LONDIN: Pop queen Madonna kicked off her 40th anniversary “Celebration Tour” in London on Saturday, enthralling fans three-and-a-half months after a bacterial infection caused her hospitalisation and its postponement.
The 65-year-old US legend spent several days in intensive care in a New York’s hospital after being found unconscious in her apartment there in June, and has since been recovering, and rehearsing, for the rearranged 78-date music tour, according to AFP.
She had not been due to begin at The O2 Arena in London, but after postponing the original 15 July start date in Canada, it became the curtain raiser — to the delight of her fans in the United Kingdom.
Madonna may have put health problems behind her, but she was also forced to overcome some early on-stage technical issues in the first of 4 sold-out performances at The O2.
Madonna takes stages
After taking to the stage in a great fashion — with a powerful rendition of her 1998 hit song “Nothing Really Matters” — Madonna had to stop the show briefly to “press the reset button” following sound problems.
Madonna told the crowd that this is exactly what you do not want to happen on your opening night so this was not planned. I am sorry.
After the issues s were resolved, she launched into lively versions of 1983 breakthrough single hit “Holiday”, 2005’s “Hung Up” and other favourite songs, while running through an array of elaborate costumes.
They included a punk rocker-style ensemble having a classic statement bra, chains and black jacket, for her 1982 song “Everybody”.
For the first time since her early days, the singer will not be performing alongside an on-stage band during the tour.
But her daughter Mercy James made a special surprise appearance on first night, to play a piano on stage as her mother sang her track “Bad Girl”.
