The crowds gathered outside the O2 Arena long before twilight. Thousands of fans buzzed around the entrance, some in elaborate costumes while others dressed stylishly. Which version of Lady Gaga did you come to see? The gender-defying electronic powerhouse? The introspective ballad singer? The genre-bending dance-pop innovator? Or perhaps the swing crooner reminiscent of the Rat Pack?
Ultimately, the Mayhem Ball strives to encompass all aspects of Lady Gaga, revealing her multifaceted, occasionally fierce essence. Flawlessly produced, it dazzles the senses, presenting a bold affirmation—if any justification were necessary—that Lady Gaga stands as pop's leading revolutionary of the 21st century.
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With a combination of lights, blood, explosions, and a barrage of hits, there’s much to dissect. The entrance is flawless—after a short clip featuring her scratching on a piece of parchment with a quill, Lady Gaga emerges almost like an enormous cake decoration, her head just inches from the stage entrance.
What follows is both a thrilling celebration of pop brilliance and a reflection on the past. Frequently humorous and often poignant, the opulent costumes—featuring a steam-punk aesthetic—are intertwined with elements of body horror, as Lady Gaga's walking stick hints at the toll these top-tier performances take on her body, which is already grappling with fibromyalgia.
There are numerous highlights throughout the show. ‘Abracadabra’ transitions into a fierce rendition of ‘Judas,’ and a grand, extravagantly over-the-top rendition of ‘Garden Of Eden’—where Gaga showcases guitar skills—melds into the truly magical ‘Poker Face.’
Divided into four segments, this is a lush feast for the senses. If ‘Mayhem’ signified a genuine return to her bold pop origins, the subsequent tour delights in the central figure’s position as an alien outsider. ‘Perfect Celebrity’ delivers an emotional punch, while ‘Alejandro’ is exceptionally playful, the camp chorus illuminating the O2 Arena as effectively as those now-standard wrist-band lights.
‘The Dead Dance’ features Lady Gaga alongside Emma Myers and Evie Templeton, the Wednesday stars providing a perfect visual contrast to Gaga's Tim Burton-inspired aesthetic. Following this, a powerful rendition of ‘Just Dance’ leads to the duality journey reaching its peak in the fourth act.
‘Shadow Of A Man’ and ‘Kill For Love’ are striking, but it’s the intense ‘Born This Way’ that dominates the atmosphere—one of Lady Gaga’s most powerful musical compositions, accompanied by a truly extravagant performance.
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Yet, amidst all the spectacle, fireworks, and eye-popping pyrotechnics, the fourth act culminates with Gaga alone at the piano, transitioning from a solo performance of ‘Die With A Smile’ to ‘Speechless’ and a heart-wrenching rendition of ‘The Edge Of Glory.’ Overcome with emotion, she reflects on her connection to London and the path she has traveled. It’s worth remembering that, at one time, there were concerns that Lady Gaga might not tour again, at least not on such a grand scale. She is facing challenges from her body, a resistant industry, and the relentless pressures of media scrutiny. It’s a lot to contend with.
Concluding with a high-energy ‘Bad Romance,’ the American star follows up with a soft ‘How Bad Do U Want Me’ encore, before the entire Mayhem cast returns for a final performance of ‘Dance In The Dark.’
It’s a challenging show to summarize, and even harder to fully unpack, but the Mayhem Ball is an experience that cannot be missed. In an age—no pun intended—of massive pop spectacles, this night distinguishes itself through its uniqueness, the richness of its catalog, and the sheer raw power of its lead performer. While the finale brings a sense of resolution, you’re left both bewildered and exhilarated, confounded yet captivated—pop’s brilliance has seldom been showcased in such an electrifying manner.
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Words: Robin Murray
Photo Credit: Photo by Samir Hussein/Getty Images for Live Nation
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The crowds gathered in front of the O2 Arena well before sunset. Thousands of fans lingered at the entrance, some in costumes while others simply