Sticky & Sweet Tour

Sticky & Sweet Tour
Image of a blond woman. She is wearing a see-through sheer top over a black bra and panty. Around her neck a fur is wound and she wears a black hat which is tilted a little towards the right of her head. Her hair is in waves and she puts both her hands on the hat. The woman's face is open-mouthed in a sexual way and she looks to the far left. The picture is washed in rainbow colors, going from blue in the right, pink in the middle and orange and yellow on the left. In the middle of the image the word 'MADONNA' is written with the letters colored in opposite arrangement of the picture color. Underneath it, the word 'Sticky & Sweet Tour' is written in caps.
The tour's official poster
Tour by Madonna
Associated album Hard Candy
Start date August 23, 2008
End date September 2, 2009
Legs 4
Shows 42 in Europe
30 in North America
11 in South America
2 in Asia
85 Total
Gross revenue $408 million
Madonna tour chronology
Confessions Tour
(2006)		 Sticky & Sweet Tour
(2008/2009)

The Sticky & Sweet Tour was the eighth worldwide concert tour by American singer Madonna to promote her eleventh studio album, Hard Candy. It began in August 2008 and was Madonna's first tour from her new recording and business deal with Live Nation. The tour was announced in February 2008, with dates for American and British venues revealed. Though initially planned, the tour did not visit Australia due to financial problems and the financial recession. Costume designer Arianne Phillips designed the costumes, supported by a number of famous designers and brands. The stage for the main show was planned similarly to that of her previous 2006 Confessions Tour. After the tour concluded in 2008, Madonna announced plans of playing a second European leg in 2009 to play in territories she either had never been to or had not played for a long time.

The tour was described as a "rock driven dancetastic journey". It was divided into four acts: Pimp, where S&M was the main theme, Old School where Madonna's classic songs were performed, while displaying work of deceased artist Keith Haring, Gypsy, a fusion of Romanian folk music and dance, with the performances ranging from melancholy to joyous, and Rave, where she performed eastern influences. The show ended with sing-along of the final song with the audience. Some changes were made to the set list during the second European leg of the tour in 2009, including a dance tribute to deceased singer Michael Jackson. The tour generated positive reviews from critics.

The Sticky & Sweet Tour broke many records in terms of its ticket sales, commercial gross and audience attendance. After the first leg, it became the highest grossing tour by a solo artist, earning $282 million, breaking the previous record Madonna herself held with her Confessions Tour. Overall, Madonna performed to over 3.5 million fans in 32 countries, grossing a total of US$408 million, making it also the second highest grossing tour of all time and the highest grossing tour by a solo artist. At the 2009 Billboard Touring Awards, the Sticky & Sweet Tour won the Top Tour and Top Draw prizes, which acknowledge the highest-grossing and highest-attended tours of the year, respectively. Madonna's manager Guy Oseary won the Top Manager award.

While on tour, a number of statements by Madonna against 2008 Republican Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates John McCain and Sarah Palin, respectively, faced strong opposition from the Republican Party. While performing in Romania in 2009, Madonna's statement about gypsy discrimination in eastern European countries was received negatively. During the second leg, two workers constructing her stage at Stade Vélodrome in Marseille were killed when the roof of the stage collapsed. The Sticky & Sweet Tour has been broadcast on a number of private channels and a CD/DVD and Blu-ray version of the performances, was released in March 2010.

Contents

Background

A stadium filled with spectators on the podiums and on the ground. In the middle is a stage with two giant pink 'M' symbols flanking it. A large flood light is visible behind it.
A bird's eye view of the stage in Santiago, Chile. It was flanked by two giant letters 'M'.

The world tour was officially confirmed on May 8, 2008, by Guy Oseary, Madonna's manager, and Arthur Fogel, Live Nation's Global Touring CEO and Global Music Chairman. Billboard confirmed that the tour was to begin on August 23, 2008 in Cardiff, Wales, with performances throughout the rest of the year. It was titled Sticky & Sweet Tour and planned to visit three continents on 50–60 dates.[1] The tour was produced globally by Live Nation and promoted Madonna's studio album Hard Candy (2008).[1] Billboard also confirmed performances in Europe until the end of September, arenas and stadiums in sixteen markets of North America in October and November, followed by stadiums of Mexico and South America in late November and early December.[1] The tour was described as a "rock driven dancetastic journey". The show featured four acts: Pimp, a homage to 1920s deco and modern-day gangsta pimp, Old School, portraying early '80s downtown New York City dance roots with works of deceased artist Keith Haring and the dance culture vibe of that time, including the birth of rap – Gypsy, consisting of Romanian folk music and dance, and lastly Rave, consisting of eastern influences.[2]

On January 30, 2009, it was announced that Madonna had decided to resume the tour in the summer of 2009, with around twenty-five more shows in Europe. The second leg of the tour was to start from London at The O2 on July 4, wrapping up two months later in Tel Aviv, Israel. The rest of the dates included stadiums and parks in European markets Madonna had either never played or did not play in several years, according to Fogel.[3] He said, "It absolutely has not happened in the four tours I've been involved with, [...] There has been talk [of extending] during each one, but it has never come to be. But with this one, she loves the show, she's had a great time and she's excited about playing new markets. [...] We went to quite a few markets she has never played or hasn't been to in 15-plus years. This [extension] is really a continuation of that in the sense of playing new and different markets."[3]

Originally, Live Nation reported that the tour would make stops in America and Europe. Music promoter and manager Michael Chugg stated that an Australian leg "will happen" and that local promoters were working hard to make it fruitful. Madonna had apologized to her Australian fans during the 2006 Confessions Tour, saying that she tried to work Australia into her schedule but ultimately could not. Her last tour in Australia was The Girlie Show World Tour in 1993.[4][5] In October 2008, the Australian TV show Sunrise reported that Madonna will tour Australia in January 2009. She had agreed for performances in Sydney and Melbourne, but they were eventually cancelled. Local promoter Michael Coppel stated,

