Today in Madonna History: February 19, 2015

February 19, 2022 By sonicboy19 in 2015, February Tags: On the Cover of a Magazine 1 Comment

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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.

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Today In Madonna History: February 18, 2001

February 18, 2022 By sonicboy19 in 2001, February Tags: Controversy, Eminem, George W. Bush, Grammy Awards, Letter, Los Angeles Times 1 Comment

On February 18 2001, Madonna wrote a letter to the Los Angeles Times newspaper in defence of controversial rap artist Eminem over the public and media criticism of his offensive song lyrics and Grammy Award nominations:

“What is the big deal about Eminem? Since when is offensive language a reason for being unpopular? I find the language of George W. much more offensive. I find the hypocritical nature of most popular figures in our culture much more offensive. I like the fact that Eminem is brash and angry and politically incorrect. At least he has an opinion. He’s stirring things up, he’s provoking a discussion, he’s making people’s blood boil. He’s reflecting what’s going on in society right now. That is what art is supposed to do. And after all he’s just a boy. Thank God he’s rebellious and not well-groomed. He gets my vote. Yours truly, Mrs. Ritchie.”

Today In Madonna History: February 17, 1998

February 17, 2022 By Jay in 1998, February Tags: London, Lourdes Maria Ciccone, Ray Of Light (Single) 2 Comments

On February 17 1998, Madonna arrived in London, England to begin the European promotional tour for Ray of Light.

Today in Madonna History: February 16, 1990

February 16, 2022 By Jay in 1990, February Tags: Herb Ritts 1 Comment

On February 16 1990, Madonna’s close friend Keith Haring died.

Madonna shared this memory of their friendship:

“We were two odd birds in the same environment. I watched Keith come up from that street base, which is where I also came up from. I’ve always responded to Keith’s art. From the very beginning there was a lot of innocence and a joy that was coupled with a brutal awareness of the world. The fact is, there’s a lot of irony in Keith’s work, just as there’s a lot of irony in my work. And that’s what attracts me to his stuff. I mean, you have these bold colors and those childlike figures and a lot of babies, but if you really look at those works closely, they’re really very powerful and really scary.”

Today in Madonna History: February 15, 1986

February 15, 2022 By Jay in 1986, February Tags: Borderline, Dress You Up 3 Comments

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On February 15 1986, the re-release of Madonna’s Borderline reached #2 on the UK singles chart (up from #3 the week before). And while Borderline climbed up the chart, Dress You Up enjoyed its 11th and final week on the chart, dropping to #68 from #61 the week before.

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