Today in Madonna History: August 15, 1987

madonna_leeds_wtg_tour

On August 15 1987, Madonna opened the European leg of the Who’s That Girl World Tour 1987 at Roundhay Park in Leeds, England.  Madonna performed for 73,000 fans during the show.

The title Who’s That Girl Tour came to Madonna during rehearsals when she looked at a gigantic image of herself, projected on a screen on the stage. She commented,

“Oh god, what have I done? What have I created? Is that me, or is this me, this small person standing down here on the stage? That’s why I call the tour ‘Who’s That Girl?’; because I play a lot of characters, and every time I do a video or a song, people go, ‘Oh, that’s what she’s like.’ And I’m not like any of them. I’m all of them. I’m none of them. You know what I mean.?”

Today in Madonna History: August 11, 1987

madonna-true-blue-lp-august-picture-disc-side-1 madonna-true-blue-lp-august-picture-disc-side-2

On August 11 1987, Madonna’s True Blue album was certified 5x platinum (for shipment of 5 million units) in the USA.

Stephen Thomas Erlewine noted that “True Blue is the album where Madonna truly became ‘Madonna the Superstar’—the endlessly ambitious, fearlessly provocative entertainer that knew how to outrage, spark debates, get good reviews—and make good music while she’s at it.”

Today in Madonna History: August 7, 1987

wtg_film-1 wtg_film-2 wtg_film-3 wtg_film-5 wtg_film-4 wtg_film-6 wtg_film-7 wtg_film-8 wtg_film-9

On August 7 1987, Who’s That Girl (the movie) was released across North America.

Today in Madonna History: July 13, 1987

madonna-amfar-87-madison-square-garden-new-york-1 madonna-amfar-87-madison-square-garden-new-york-1b madonna - martin burgoyne - true blue set - sep 1986madonna - martin burgoyne - keith harring - maipol - debi mazar 1986madonna-amfar-87-madison-square-garden-new-york-3 ER1030_MADONNA

On July 13 1987, Madonna performed an AIDS benefit concert in memory of her friend Martin Burgoyne at Madison Square Garden in New York.

The concert raised $400,00 for the American Foundation for AIDS Research (AMFAR).

The show was part of Madonna’s Who’s That Girl World Tour and she performed in front 14,000 fans.

Today in Madonna History: July 11, 1987

Who's That Girl Canadian CMS - Cover Insert 550 Who's That Girl Canadian CMS - Inside Insert 550 Who's That Girl Canadian CMS - Side 1

On July 11 1987, the Who’s That Girl single made its debut on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S., entering the chart at number forty-three.

Today in Madonna History: July 6, 1987


On July 6 1987, Madonna played the first of two sold-out shows at the Forum in Montreal, Québec, Canada during the Who’s That Girl World Tour.

The gigs marked Madonna’s first concert in the city. The local press gave the shows glowing reviews and complimented Madonna’s sincere efforts in speaking French with her audience.

While the majority of the tour played to stadiums, a handful of arena dates in North America – including the shows at the Forum – required the use of a less sprawling stage configuration.

Thanks to Tonytheturtle, FYO PIX for the video clips & Caroline Duval for the images!

Today in Madonna History: July 5, 1987

janepauley_madonna1 janepauley_madonna2

On July 5 1987,  Madonna was interviewed by Jane Pauley on NBC-TV’s Today and caused a controversy when she referred to her hometown of Bay City, Michigan as “a smelly little town” – a comment that enraged the citizens of Bay City.