Today in Madonna History: February 19, 2015

gala-feb-19-mag

On February 19 2015, Madonna appeared on the cover of Gala magazine.

Here’s a snippet of the interview included in the magazine:

What is the greatest misconception people have about Madonna?

Oh well, there are plenty. One, for sure is that I am not vulnerable. Some people think that I am never sad nor depressed or exhausted and that I never suffer from a broken heart. They think of me as bigger than life. Or they believe that I am cold-hearted and calculating. But you know what? I hate this question (pours tequila and hands it over).

Hold on for a second: you said I had to drink for every stupid question.

Well, I extend it with another category: annoying. Cheers. Drink it up!

And where is the salt and the lemon?

We didn’t have enough money for that (laughs).

Your answer to the question about misconception shows that you are also a vulnerable person. “Rebel Heart” shows this part of your personality. Have you grown softer in the last years?

In some ways, yes. But even 25 years ago I already was romantic and sensitive. The other part of me will always be a rebel.

How do you handle the hostility directed at you?

Sometimes I am very hurt, when I read the hateful and nasty comments people make about me on the Internet. I think it’s shocking how mean and vicious some people can be. It’s a very cowardly behaviour. Those people would never say these things to my face, if they met me in the streets.

You really read the nasty comments about you?

Every now and then, yes I do.

Why do you hurt yourself this way?

Because, I am a very curious person. And luckily, there are not only nasty comments, but a lot of positive things. For me it’s exciting to see what my fans are thinking. And, concerning the haters: I have grown a very thick skin. I have always been criticized. Some people think I am a superwoman. But I am not. Some comments directed at me really get under my skin and hurt me. After all, I am just a normal woman.

gala-feb-19-mag-end

Today in Madonna History: February 18, 2015

m-twitter-feb-18-2015-1

On February 18 2015, Madonna thanked her fans on Twitter for bombarding BBC Radio One to play her new single, Living For Love, despite the radio station’s refusal to play Madonna’s music because of her age.

It’s terribly concerning and sad that an industry that milked Madonna’s music for decades would turn its back on her because of age. 

Growing older is inevitable — and being young and quality of music do not always go hand in hand — so why discriminate  based on age? 

Forget about Madonna for a second — she’s had an incredible career — but what about the artists who develop their talent later in life? Think about all the artists whom will never be heard.

I’ll take a Tina Turner over another Selena Gomez or Demi Lovato — ANY DAY OF THE WEEK.

The rules are changing and we need to remember the artists that created the soundtrack for our lives — they weren’t always 25. They were 40 and 50 and 60 and beyond. They weren’t always blonde and cute — they were raunchy and haggard and crazy looking and fucked up. Only Disney can produce the pretty – virgin-like, powder coated princesses.  

The real musicians came out hard and loud and proud .. with balls. You’ve gotta love balls!

Now think about Madonna again — why should she be be muted because she’s already had an incredible career? Why can’t that career continue? Someone or some conglomerate is writing the end of her radio career — without the involvement of music fans or radio listeners. Some guy or a board of guys has decided that she can’t have another Top 10, or Top 5 or #1 single because they say so. 

Fuck them.  FUCK THEM!

Will Madonna’s music ever find a home on the radio again? – Jay

m-twitter-feb-18-2015-end

Today in Madonna History: January 29, 2015

unapologeticreview-1

On January 29 2015, Rob Sheffield reviewed Madonna’s Unapologetic Bitch for Rolling Stone magazine’s singles review section (even though it was never released as a single):

Bitch, she’s Madonna. The queen of queens has given a taste of her upcoming album, Rebel Heart, with a few songs dropped in advance after an early leak of unfinished versions. And the girl’s in a feisty mood these days – Madonna writing herself a theme song called “Unapologetic Bitch” is like Springsteen doing one called “Jersey Guy Who Sweats a Lot.” These new songs range from the Nicki Minaj collabo “Bitch I’m Madonna” to the gospel-house pieties of “Living for Love” to the Yeezus-style industrial Kanye grind “Illuminati.” But “Unapologetic Bitch” is the standout: a breakup rant over a Diplo-produced dancehall groove, with Madonna shooting a few poison arrows into the heart of some dude who’s done her wrong.

unapologeticreview-end

Today in Madonna History: January 21, 2015

rebelheart-fbi-1

On January 21 2015, an undercover investigation by the Internet crime unit of Israel’s anti-fraud police resulted in the arrest of a Tel Aviv man suspected of hacking into Madonna’s home computer, stealing unreleased music and selling the tracks online.

The investigation began after a complaint by Madonna’s manager, Guy Oseary.  With the cooperation of the FBI, the hack was found to be larger in scale and involved more musicians than just Madonna.

An expert in Internet crime was sent to New York City to inspect Madonna’s computers, where he confirmed a hack originating in Israel. Police searched the suspect’s home, seizing computers and media storage devices.

Madonna had this to say about the Rebel Heart album leaks incident:

“I am profoundly grateful to the FBI, the Israeli Police investigators and anyone else who helped lead to the arrest of this hacker. I deeply appreciate my fans who have provided us with pertinent information and continue to do so regarding leaks of my music. Like any citizen, I have the right to privacy. This invasion into my life – creatively, professionally, and personally remains a deeply devastating and hurtful experience, as it must be for all artists who are victims of this type of crime.”

rebelheart-fbi-end

Today in Madonna History: January 6, 2015

peopleschoiceawards-1

On January 6 2015, Madonna won the Favorite Music Icon award at the People’s Choice Awards, hosted by Jane Lynch at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles, California.

The nominees were Madonna, Paul McCartney, Prince, Steven Tyler and Stevie Wonder.

peopleschoiceawards-2

Today in Madonna History: January 2, 2015

rebelheart-ribbbons-1

On January 2 2015, the negative reaction to Madonna’s controversial social media postings (and repostings of her fans) of Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr., Jesus Christ, Bob Marley and Marilyn Monroe wearing the Rebel Heart ribbon/tape prompted Madonna to make the following statement on her social media channels:

I’m sorry
I’m not comparing my self to anyone
I’m admiring and acknowledging their Rebel Hearts
This is neither a crime or an insult or racist!
I also did it with Michael Jackson and Frida Kahlo and Marilyn Monroe
Am I saying I am them
NO
I’m saying they are Rebel Hearts too
And
I didn’t do it
My fans did
And I just re-posted those photos
My fans aren’t racist either
If they put me in the same category as these other people
Thank you. I’m very flattered and I hope one day to live up to 1/100th of what those people accomplished. – Madonna

 

Madonna You Can Be a #Rebelheart But Leave Nelson Mandela, Bob Marley And Martin Luther Out Of It

rebelheart-ribbbons-end1

Today in Madonna History: December 31, 2015

elle-france-december-31-2015-1 elle-france-december-31-2015-2 elle-france-december-31-2015-3 elle-france-december-31-2015-4 elle-france-december-31-2015-5 elle-france-december-31-2015-6 elle-france-december-31-2015-7 elle-france-december-31-2015-8 elle-france-december-31-2015-9

On December 31 2015, Madonna was featured on the cover of Elle France magazine.

Here’s a snippet of the article inside (translated):

“Morons have always hated her. Or loathed her. For Madonna is not only consumerism. It would be an insult to Madonna fans to speak of her only in terms of figures. Because she was the first to deliver this message to such big crowds, and still does after 30 years: that her femininity is openly in conflict with what religions demand from female individuals, yet her femininity never ceases to be spiritual.”

elle-france-december-31-2015-end