"Madonna was coming to Australia, the dates were resolved, then economics got in the way [...] It's unknown territory at the moment. A lot of tours went on sale before the dollar crashed. We are only starting to see the affect of the economy on the tour industry. [...] Everyone is feeling their way, the risk level has gone up substantially."[6]

With the announcement of the 2009 extension, the Herald Sun reported that Madonna planned to tour Australia in September 2009, with one show in Melbourne to be held at the Telstra Dome.[7] It was later reported that the rumored date was false. Fogel stated, "[...] there is no validity to the reports."[8]

Development

A blond female singing on stage. She wears a black top and long boots on her legs and holds a microphone to her mouth with her left hand. Four male performers in black hats and tail coats flank her. The backdrop display a long array of pink candy in circular motion.
Madonna and her dancers opening the show with "Candy Shop"

Costume designer Arianne Phillips designed the main costumes for the tour. According to her, Givenchy designer Riccardo Tisci contributed two outfits, Tom Ford made bespoke suit for the band, Miu Miu created the shoes, Stella McCartney provided the thigh-high boots and Moschino made the sunglasses.[9] Other designers involved in creating the clothes included Yves Saint Laurent, Roberto Cavalli, and Jeremy Scott. Givenchy's creations were selected for the first and third acts of the tour, while Scott's designs were selected for the second act.[9] Philips commented on the different sections, saying,

"[First section] It’s a theme that runs throughout her career. [...] She’s not afraid of being hard. [Second section] He [Keith Harring] and Madonna were friends. If he were alive, it would be his 50th birthday as well. So I thought, 'What if we revisited that?' Riccardo’s a new young talent. If you look at Madonna’s history with fashion, that makes him an obvious choice. [Madonna] always wants to push the envelope. There are no vanity considerations based on her age."[10]

NME reported that the tour would comprise 250 travelling workers, 69 guitars, 12 trampolines and 100 pairs of kneepads.[11] The stage's layout was similar to the Confessions Tour stage.[12] It had two giant textile panels that defined the proscenium arch, supporting two giant M-shaped structures, lit from within. The lighting beams and structures were rigged from the ceiling. There were four different clusters of loudspeakers in the back of the stage, providing sound to the rear tiers.[12] The main stage was accompanied by a catwalk which was shorter than the Confessions Tour one, and a satellite stage at the end of the runway. There was a set of screens on the main stage – which moved and changed shape and layout, from the shape of a cube at the beginning of the show. Also present were two semi-transparent, cylinder-shaped screens, above the satellite stage.[12] Other structures included a number of smaller platforms, ramps, and conveyor belts, which usually were kept beneath the main stage, but were brought out during some of the performances. The catwalks were shaped as a ramp at the very beginning but was transformed into a flat runway eventually.[12] The tour was the first to use a pair of DiGiCo SD7 digital mixing consoles at the sound production's core audio.[13] Tim Colvard, who previously presided as the sound consultant of the 2006 Confessions Tour, decided to use the SD7 technology after researching it.[14] Madonna and her background vocalists used Sennheiser SKM 5200 wireless microphones with the highly directional ME 5005 super-cardioid heads, and Sennheiser in-ear monitors. Monitor engineer Matt Napier commented that he chose "the Evolution systems for backline, as their RF is rock-solid, the transmitter units are small and reliable and they are very competitively priced. [...] And I couldn't imagine giving Madonna another monitor system, she has become so accustomed and comfortable with the IEM G2."[15]

Concert synopsis

A faraway image of a female blond woman on stage in front of a white Speedster. The woman is wearing a white hat, black top and dancing. Two huge backdrops display two African American males in front of blinking lights. The one in the top backdrop looks towards the camera and smiles and the one in the bottom backdrop is looking down while wearing a white-rimmed sunglass.
Madonna performing "Beat Goes On" on the tour as Pharrell Williams and Kanye West appear on the backdrops

The show was divided into four sections: Pimp, Retro, Gypsy and Rave. It began with "The Sweet Machine", a 3D animation video displaying candy being manufactured and used as a Pinball.[16] As the video ended, "Candy Shop" began with Madonna appearing on a M-shaped throne in the Givenchy-designed dress, sitting with her legs spread apart and holding a staff in her hands.[17] She was accompanied by her dancers in bondage themed costumes.[17] "Beat Goes On" featured Madonna and her dancers on a 1935 Auburn Speedster while Pharrell Williams and Kanye West appeared on the backdrops.[18] Madonna then played the electric guitar for "Human Nature"; the performance featured a video of Britney Spears trapped in an elevator, who sang along with some of the verses in the song.[19] A modernized "Vogue", featuring the hook of "4 Minutes",[20] was the final song for this section. It led to a video interlude for "Die Another Day", featuring Madonna as a boxer on screen, while her dancers performed a faux boxing match.[16] The next section, inspired by the style and culture of early 80's New York, began with Madonna skipping on stage for "Into the Groove".[17] This performance was a mashup with "Toop Toop" by Cassius and featured the artwork of friend Keith Haring.[18] She then performed a double Dutch dance interlude which led to "Heartbeat".[21] During that song, Madonna's dance movements were controlled by her back-up dancers as if they were puppeteers.[16] She performed "Borderline" in a rock version, on electric guitar.[18] "She's Not Me" followed, where Madonna made fun of her various incarnations and styles, from the music videos of "Open Your Heart", "Material Girl", "Vogue" and "Like a Virgin".[16] The section ended with "Music" which contained elements of "Put Your Hands Up 4 Detroit" and excerpts from "Last Night a DJ Saved My Life".[20] A short video was played featuring a tagged subway train. The doors of the train then closed to take in Madonna and her dancers.[17] The "Rain" video interlude was played on the video screens; it featured an animated pixie finding shade under a petal during a rainstorm. This version contained musical elements from "Here Comes the Rain Again" by Eurythmics.[20]

A blond woman with long wavy hair and wearing a red gym short and long black boots standing on a DJ's console supported by a long pole. She looks down and points to the front with her right hand. The male DJ, wearing a purple cap, is on her left and points to her. The front of the console is a video screen where colorful cartoon silhouettes are dancing. A similar colorful backdrop is visible behind the woman.
Madonna performing "Into the Groove" as cartoons by late artist Keith Harring are featured on the backdrops

