madonna has confirmed the release date for her next single Turn Up the Radio.
The third single from her MDNA collection will be released on August 5 through Interscope.
The track was confirmed as her next single following Give Me All Your Luvin' and Girl Gone Wild last month.
It is co-produced by Madonna and French electronic DJ Martin Solveig.
Madonna filmed the accompanying music video for the single last month in Florence, Italy.
Madonna's tour truck overturned in Sweden
Source: Press Association - 3 July 2012One of Madonna's tour trucks has been involved in a road accident in Sweden.
Police say a truck carrying the sound system for the Queen of Pop's concert in southwestern Sweden overturned and blocked parts of a highway.
Police say it is not clear what caused the truck to suddenly flip onto its side while driving toward Goteborg, and slide across several lanes, blocking rush hour traffic.
It was not immediately clear if the incident will affect Madonna's concert in the city on Wednesday.
Police said one person was injured and three passenger cars were damaged in the accident.
Madonna, who is due to perform in London later this month, is currently on her MDNA world tour, which kicked off in Israel in [May].
This is the 53-year-old singer's ninth world tour. After performing in Europe she will head to the Americas before finishing in Australia in early 2013.
Madonna confrontation looms as United Russia Deputy gives warning
Source: Moscow Times - 3 July 2012
The United Russia city deputy who authored St. Petersburg's notorious law banning "homosexual propaganda" has warned that he will be certain to "maintain norms of decency" at a Madonna concert set for early August where the singer said she would speak out for gay rights.
"We warn the organizers of the concert so that everything goes well. Otherwise they will face the harsh laws of St. Petersburg," United Russia Deputy Vitaly Milonov said, Interfax reported.
"I heard at the concerts on this tour she pulled off her tights, and we will not have that here," he added. The deputy said he has not decided whether or not he will attend the concert personally.
In March, Madonna said she would come to St. Petersburg to speak up for the gay community.
"I will speak during my show about this ridiculous atrocity," Madonna said. "I don't run away from adversity," she added, calling herself a "freedom fighter."
The bill, signed into law March 7 by St. Petersburg Governor Georgy Poltavchenko, an ally of President-elect Vladimir Putin, bans lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered "propaganda" that could give minors "the false perception that traditional and nontraditional relationships are socially equal.
Fines can be issued from 5,000 to 50,000 rubles ($153 to $1,530) under the law. The first conviction was of a protester in May. Activist Nikolai Alexeyev has appealed to the European Court of Human Rights over the case.
Milonov is a controversial figure, who besides authoring the anti-gay law has also engaged in a campaign to "defend children from atheism," proposing to create a special group to preserve traditional values.
Madonna rules Billboard.com's 2012 Mid-Year Music Awards
Source: Billboard - 2 July 2012
Madonna proved to be 2012's ultimate pop star in Billboard.com's Mid-Year Music Awards poll, which let fans weigh in on their favorite artists, songs, albums and performances of the first half of this year. After voting ended on Friday (June 29) and the hundreds of thousands of votes were tallied, Madge was declared the winner of the First-Half MVP trophy, edging out upstart boy band One Direction.
Madonna, whose 12th studio album MDNA was released last March, highlighted the first half of 2012 by performing at the Super Bowl halftime show, scoring another No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and getting involved in a war of words with Lady Gaga. In Billboard.com's poll, the pop superstar snagged the most votes in the Best TV Performance category; the third-most clicks for best Billboard 200 No. 1 Album; and an easy win in the Most Memorable Feud category. Her appearance alongside electronic star Avicii at Ultra Music Festival was also named Best Festival Performance in a romp.
↑ Back to top of page