Strength

Finally, I went back to the gym. This is the image that came across my mind. The image of Strength.

This is a time when strength is needed - physical and emotional. May the body, the mind and the heart work together and fight all the fears.

For better days to come.

Halloween

Yesterday, while treating the audience with another amazing performance (the 64th from the MDNA Tour) in Kansas City, M's dancers did the coolest trick of the season, during Human Nature. Love it!

Night Drive

A few more outtakes have arrived and this is definitely the one I love the most, from the first Versace campaign by Steven Meisel, back in 1995. Absolute elegance.

The one we've always known...

... the one we never knew (can't understand why, 'cause it's so freakin' amazing!)... 

... and the ones we (still) hope to see one day.

(Cover) Art: Ecstasy

Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Ecstasy of Saint Teresa, 1647–1652

Ecstasy of Saint Teresa (detail)

Steven Meisel / Madonna, Erotica, 1992

Erotica

Once underrated by many, today a cult album for many more, it has always been my favorite M album and surely among the top 10 in my list of Best Albums Ever Made - and we're talking about 34 years of music listening.

Like A Prayer and Ray Of Light may be consensually appointed as M's ultimate masterpieces, but Erotica is the only one that encapsulates certain qualities like no other can:

Cutting-edge
Sophisticated
Avant-garde
Bold

(feel free to add some more)

It has now turn 20 years (release date: October 20, 1992) and still remains as one of the most remarkable sonic monuments The Queen has ever built.

Article 19

Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights

MDNA Tour #28: Moscow

Ever so proud of this woman.

I know there are many side to every story, and I mean no disrespect to the Church or the Government, but I think that these three girls – Masha, Katya, Nadya... I think that they have done something courageous. I pray for their freedom. I know that everyone in this auditorium, if you are here as my fan, feels they have the right to be free.

Madonna, August 7, Olympiysky Stadium.

DEAR MADONNA! We love you and you just might be changing Russia’s history right now. Thank you and a thousand prayers in return!

Pussy Riot via Twitter, August 8

Punk Prayer

So here's the thing:

Pussy Riot is a Russian punk band and had something to say. Their message came through Punk Prayer, a manifesto of discontentment towards their country's Government. In the true spirit of punk, they chose Moscow’s Cathedral of Christ the Saviour to perform their music, recorded a video and released it on Youtube, on February 21.

On March, three members of the band (Maria Alyokhina, 24, Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, 22, and Yekaterina Samutsevich, 29) were arrested for hooliganism and have been in jail ever since. Their trial is currently being held, and the deeply politicised Russian judicial system is causing global controversy.

Amnesty International stepped in, to raise awareness and garner international support to release the detained members of Pussy Riot. So have an increasing number of artists, adding their voices to protest against this international scandal, from Faith No More to Franz Ferdinand, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Sting. And now, Madonna.

These are strange, dangerous times...

Drop Dead Gorgeous Candy

August 6: at the Hard Candy Fitness opening in Moscow 

MDNA Tour #1: Opening night, Tel Aviv

M's 2012 world tour has already left 24 shows behind and it's time to catch up with the route, starting from day one.

To kick off her 9th tour, Madonna chose the city of Tel Aviv and the date of May 29. However, due to production delays, the MDNA Tour (initially titled Madonna World Tour but, finally, MDNA took its well-deserved place) was rescheduled for May 31.

On that evening, at the Ramat Gan Stadium - exactly 2 months ago, that's right! - she unleashed the stage beast, on what I now consider - and I say it with no fear - her best tour ever.

Sunday, May 27: rehearsals at Ramat Gan Stadium



Thursday, May 31: the MDNA Tour opening night, Tel Aviv
.

«We're not gonna let them spoil our fun, are we?»

FUCK NO!

MDNA Tour #25: Vienna

Sunday, July 29: Ernst Happel Stadium

Monday, July 30: Visiting the Leopold Museum, Vienna



This one's for the press: FUCK YOU!!!

The answer to the question I asked myself this morning, at breakfast: can't anyone find out the truth about this?

Finally, The Examiner revealed what some of us suspected:

«... the actual riots and the screaming were started by supporters of Marine Le Pen, the leader of the far right National Front in Paris. Apparently, they are still upset that Madonna compares Le Pen to a Nazi in her tour. Even though Le Pen isn't a Nazi, the National Front has been accused of having Nazi ties and until recently, denied the Holocaust existed.

The French DST (equivalent to FBI in America) reported that a disturbance was planned, whether Madonna left early or not. There were several people holding up signs that made fun of Madonna's age, sexuality, and political affiliations. Once the show stopped, they started calling her rude names, rushed the stage with bottles, and encouraged others to boo. They took videos and uploaded them to YouTube immediately».

Full article here.

Newspapers and magazines come and go. Madonna kicks ass for the past 3 decades.

This one's for the press across the Planet: FUCK YOU ALL!!!

Case closed.

My Idol

Statement

Playing the Olympia was a magical moment for me and it was real treat to do this special show for my fans and be so close to them. Unfortunately at the end of the show – after I left the stage – a few thugs who were not my fans rushed the stage and started throwing plastic bottles pretending to be angry fans. The press reports have focused on this and not the joyous aspect of the evening. But nothing can take away or ruin this very special evening for me and my fans. When I looked out in the audience, everyone I saw had a smile on their face. I look forward to having this wonderful experience again.

Madonna

Shame on you, Madonna "fans"

I've never been so shocked. This goes way beyond The Sun's infamous headline back in 1993, when The Girlie Show kicked off in London. Because this time, it came from the "fans" themselves. A bunch of them. But enough to make this a media blood bath.

Yes, Madonna's communication staff should have made it more clear, only to avoid this. It's the only "should" I can find.

I feel truly disgusted with what happened after the Olympia show. Madonna's labour of love - a heartfelt tribute to France and a special treat to her French fans - has turned against her. She does NOT deserve this. She slept with the enemy.

If I had the money and the time, I would have paid for the ticket. I would have spent the night at the door. I would have left the venue feeling absolutely privileged and deeply grateful for being in the same room where such an amazing, top class, unique performance took place. It's the difference between a true fan and an intruder.

The media is now indulging itself with such an event. People are mean and, once more, Madonna an easy target. But we all now that she've been through a whole lot worse in the past... and she survided.

Now, it's time to put this shameful event behind, keep the amazing performance in our memories and get back to the MDNA Tour. The show must go on. Next stop: Vienna!

I love you, Madonna. Forever and always.

Arriving yesterday at the Imperial Hotel, Vienna.

(Another) Act of Contrition

Yes, I know I'm giving any reader a good reason not to visit this blog anymore. My recent unability to keep Madonna Under My Skin updated may seem a bit disrespectful for those who usually come here - some of them are truly special, you know who you are :)

Of course, I feel obliged to explain why:

1) after finishing my year-long course in early June, I just felt incredibly tired. My body just refused to write a single line;

2) then, things got really serious at work. Thight deadlines, millions of reports to write, even spending some weekends working, otherwise the school would actually close and I'd lose my job;

3) finally, the MDNA Tour across the Iberian Peninsula. Went to the all the shows, two in Barcelona, one in Coimbra. The impact was so strong and unexpected, that I just couldn't articulate any words about it. I spent an entire month immersed in emotions, away from rational thought about Madonna.

But now, the Olympia incident made me react. "Enough. I have to write. I have to stand up for my idol". It's the least I can do.

For all of those who usually come here, my sincere apologies for such a long silence.

Opening night

The Madonna World Tour has come to life a few hours ago at Ramat Gan stadium, in Tel Aviv.

My favorite pic, so far.

DITA IS BACK!