In the next section, the song "Devil Wouldn't Recognize You" featured Madonna atop a piano, cloaked in a black shroud. She was surrounded by a circular video screen which showed imagery of waves splashing and rainfall.[16] Madonna then performed "Spanish Lesson", featuring a flamenco-influenced dance solo by Alexander Kolpakov. She played the guitar once again for "Miles Away". "La Isla Bonita" featured the Ukrainian-gypsy group, Kolpakov Trio, incorporating the gypsy wedding song, "Lela Pala Tute".[20] At the end of the song, Madonna marched ahead with a band of violin players to the front of the stage and then sat aside with her dancers for a solo performance from Kolpakov Trio, who performed the traditional song "Doli Doli". She returned to the stage for "You Must Love Me", the Academy Award winning song from, Evita.[17][18] The act ended with "Get Stupid", a video interlude portraying global warming, famine and other global issues, while juxtaposing John McCain with Hitler and Barack Obama with Gandhi. In the final act, Madonna appeared on stage for a duet of the song "4 Minutes" with Justin Timberlake and Timbaland, both of them appearing on screens. A remix of "Like a Prayer" followed, featuring elements from "Feels Like Home" and video screens depicting messages from the Bible, Qur'an, Torah and Talmud.[18] The electric guitar was played by Madonna for the performance of "Ray of Light".[16] She then sought audience participation, asking them to request for "an oldie but goodie".[22] Madonna sang the first verse and chorus of the requested song, before moving onto a rock version of "Hung Up".[17][18] After a brief video featuring a modern take on classic arcade games was played, Madonna returned on stage for the finale performance, "Give It 2 Me", ending the song with a sing-a-long of the chorus.[22] The show ended with the words "Game Over" appearing on the video screens.[18][20]

After the 2009 extension of the tour was announced, some changes were made to the setlist. "Candy Shop" had a new video backdrop by artist Marilyn Minter, featuring imagery of a giant tongue licking and spitting out neon-colored icing.[23] Madonna also wore new opening outfit designed by Riccardo Tisci.[24] "Heartbeat" was replaced by "Holiday" and incorporated elements of her then latest single "Celebration", and her first single "Everybody". It also included a medley of three Michael Jackson songs, as an homage to the recently deceased singer. The performance featured Madonna's dancer Kento, who danced in similar clothing and dancing style as Jackson.[25] Madonna's 1985 single "Dress You Up" replaced the rock version of "Borderline". It featured elements of rock songs like "My Sharona" by The Knack and "God Save The Queen" by Sex Pistols. "Hung Up" was removed and replaced by an up-beat version of "Frozen", which was set between "Like a Prayer" and "Ray of Light".[20] The video backdrop for "Frozen" used video outtakes from the song's music video, directed by Chris Cunningham. "Ray of Light" was also slightly edited with the lyrics from Michael Jackson's song "Man in the Mirror, "If you wanna make the world a better place... Take a look at yourself, and then make a change" appearing on the screens before the beginning of the song.[26]

Critical response

A long line of people in colorful clothes striking a pose on a stage with both their hands pointed up but their palms straight and looking ot the right. Middle of them is a blond woman who sings into a microphone in her left hand.
The performance of "Music" with the Egyptian walk

Jon Pareles from The New York Times compared the concert with aerobics and said that the concert was more of a workout than being erotic.[18] Isabel Albiston from The Daily Telegraph compared the tour with the 2006 Confessions Tour and said that "two years later, Madonna’s biceps are no smaller and, with the news that 100 pairs of fishnet pantyhose have been procured from eBay for the artist, her costumes no less raunchy. [...] Madonna seemed to have a point to prove."[17] Another review by Helen Brown from the same publication said that "Sticky Sweet's highlights include a fresh, crunchy and gipsied-up 'La Isla Bonita' (complete with fiddles, flamenco and a spliced-in Romanian folk tune) and a raved-up 'Like a Prayer'."[27] Sarah Liss from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation commented that "something about witnessing the 50-year-old crow's feet and wrinkles on Madonna's face, projected a hundred times larger than life, as she works her ass off (to paraphrase part of her stage banter) for a crowd of almost 20,000 feels more awe-inspiring than any of her old-school shock tactics."[16] Jim Farber from New York Daily News wrote that "[Madonna] may have just sailed past the half-century mark, but that didn't stop [her] from dancing hard and fast in skimpy clothes for two hours nonstop at the opening show of her Sticky and Sweet tour. [..] No slack in the star's sexuality or energy was apparent at the icon's show."[28] Joey Guerra from Houston Chronicle commented that "most surprising about Madonna’s impeccably choreographed, frequently fantastic show was her willingness to show fans the flip side. She was still larger-than-life — and astonishingly fit for 50 — but Hard Candy's toot-toot disco beats have softened her edges."[22]

A blond female stands on a raised platform of a stage. Her wavy hair falls around her and she wears a black top and high boots while holding a microphone in her left hand. She is encircled by female dancers in short black hair and nude body suits which are lined in black. They appear to be hopping.
Included in the first segment of the show, "Vogue" was presented in a modernised style, with elements from contemporany R&B music.

