Madonna performs rare hits and stand-up comedy in ‘Tears of a Clown’ show
By Will Stroude
Madonna has taken a break from her Rebel Heart Tour schedule and treated some lucky Australian fans to a gig unlike any other she’s performed throughout her four decade-long career.
The Queen of Pop took to the stage at The Forum in Melbourne today (March 10) for her eagerly-anticipated ‘Tears of a Clown’ show – an intimate, off-kilter gig consisting off rarities, little-performed classics and even stand-up comedy.
It’s back!!! @Madonna #TearsOfAClown https://t.co/ABlGPHL21H #NobodysPerfect
— |M|| MDNA MAFIA ||M| (@MDNAMafia) March 10, 2016
The show, which is being filmed and included on the Rebel Heart Tour DVD, saw the 57-year-old dressed in a billowing clown costume and enter the stage on a tricycle to the delight of fans, some of whom had camped outside the venue for three days to ensure their spot stage-side, news.com.au reports.
Performed tracks included ‘Drowned World/Substitute for Love’ from 1998’s Ray of Light, ‘I’m So Stupid’ and ‘Intervention’ from 2003’s American Life, ‘Nobody’s Perfect’ and ‘Don’t Tell Me’ from 2000s Music, ‘Borderline’ and ‘Holiday’ from her self-titled 1983 debut album.
Also performed were ‘Love Spent’ from 2012’s MDNA, ‘Joan of Arc’ from last year’s Rebel Heart and ‘Take a Bow’ from 1994’s Bedtime Stories, receiving only its second live outing in two decades.
The Tears of a Clown show began with Madonna rides a tricycle across the venue in clown suit. pic.twitter.com/i49xxgOGFY
— Madonna Source (@MadonnaDailyID) March 10, 2016
Madonna performing a live acoustic version of “Joan of Arc” for the second time on tonight’s Tears of a Clown show! pic.twitter.com/JSY7FfTZbx
— Madonna Source (@MadonnaDailyID) March 10, 2016
Madonna has never this song live before, but she performing “Easy Ride” at the Tears of a Clown show! pic.twitter.com/IMZpHYN9p3
— Madonna Source (@MadonnaDailyID) March 10, 2016
SUBSTITUTE FOR LOVE – #Madonna TEARS OF A CLOWN #RebelHeartTour pic.twitter.com/zGhXix3nyt
— Madonna Bible (@MadonnaBible) March 10, 2016
In an emotionally-charged set, Madge dedicated the track ‘Intervention’ to her recently estranged son Rocco, just days after she choked up on stage while broaching the topic of the 15-year-old’s recent decision to move to the UK to be with his father, British director Guy Ritchie.
Posting on Instagram on Tuesday (March 8), the star admitted that part of her motivation for the show was as a thank you to her Australian fans, who have waited for her to tour there for 23 years.
There are just six dates left on Madonna’s ‘Rebel Heart World Tour’, which will come to an end in Sydney on March 20 after kicking off last September.
All the World loves a clown.:…….a small gift for Australia for being so patient!. ❤️#rebelheartour
A photo posted by Madonna (@madonna) on
A video posted by Madonna (@madonna) on
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