Tag Archives: Live To Tell

Today in Madonna History: May 5, 2024

May 5, 2024 By in 2024, May Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment

On May 5, 2024, social media and news outlets buzzed with reports of Madonna’s historic concert the previous night. Madonna’s Celebration Tour culminated in a spectacular finale on Saturday night, electrifying Brazil’s Copacabana beach with an unprecedented show destined to carve its place in pop music history. As the sun dipped below Rio de Janeiro’s iconic skyline, an astonishing 1.6 million passionate fans gathered to experience the tour’s grand conclusion, turning the sandy beach into a vibrant wave of enthusiasm and adoration.

From die-hard enthusiasts who had staked their claim for prime viewing spots hours, even days in advance, to affluent aficionados who anchored their boats near the shore, every corner of Copacabana was abuzz with anticipation. Firefighters sprayed cooling mists to alleviate the sweltering heat, ensuring the comfort of the thronging masses as temperatures soared.

At precisely 10:40 p.m., the Queen of Pop herself, Madonna, took to the stage, casting her spell over the ecstatic multitude with an electrifying performance that spanned over two hours. Amidst a cacophony of cheers, she belted out timeless classics like “Like a Prayer,” “Vogue,” and “Express Yourself,” enrapturing the audience with her timeless charisma and boundless energy.

Madonna’s poignant words resonated deeply as she basked in the ethereal beauty of Rio, declaring, “Here we are, in the most beautiful place in the world, with the ocean, the mountains, Jesus. Magic.” Joined by Brazilian luminaries Anitta and Pabllo Vittar, as well as rising talents from local samba schools, Madonna orchestrated a mesmerizing symphony of music and spectacle, transcending boundaries of culture and geography.

As the final notes of “Live to Tell” reverberated into the night sky, accompanied by poignant imagery honoring those lost to AIDS, Madonna’s indelible legacy as the reigning Queen of Pop illuminated the hearts of her audience, serving as a beacon of inspiration for generations past, present, and future.

This historic event not only marked the culmination of Madonna’s monumental Celebration Tour but also etched a new pinnacle in her storied career. With an estimated 1.6 million attendees, surpassing all previous records, the magnitude of her influence and enduring appeal was unequivocally reaffirmed.

In terms of sales, the tour amassed an impressive $225,580,345 in revenue, with an average of $2,819,754 per show. A total of 1,127,658 tickets were sold, averaging 14,096 tickets per show. The average ticket price stood at $200.04, reflecting the demand and excitement surrounding Madonna’s performances. Additionally, all 80 shows reported sold-out crowds, further cementing Madonna’s status as a global icon.

Rio’s preparations for this monumental occasion underscored the economic and cultural significance of the event, with forecasts predicting a substantial boost to the local economy and a surge in tourism. Amidst the logistical challenges akin to New Year’s Eve festivities, stringent security measures ensured the safety of attendees, with a formidable contingent of military and police personnel deployed to maintain order.

Sponsored by Itaú Apresenta, Madonna’s free concert was a heartfelt gesture of gratitude to her legions of fans, a testament to her unwavering commitment to the artistry that has defined her illustrious career spanning four decades.

Full Set List:

Act I

  • It’s a Celebration (with Bob the Drag Queen)
  • Nothing Really Matters
  • Everybody
  • Into the Groove
  • Burning Up
  • Open Your Heart
  • Holiday

Act II

  • The Storm
  • Live to Tell
  • The Ritual (Dancers interlude)
  • Like a Prayer

Act III

  • Living for Love
  • Erotica
  • Justify My Love
  • Hung Up
  • Bad Girl

Act IV

  • Ballroom (Dancers interlude)
  • Vogue (with Anitta)
  • Human Nature (Shortened)
  • Crazy for You (Shortened)

Act V

  • The Beast Within
  • Die Another Day
  • Don’t Tell Me
  • This Little Light of Mine (Acapella snippet)
  • Express Yourself (Acoustic; extended outro)
  • La Isla Bonita
  • Music (with Pabllo Vittar)

Act VI

  • Madonna (video interlude)
  • Bedtime Story
  • Ray of Light
  • Rain

Act VII

  • Billie Jean / Like a Virgin
  • Bitch I’m Madonna
  • Celebration (shortened instrumental outro)

Today in Madonna History: February 17, 1996

February 17, 2024 By in 1996, February Tags: , , , , , , 1 Comment

On February 17 1996, the maxi-single for You’ll See spent its final week on the Maxi-Single Sales chart in Billboard magazine at #40.

The release had a notably short run on the Maxi-Single Sales chart (by Madonna’s typically high standards), spending only three weeks on the proper chart, after debuting on the Bubbling Under chart at #52. It peaked at #18 on February 3rd.

There are several potential reasons that could explain the low sales of its maxi-single. Ballads, unless heavily and successfully remixed, naturally generated less interest with this format, which was primarily geared towards attracting dance music listeners. Many of Madonna’s ballads were not released in the format for this reason. You’ll See was not given an officially released remix treatment but instead featured a Spanish-sung version of the song, an instrumental version, and a live version of another previous ballad hit, Live To Tell.