Greg Kot from Chicago Tribune commented that "Smiles don’t come easy for Madonna. Instead, there are usually smirks, sneers, pouts, leers and thin-lipped, tough-as-nails displays of contempt for anyone who would dare mess with her. Madonna, she’s one tough dominatrix, and she’s got better developed biceps than just about any of the fans who filled the United Center on Sunday for the first of two concerts."[29] Adrian Thrills from Daily Mail commented "Nobody does a big stadium show quite like Madonna. She might be pop's greatest female icon, but she does not rest on her laurels and this was a theatrical, two-hour blockbuster, featuring 16 dancers and a 12-piece band."[30] Nekesa Mumbi Moody from USA Today wrote: "Even the superstar's most cynical critics couldn't walk away from her two-hour extravaganza at the Izod Center on Saturday night without being thoroughly wowed. It was not only the spectacle of the concert, but the performer herself, as she reasserted her musical relevance and dominance in her 25th year in the spotlight. [...] Madonna is not the world's most gifted singer or dancer or even musician, but she may be its greatest performer."[19] Caryn Ganz from Rolling Stone noted that "Madonna may have toyed with dominance and submission on [2008's] Hard Candy, but there was no question who was carrying the cane at the first New York City date on her Sticky & Sweet Tour last night (the trek’s second stop in the States). Emerging on a throne to the thumpy sound of 'Candy Shop', the 50-year-old singer kicked off a tightly choreographed two-hour set designed to accentuate her physical and musical strength and flexibility."[31] Sal Cinquemani from Slant Magazine wrote: "Like a sex instructor, Madonna rules over her audience and tells them when they're allowed to get off (at one point mock-masturbating over someone's head). And when the words 'Game Over' flash on the screen at the end of the show, you're just happy to have played along."[21]

Commercial reception

A blond woman standing onstage. Her wavy hair falls on her face. She wears a short black kaftan, a number of pink threads around her neck and long black boots. Near her feet a pink and black cloth is billowing. Behind her, image of water splashing is visible on screen.
Madonna appearing from behind a veil after the performance of "Devil Wouldn't Recognize You"

The Sticky & Sweet Tour broke many records in terms of its ticket sales, commercial gross and audience attendance. On September 11, 2008, Madonna performed to a sell-out crowd of over 74,000 fans and grossed over $12 million USD, surpassing all previous grosses at both the old and the new Wembley Stadiums.[18] Since that date U2 and their 360º Tour has broken the attendance record at Wembley Stadium with a crowd of 88,000 people.[32] This performance followed the Zurich performance, which was in front of 72,000 people, the largest audience ever for a concert in Switzerland.[18] The September 20, 2008 concert at the Stade de France sold 80,000 tickets in less than ten days, prompting Live Nation to announce a second and final show at the venue.[33] 50,000 tickets for Madonna's Vancouver concert were sold in 29 minutes.[33] Due to instant sellouts in Toronto at Air Canada Centre on October 18 and Montreal at the Bell Centre on October 22, second shows in both markets were added on October 19 in Toronto, at the Air Canada Centre, and October 23, at Montreal's Bell Centre.[33] The two shows in Mexico City sold out in less than three hours.[18] Madonna's show in Montenegro was performed to almost 70,000, the biggest-ever event held in the small Adriatic republic.[34] In New York City, Madonna's four sell-outs at Madison Square Garden shows added up to a record breaking 23 sold out performances since 2001 at that venue – a record for most appearances for a single artist in this decade.[35] Madonna's performances at Stade de France, Wembley Stadium, Madison Square Garden and Military Airfield ranked at numbers 3, 13, 15 and 20 on Billboard's Top 25 Boxscores of 2008, respectively.[36] The tour ranked third in Billboard's "Top 25 Tours", with a gross of over U.S. $162 million (by mid-November 2008).[37] Pollstar ranked the tour the leading North American grosser for 2008 at $105.3 million.[38] On December 2008, Live Nation announced that the U.S. leg of the tour sold 550,000 tickets and grossed $91.5 million. Together with the European and Mexican dates, the tour grossed a total of $282 million, making it the highest grossing tour of 2008. It also became the biggest selling tour by a solo artist, breaking the record previously held by her own Confessions Tour in 2006.[3][39][40]

After the announcement of the 2009 extension of the tour, tickets were sold-out immediately. Second shows were confirmed for July 5 in London and July 8 in Manchester, marking Madonna’s final UK dates in 2009. The Oslo (July 30), Tallinn (August 4), Helsinki (August 6) and Gothenburg (August 9) concerts all sold out on the same day tickets went on sale. In Helsinki, the August 6 performance was the biggest show by one artist ever organized in Finland.[41] In Oslo, all 40,000 tickets available for the July 30 concert were sold in 34 minutes, prompting Live Nation to announce an extra concert on July 29.[42] In Tallinn, all 70,300 tickets available for Madonna's concert at the Tallinn Song Festival Grounds were purchased in just over 24 hours, a record for Estonia. The record previously belonged to Metallica, who sold all of the tickets available for their concert at the same venue in three days.[43] In Tel Aviv, all 50,000 tickets available for the first date were sold out in a few days, causing Live Nation to add a second and final date to wrap up the tour.[44] As expected, after the final show, Sticky & Sweet became the highest grossing tour by a solo artist, earning $408 million from 85 shows in 32 countries, with an attendance of 3.5 million. It is the second highest grossing tour of all time, behind The Rolling Stones' 2005–2007 A Bigger Bang Tour which earned $558 million.[41] At the 2009 Billboard Touring Awards, the Sticky & Sweet Tour won the Top Tour and Top Draw prizes, which acknowledge the highest-grossing and highest-attended tours of the year, respectively. Madonna's manager Guy Oseary won the Top Manager award.[45] Additionally, in 2009 Billboard magazine announced that Madonna placed second (behind U2) in the "Top 25 Tours of 2009" with a gross of $222,017,248. The article also mentioned "Into the Groove" as one the many highlights during the show.[46][47]

Madonna's statements

A blond woman sits on a long bar stool in front of a microphone playing a black acoustic guitar. The woman's hair is wavy and she wears a black dress with a number of pink threads around her neck. On her right two middle aged men playing acoustic guitar are visible.
Performing "You Must Love Me" accompanied by the Romanian gypsy folk bands

During the tour, a number of statements made by Madonna faced strong opposition from socio-political leaders. The "Get Stupid" video interlude featured images of disasters throughout the ages along with images of Adolf Hitler and Robert Mugabe. US Republican presidential candidate John McCain was featured in the segment as well along Hitler and Mugabe. Images of John Lennon, Gandhi and Al Gore are featured towards the end of the video along with US Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama. The video caused an uproar in the political world, especially in McCain's camp. Tucker Bounds, McCain's spokesperson, stated:

"The comparisons are outrageous, unacceptable and crudely divisive all at the same time [...] It clearly shows that when it comes to supporting Barack Obama, his fellow worldwide celebrities refuse to consider any smear or attack off limits."[48]

