A rainy Sydney day mercifully subsides in perfect timing for Lady Gaga's long awaited return (12 December).
The Mayhem Ball tour promises new tunes, old and, in classic Gaga form, perpetual dancing. Tension builds with dramatic orchestral music as a video plays of Gaga in a red, puffy-sleeved dress writing with a huge, red feather.
"This is the manifesto of me," Gaga announces as another video plays, her dressed in red on the left and white on the right. A long monologue flows, as Gaga wonders if Mistress Mayhem will win her internal battle.
Thousands of red bracelets light up across the stadium, as the woman of the hour enters in a red dress ten-feet tall. 'Bloody Mary' plays as the dress opens, showing dancers inside its metal scaffolding.
"Sydney, put your f...ing paws up!" Gaga demands, and they oblige. 'Abracadabra' plays, the dancers putting on a true spectacle as Gaga's flawless vocals stream over the crowd. The song segues into 'Judas' and the stadium is on fire, as Gaga flicks her dress at the camera playfully.
A long table enters for 'Schiebe', Gaga atop in a sparkly black dress. The show hasn't stopped for a breath. The stage floods green as thick smoke descends for 'Garden Of Eden', Gaga strumming a beautiful black guitar. "Welcome to our Opera House, Sydney!" she exclaims.
Not wanting to give too much away, we'll just say stage theatrics ensue for 'Poker Face'. The black and white dancers on the chess board are visually stunning. A dance-break follows with truly jaw-dropping moves.
More theatrical visuals commence as Act II is announced – 'And She Fell Into A Gothic Dream'. Gaga awakens in a sand bed for 'Perfect Celebrity', displaying aggressive movements of frustration that match the lyrics.
'Paparazzi' is a purple sing-along before 'LoveGame' explodes the crowd. 'Alejandro' turns the arena orange, as Gaga invites: "Put your hands up!" It's a heartwarming moment.
Act III begins – 'The Beautiful Nightmare That Knows Her Name' – and the show is flying by. Crowd members' eyes turn green for 'Zombieboy', before 'The Dead Dance' has the crowd off their feet. 'Applause' goes next level, the stadium flooding blue, before 'Just Dance' takes it up yet another gear. This show is something to behold.
Act IV emerges, 'Every Chessboard Has Two Queens'. 'Summerboy' brings the whole ensemble onstage, while 'Million Reasons' is tender and heartfelt, Gaga begging her former self to stay. The internal back and forth is a key subtext to the show.
'Shallow' features an homage that is appreciated, before 'Die With A Smile' begins. "I love you so much," Gaga gushes. It's a tune that sticks in your head, and it provides a romantic dance-along for many.
'Hold My Hand' is magical, before 'The Edge Of Glory' begins slow and sentimental, Gaga alone on piano at the end of the walkway. It is a standout moment, Gaga's lyricism shining through as eternal. 'Vanish Into You' ends the segment with classic energy.
"We are monsters and monsters never die," Gaga declares for the final act. 'Bad Romance' is typically huge, Gaga's outfits more interesting in every act.
'How Bad Do You Want Me' starts the encore, as Gaga is shown taking her makeup off. The whole ensemble meet onstage and take their bows as 'Stupid Love' plays out a wild night.
Mayhem Ball is an apt name for a fever-dream show that felt like being grabbed by the collar and pulled into a nightclub where you have the best night of your life. Lady Gaga is one of a kind, and the hits keep rolling. One of the shows of the year.