Further reducing any incentive to buy the maxi-single was the fact that standard U.S. CD and cassette single inexplicably included three of the four cuts featured on the maxi-single, leaving only the Spanish version as an exclusive track on the latter. One wonders if the inclusion of the live version of Live To Tell on the normally two-track standard single was possibly due to a pressing error that they decided to go ahead and release, since it is not listed on the sleeve but is instead promoted as a nameless bonus track on an outer label affixed to the CD and cassette single cellophane (its inclusion is noted on the physical disc and cassette).

Only one Madonna maxi-single issued in the U.S. had both a shorter run and a lower peak on the Maxi-Single Sales chart, and it was another hit ballad. I’ll Remember spent only two weeks on the chart (plus its first week on the Bubbling Under chart), peaking at #30 on May 21, 1994. Similarly, it was also padded with a live cut. However, it also included some creative reworkings of the track by William Orbit, making the reason for its dismal placement on the chart more perplexing. In terms of contents value, it easily outshines the You’ll See maxi-single.

In Canada, You’ll See was only issued as a CD maxi-single, with no standard single being issued on cassette or CD.

Today in Madonna History: November 7, 1995

November 7, 2023 By in 1995, November Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 2 Comments

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On November 7 1995, Madonna’s Something To Remember greatest ballad hits collection was released.  The collection was released on different dates in different markets.

Described as a “love letter from Madonna to her fans and music lovers alike” in the album’s liner note, Madonna further explained:

So much controversy has swirled around my career this past decade that very little attention ever gets paid to my music. The songs are all but forgotten. While I have no regrets regarding the choices I’ve made artistically, I’ve learned to appreciate the idea of doing things in a simpler way. So without a lot of fanfare, without any distractions, I present to you this collection of ballads. Some are old, some are new. All of them are from my heart.

Something To Remember included the following songs:

I Want You
I’ll Remember
Take A Bow
You’ll See
Crazy for You
This Used to Be My Playground
Live to Tell
Love Don’t Live Here Anymore (Remix)
Something to Remember
Forbidden Love
One More Chance
Rain
Oh Father
I Want You (Orchestral)

The Japanese release included La Isla Bonita.

The Latin release included Verás the Spanish version of You’ll See.  

Today in Madonna History: October 7, 1989

October 7, 2023 By in 1989, October Tags: , , , , 1 Comment

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On October 7 1989, Cherish, the third single from Madonna’s incredible Like A Prayer album started the first of a two-week run at #1 on Billboard’s Hot Adult Contemporary chart in the USA.

Cherish was Madonna’s third single to top the A.C. chart, following the 1986 ballad hit Live To Tell (3 weeks at #1) and 1987’s La Isla Bonita (also 1 week at #1).

Here’s what Madonna biographer J. Randy Taraborrelli (Madonna: An Intimate Biography) had to say about the single:

Cherish was a particular triumph for the Madonna/Patrick Leonard partnership. A delightful confection of radio-ready proportions, the song had it all—strong, positive, remarkably dysfunction-free lyrics about love, a memorable, singalong vocal melody, and a tight, pungent rhythm arrangement. It remains, quite simply, one of the best songs Madonna has ever written; sweet and happy, but by no means corny, it’s a perfectly constructed pop song which Madonna delivered beautifully, and with undeniably sassy charm. Indeed, if Cherish had been released in the Sixties, it would have most likely emanated from Detroit’s Motown or the New York song writing Mecca, the Brill Building.

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Today in Madonna History: June 7, 1986

June 7, 2023 By in 1986, June Tags: , , , , , 1 Comment

MADONNA Live to Tell

On June 7 1986, Madonna’s Live To Tell hit #1 in the USA. Live To Tell was written and produced together by Madonna and Patrick Leonard.

Speaking of Patrick Leonard, one of our all-time favourite Madonna collaborators — he currently has a Kickstarter campaign going for a new album called Bring The Circus Home, a collection of re-visited and re-imagined songs (piano-only, no vocals) that he and Madonna worked on and released together. Please check out Patrick’s Kickstarter campaign and donate/pledge if you can — this is an all-or-nothing campaign. He will not be able to proceed with the album if the goal is not met by Wednesday July 4.

Jay’s Note: I’m going to pledge $100 so I can get one of the limited edition vinyl releases! Woo-hoo vinyl! 

This beautiful video shows Madonna collaborator Patrick Leonard playing a solo piano version of Live To Tell:

Today in Madonna History: May 23, 1987

May 23, 2023 By in 1987, May Tags: , , , , 1 Comment

On May 23 1987, La Isla Bonita hit #1 on Billboard’s Hot Adult Contemporary chart where it ruled for a single week.

It was Madonna’s second Hot AC chart topper after Live To Tell‘s three-week stint at #1 the previous year.

Both releases achieved similar longevity on AC radio playlists, with La Isla‘s seventeen-week Hot AC chart run nearly living up to Tell‘s eighteen weeks.

Today in Madonna History: May 18, 1987

May 19, 2023 By in 1987, May Tags: , , , , 1 Comment

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On May 18 1987, Madonna was honored for Best Songwriting for Live To Tell at the 4th annual ASCAP Pop Music Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, Beverly Hills, CA; the award was accepted on her behalf by brother-in-law Christopher Penn.