At the conclusion of the presidential election, the image of McCain was removed from the video. During her performance at Petco Park, Madonna congratulated Barack Obama, on his historic win for presidency of the United States. Madonna stated, "This is a historical evening. This is a motherfucking important evening and we are lucky to be sharing it with the World [...] This is the beginning of a whole new world. Are you ready?! Are you fucking ready?!" The video screens displayed images of Obama along with the message, "We Won".[49] Madonna also publicly voiced her opposition for Republican Vice Presidential candidate for 2008, Sarah Palin. While performing on the tour, Madonna shouted "Sarah Palin can't come to my party. Sarah Palin can't come to my show. It's nothing personal. [...] Here's the sound of Sarah Palin's husband's snowmobile when it won't start. (followed by a loud screeching noise)."[50] While performing "I Love New York" during the request section, the line "Get off my street" was replaced by Madonna screaming "You know who can get off of my street? Sarah Palin! I'm gonna kick her ass if she don't get off of my street." Then she mocked Palin's accent and told the crowd that she loves her.[51]

During her show at the Olympic Stadium in Rome, Madonna dedicated her song "Like a Virgin" to Pope Benedict XVI. She stated, "I'm gonna dedicate this song to the Pope, because, I know he loves me. I am a child of God! And you know what else?...[begins to sing first verse of Like a Virgin]." Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera called the dedication a surprising provocation.[52] During the 2009 leg, at the Bucharest concert in Romania, Madonna began talking about gypsy discrimination in East-European countries. She said that "It has been brought to my attention ... that there is a lot of discrimination against Romanies and Gypsies in general in Eastern Europe. [...] It made me feel very sad." Immediately boos and jeers resounded from the 60,000 crowd. Madonna added that "[w]e don't believe in discrimination [...] we believe in freedom and equal rights for everyone." Although some applauded this statement, many others continued booing when Madonna mentioned discrimination against gay people.[53] Madonna's publicist Liz Rosenberg issued a statement saying that "Madonna has been touring with a phenomenal troupe of Roma musicians who made her aware of the discrimination toward them in several countries so she felt compelled to make a brief statement, [...] She will not be issuing a further statement."[53] In January 2009, Florin Cioabă, self-proclaimed King of Roma, announced that he wished to present Madonna with a gold plaque to thank the singer for criticising discrimination against the Roma people.[54]

Marseille accident

Left profile of a blond female in a tight black dress with gloves and wrist bands singing. A number of similarly dressed dancers encircle her while making gesture with their hand. Blue light is visible behind her and a metallic cover is present above their head.
Performing "Frozen" during the 2009 leg of the tour

On July 16, 2009, as workers were assembling Madonna's stage at the Stade Vélodrome in Marseille for her July 19 concert, the stage collapsed, injuring eight workers and killing two. The accident caused city officials to cancel the concert.[55] Charles Criscenzo, a 53-year-old French worker, was killed outright in the accident, which took place at around 17:15 GMT. The other worker Charles Prow, a 23-year-old from Headingley in Leeds, died overnight at a hospital in Marseille. Firefighters said the accident occurred when the roof of the stage became unbalanced as it was being lifted by four cranes, toppling one of them. Marseille city councillor Maurice de Nocera said that the roof started shaking and then collapsed gradually. This allowed the other workers to get out in time.[56]

Following the tragedy, Madonna issued the following statement: "I am devastated to have just received this tragic news. My prayers go out to those who were injured and their families along with my deepest sympathy to all those affected by this heartbreaking news." At her concert in Italy Madonna made an emotional tribute for the deceased technicians by saying,

"I just wanted to take a moment to acknowledge and pay tribute to two people who lost their lives today, [...] It's a great tragedy to me, I feel so devastated to be in any way associated with anyone's suffering. [...] Let's all just take a moment to say a prayer for Charles Criscenzo and Charlie Prow. Our hearts go out to their family and loved ones."[56]

Madonna visited some of the other workers injured in the accident and went to pay her respects at the family of the deceased ones as well.[57]

Broadcast and recordings

Left profile of a group of people jumping onstage with their right hand stretched up. They are wearing black tops and black-and-white striped pants and wrist bands. They have white gloves on their right hand. They are illuminated by white light from above.
The final performance of the show "Give It 2 Me" with Madonna and her dancers jumping along the song

According to the Argentine newspaper La Nación, the tour DVD was filmed during the performances at River Plate Stadium. Production director Chris Lamb stated that Madonna chose the Argentine audience because of the strong emotional bond they shared. However, at the time of Lamb's comments, no release date for the DVD had been announced, despite a trailer showing highlights of the Argentine performance on Madonna's official website.[58] On June 15, 2009, British newspaper The Sun reported that Sky1 had acquired the rights to broadcast the Sticky & Sweet Tour.[59] The "Sweet Machine" video was shortened, and the request song in Argentina, "Like a Virgin", was not aired. Latin American channel Cityvibe broadcast the show exclusively for Argentina, Mexico, Peru and Venezuela on September 19, 2009.[60] Unlike Sky1, the channel aired "Madonna: Sticky & Sweet" without any commercial block; additionally, both "The Sweet Machine" and the requested song were uncut. On October 30, 2009 the show was made available to watch on the Epix television channel, video-on-demand and the website, for those that have a subscription.[61] On January 12, 2010 Madonna's official website confirmed the video release of the tour. Titled Sticky & Sweet Tour, the live album was released by Live Nation on March 30, 2010 and distributed by Madonna's former record company, Warner Bros. It was available on DVD, Blu-Ray and CD,[62] accompanied by a picture book by Madonna's manager Guy Oseary, titled Madonna: Sticky & Sweet.[63]

Opening acts

Setlist

Source:[31]

Tour dates

Date City Country Venue
Europe [68]
August 23, 2008 Cardiff Wales Millennium Stadium
August 26, 2008 Nice France Stade Charles Ehrmann
August 28, 2008 Berlin Germany Olympic Stadium
August 30, 2008 Zürich Switzerland Military Airfield
September 2, 2008 Amsterdam Netherlands Amsterdam Arena
September 4, 2008 Düsseldorf Germany LTU Arena
September 6, 2008 Rome Italy Olympic Stadium
September 9, 2008 Frankfurt Germany Commerzbank-Arena
September 11, 2008 London England Wembley Stadium
September 14, 2008 Lisbon Portugal Parque da Bela Vista
September 16, 2008 Seville Spain Olympic Stadium
September 18, 2008 Valencia Circuito Ricardo Tormo Cheste
September 20, 2008 Paris France Stade de France
September 21, 2008
September 23, 2008 Vienna Austria Danube Island
September 25, 2008 Budva Montenegro Jaz Beach
September 27, 2008 Athens Greece Olympic Stadium
North America[1]
October 4, 2008 East Rutherford United States Izod Center
October 6, 2008 New York City Madison Square Garden
October 7, 2008
October 11, 2008[A]
October 12, 2008
October 15, 2008 Boston TD Banknorth Garden
October 16, 2008
October 18, 2008 Toronto Canada Air Canada Centre
October 19, 2008
October 22, 2008 Montreal Bell Centre
October 23, 2008
October 26, 2008 Chicago United States United Center
October 27, 2008
October 30, 2008 Vancouver Canada BC Place Stadium
November 1, 2008 Oakland United States Oracle Arena
November 2, 2008
November 4, 2008 San Diego Petco Park
November 6, 2008[B] Los Angeles Dodger Stadium
November 8, 2008 Las Vegas MGM Grand Garden Arena
November 9, 2008
November 11, 2008 Denver Pepsi Center
November 12, 2008
November 16, 2008 Houston Minute Maid Park
November 18, 2008 Detroit Ford Field
November 20, 2008 Philadelphia Wachovia Center
November 22, 2008 Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall
November 24, 2008 Atlanta Philips Arena
November 26, 2008[C] Miami Dolphin Stadium
November 29, 2008 Mexico City Mexico Foro Sol
November 30, 2008
South America [1]
December 4, 2008 Buenos Aires Argentina River Plate Stadium
December 5, 2008
December 7, 2008
December 8, 2008
December 10, 2008 Santiago Chile Chile National Stadium
December 11, 2008
December 14, 2008 Rio de Janeiro Brazil Maracanã Stadium
December 15, 2008
December 18, 2008 São Paulo Morumbi Stadium
December 20, 2008
December 21, 2008
Europe[68]
July 4, 2009 London England The O2
July 5, 2009
July 7, 2009 Manchester Manchester Evening News Arena
July 9, 2009 Paris France Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy
July 11, 2009 Werchter Belgium Werchter Festival Park
July 14, 2009 Milan Italy San Siro
July 16, 2009 Udine Stadio Friuli
July 21, 2009 Barcelona Spain Olympic Stadium
July 23, 2009 Madrid Vicente Calderón Stadium
July 25, 2009 Zaragoza Recinto de la Feria de Zaragoza
July 28, 2009 Oslo Norway Valle Hovin
July 30, 2009
August 2, 2009 St. Petersburg Russia Palace Square
August 4, 2009 Tallinn Estonia Tallinn Song Festival Grounds
August 6, 2009 Helsinki Finland West Harbour
August 8, 2009 Gothenburg Sweden Ullevi Stadium
August 9, 2009
August 11, 2009[D] Copenhagen Denmark Parken Stadium
August 13, 2009 Prague Czech Republic Chodov Natural Amphitheater
August 15, 2009 Warsaw Poland Bemowo Airport
August 18, 2009 Munich Germany Olympic Stadium
August 22, 2009 Budapest Hungary Kincsem Park
August 24, 2009 Belgrade Serbia Ušće Park
August 26, 2009 Bucharest Romania Parc Izvor
August 29, 2009 Sofia Bulgaria Vasil Levski National Stadium
Asia [69]
September 1, 2009[E] Tel Aviv Israel Hayarkon Park
September 2, 2009[E]

Additional notes

Box office score data

Venue City Tickets Sold / Available Gross Revenue
Millennium Stadium Cardiff 33,460 / 33,460 (100%) $5,279,107 [77]
Stade Charles Ehrmann Nice 41,483 / 41,483 (100%) $4,381,242 [77]
Olympic Stadium Berlin 47,368 / 47,368 (100%) $6,048,086 [77]
Military Airfield Zurich 70,314 / 70,314 (100%) $11,093,631 [77]
Amsterdam Arena Amsterdam 50,588 / 50,588 (100%) $6,717,734 [77]
LTU Arena Düsseldorf 35,014 / 35,014 (100%) $4,650,327 [77]
Olympic Stadium Rome 57,690 / 57,690 (100%) $5,713,196 [77]
Commerzbank Arena Frankfurt 39,543 / 39,543 (100%) $6,020,706 [77]
Wembley Stadium London 73,349 / 73,349 (100%) $11,796,540 [77]
Parque da Bela Vista Lisbon 75,000 / 75,000 (100%) $6,295,068 [77]
Olympic Stadium Sevilla 47,712 / 59,258 (82%) $4,874,380 [77]
Circuito Ricardo Tormo Cheste Valencia 50,143 / 50,143 (100%) $4,941,980 [77]
Stade de France Paris 138,163 / 138,163 (100%) $17,583,211 [77]
Danube Island Vienna 57,002 / 57,002 (100%) $8,140,858 [77]
Jaz Beach Budva 47,524 / 47,524 (100%) $3,463,063 [77]
Olympic Stadium Athens 75,637 / 75,637 (100%) $9,030,440 [77]
Izod Center East Rutherford 16,896 / 16,896 (100%) $2,812,250 [78]
Madison Square Garden New York City 61,586 / 61,586 (100%) $11,527,375 [78]
TD Banknorth Garden Boston 26,611 / 26,611 (100%) $3,658,850 [78]
Air Canada Centre Toronto 34,324 / 34,324 (100%) $6,356,171 [78]
Bell Centre Montreal 34,301 / 34,301 (100%) $5,391,881 [78]
United Center Chicago 30,968 / 30,968 (100%) $5,777,490 [78]
BC Place Stadium Vancouver 52,712 / 52,712 (100%) $5,389,762 [78]
Oracle Arena Oakland 28,198 / 28,198 (100%) $4,964,765 [78]
Petco Park San Diego 35,743 / 35,743 (100%) $5,097,515 [79]
Dodger Stadium Los Angeles 43,919 / 43,919 (100%) $5,858,730 [79]
MGM Grand Garden Arena Las Vegas 29,157 / 29,157 (100%) $8,397,640 [79]
Pepsi Center Denver 23,501 / 23,501 (100%) $4,434,020 [79]
Minute Maid Park Houston 41,498 / 41,498 (100%) $5,170,100 [80]
Ford Field Detroit 30,119 / 30,119 (100%) $2,395,900 [80]
Wachovia Center Philadelphia 13,790 / 13,790 (100%) $2,318,530 [80]
Boardwalk Hall Atlantic City 13,293 / 13,293 (100%) $3,321,000 [80]
Philips Arena Atlanta 14,843 / 14,843 (100%) $2,632,952 [80]
Dolphin Stadium Miami 47,998 / 47,998 (100%) $6,137,030 [80]
Foro Sol Stadium Mexico City 104,270 / 104,270 (100%) $10,428,743 [81]
River Plate Stadium Buenos Aires 263,693 / 263,693 (100%) $18,274,292 [81]
Chile National Stadium Santiago 146,242 / 146,242 (100%) $11,385,499 [81]
Maracanã Stadium Rio de Janeiro 107,000 / 107,000 (100%) $7,322,269 [82]
Morumbi Stadium São Paulo 196,656 / 196,656 (100%) $15,462,185 [82]
The O2 London 27,464 / 27,464 (100%) $5,873,149 [83]
Manchester Evening News Arena Manchester 13,457 / 13,457 (100%) $2,827,517 [83]
Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy Paris 15,806 / 15,806 (100%) $2,306,551 [83]
Werchter Festival Park Werchter 68,434 / 68,434 (100%) $7,190,295 [83]
San Siro Milan 55,338 / 55,338 (100%) $6,507,798 [84]
Stadio Friuli Udine 28,362 / 28,362 (100%) $3,236,277 [84]
Olympic Stadium Barcelona 44,811 / 44,811 (100%) $5,010,557 [84]
Vicente Calderón Stadium Madrid 31,941 / 31,941 (100%) $4,109,791 [84]
Recinto de la Feria de Zaragoza Zaragoza 30,940 / 30,940 (100%) $2,015,381 [84]
Valle Hovin Oslo 79,409 / 79,409 (100%) $10,481,500 [85]
Palace Square St. Petersburg 27,103 / 27,103 (100%) $4,431,805 [85]
Tallinn Song Festival Grounds Tallinn 72,067 / 72,067 (100%) $5,924,839 [85]
West Harbour Helsinki 85,354 / 85,354 (100%) $12,148,455 [86]
Ullevi Stadium Göteborg 119,709 / 119,709 (100%) $14,595,910 [86]
Parken Stadium Copenhagen 48,064 / 48,064 (100%) $6,709,250 [86]
Chodov Natural Amphitheatre Prague 42,682 / 42,682 (100%) $3,835,776 [86]
Bemowo Airport Warsaw 79,343 / 79,343 (100%) $6,526,867 [86]
Olympic Stadium Munich 35,127 / 35,127 (100%) $3,655,403 [87]
Kincsem Park Budapest 41,045 / 41,045 (100%) $3,920,651 [87]
Ušće Park Belgrade 39,713 / 39,713 (100%) $1,738,139 [87]
Parc Izvor Bucharest 69,088 / 69,088 (100%) $4,659,836 [87]
Vasil Levski National Stadium Sofia 53,660 / 53,660 (100%) $4,896,938 [88]
Hayarkon Park Tel Aviv 99,674 / 99,674 (100%) $14,656,063 [88]
TOTAL 3,545,899 / 3,557,445 (~100%) $407,713,266

Personnel

Main

  • Show Director – Jamie King
  • Assistant Show Director – Tiffany Olson
  • Tour Production Director – Chris Lamb
  • Production Assistant – Dana Szpunar
  • Party Tour Manager – Frankie Enfield, Vicki Huxel and Jason Milner
  • Assistant Party Tour Manager – Ramey Shippen
  • Lighting Director – Mac Moiser
  • Video Director – Christian Lamb, Frank the Plumber, Eugene Riecansky, Steven Klein, James Lima, Nathan Rissman and Tom Munro
  • Supervising Choreographer – Stefanie Ross
  • Choreographer – Richmond Talauega, Anthony Talauega, Dondracio Johnson, Alison Faulk, Aljamaal Jones and Jason Young
  • Assistant Choreographer – Jamal Sims, RJ Durell and Aakomon Jones
  • Sound Design – Sean Spuehler
  • Sound Crew Chief – Mark Brnich
  • Keyboard Technician – Robert Longo and Steve Borisenko
  • Guitar Technician – Steve Borisenko and Tommy Simpson
  • Programmer – Ali Staton, Troy Eckermann and Cory Fitzgerald
  • Drum Technician – Chris Achzet
  • Lighting Design – LeRoy A. Bennett
  • Video Design – Veneno, Inc.
  • Laser Crew Chief – Martin Potoczny
  • Laser – David Fonner
  • Production Design – LeRoy A. Bennett
  • Costume Design – Arianne Phillips, Riccardo Tisci (for Givenchy), Tom Ford, Dolce & Gabbana, Miu Miu, Stella McCartney, Moschino, Stefano Pilati (for Yves Saint Laurent), Kiki de Montparnasse, Michael Schmidt, Roberto Cavalli and Jeremy Scott
  • Manager – Guy Oseary
  • Publicity – Liz Rosenberg
  • Legal – Grubman, Indursky & Shire
  • Finances – TMI Productions
  • Logistics – Sevvy Enfield
  • Promoter – Live Nation Global Touring
  • Dancers – Vadim Kolpakov, Leroy Barnes, Sofia Voutella, Jason Boyd, Emilie Capel, William Charlemoine, Paul Kirkland, Jennifer Kita, Kento Mori, Yaman Okur, Charles Park IV, Valeree Pohl, Anthony Rue Jr., Nilaya Savnis, Jason Young, Riki Onodera and Yuki Yoshida.

Band

  • Kevin Antunes – musical director, keyboards, programming
  • Kiley Dean – backing vocals
  • Brian Frasier-Moore – drums
  • Arkady Gips – violin, backing vocals
  • Alexander Kolpakov – guitar, backing vocals
  • Vadim Kolpakov – guitar, backing vocals
  • Ric'key Pageot – keyboards, piano, accordion
  • Monte Pittman – guitar, percussion, backing vocals
  • Nicki Richards – backing vocals

Source:[12]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Sexton, Paul (2008-05-08). "Madonna Announces 'Sticky and Sweet' Tour". Billboard (Nielsen Business Media, Inc). http://www.billboard.com/#/news/madonna-announces-sticky-and-sweet-tour-1003800612.story. Retrieved 2009-11-05. 
  2. ↑ Reporter, Icon (2008-08-20). "Sticky & Sweet Tour – Press Release". Icon: Official Madonna website (Madonna.com). http://www.madonna.com/news/title/sticky-and-sweet-tour-press-release. Retrieved 2009-11-05. 
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Waddell, Ray (2009-01-30). "Madonna Resuming Sticky & Sweet Tour This Summer". Billboard (Nielsen Business Media, Inc). http://www.billboard.com/news/madonna-resuming-sticky-sweet-tour-this-1003936340.story. Retrieved 2009-11-09. 
  4. ↑ Koha, Nui Te; Moran, Jonathan (2008-03-02). "Madonna set for Melbourne return". Herald Sun (The Herald and Weekly Times). http://www.heraldsun.com.au/story/0,21985,23304142-5012974,00.html. Retrieved 2008-10-27. 
  5. ↑ Reporter, Daily (2008-03-02). "Madonna set to tour Down Under, adopt another child". The Courier-Mail (Queensland Newspapers). http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,23306206-5003421,00.html. Retrieved 2008-10-27. 
  6. ↑ Te Koha, Nui (2008-11-30). "Madonna dumps Aussie tour dates". The Daily Telegraph (News Corporation). http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/sunday-telegraph/madonna-dumps-aussie-tour-dates/story-e6frewt0-1111118179778. Retrieved 2008-12-10. 
  7. ↑ Adams, Cameron (2009-01-29). "Madonna, Britney Spears set to tour Australia in 2009". Herald Sun (The Herald and Weekly Times). http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/divas-down-under/story-0-1111118693712. Retrieved 2009-01-29. 
  8. ↑ Grossweiner, Bob; Green, Jane (2009-01-30). "Madonna extends Sticky & Sweet tour but not in North America". The Daily Telegraph (News Corporation). http://www.ticketnews.com/Madonna-extends-Sticky-Sweet-tour-but-not-in-North-America1930710. Retrieved 2009-02-03. 
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Scott, Amy (2008-05-08). "Madonna Will Wear Boatloads of Designer Goods for the Sticky and Sweet Tour". New York. http://nymag.com/daily/fashion/2008/08/madonna_will_wear_truckloads_o.html. Retrieved 2009-11-05. 
  10. ↑ Bernstein, Jacob (2008-08-05). "Madonna's Costumes for Her Sticky and Sweet Tour". Women's Wear Daily (Advance Publications). http://www.wwd.com/lifestyle-news/madonnas-costumes-for-her-sticky-and-sweet-tour-1703286//. Retrieved 2009-11-05. 
  11. ↑ Reporter, NME (2008-08-21). "Madonna's 'Sticky & Sweet' world tour secrets revealed". NME (IPC Media). http://www.nme.com/news/madonna/39108. Retrieved 2009-11-05. 
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 Bianco, Giovanni (2008). Official Sticky & Sweet Tour Program. Los Angeles, California: Signature Networks, Inc. pp. 58–62. ISBN MDN44899. 
  13. ↑ Staff, PSW (2008-12-19). "Madonna's Tour Features DiGiCo SD7 Digital Consoles". ProSoundWeb. http://www.prosoundweb.com/article/madonnas_tour_features_digico_sd7_digital_consoles_front_center/. Retrieved 2010-01-01. 
  14. ↑ Reporter, PAG (2009-01-02). "Madonna’s ‘Sticky & Sweet’ Tour Features DiGiCo SD7". ProAudioGuide. http://proaudioguide.com/news/index.php?s1=1&id=19969&go=news_detail. Retrieved 2010-01-01. 
  15. ↑ "Sennheiser gets Sticky and Sweet on Madonna’s world tour". Techie-Talk.com. 2009-01-01. http://www.techietalk.co.uk/news/sennheiser-sticky-sweet-madonnas-world-tour/. Retrieved 2010-01-01. 
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 16.4 16.5 16.6 Liss, Sarah (2008-10-20). "Live review: Madonna feels it in her heartbeat". CBC.ca (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation). http://www.cbc.ca/arts/media/blogs/popculture/2008/10/live_review_madonna_feels_it_i.html. Retrieved 2009-11-06. 
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 17.4 17.5 17.6 Albiston, Isabel (2008-08-24). "Madonna at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium: Review". The Daily Telegraph (Telegraph Media Group). http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/celebritynews/2608967/Madonna-at-Cardiffs-Millennium-Stadium-Review.html. Retrieved 2009-11-06. 
  18. ↑ 18.00 18.01 18.02 18.03 18.04 18.05 18.06 18.07 18.08 18.09 18.10 Pareles, Jon (2008-10-05). "Aerobic, Not Erotic: The Concert as Workout". The New York Times (The New York Times Company). http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/06/arts/music/06mado.html. Retrieved 2009-11-06. 
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 Moody, Nekesa Mumbi (2008-10-04). "Madonna gives fans a treat with "Sticky & Sweet". USA Today (Gannett Company). http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/2008-10-05-3494094949_x.htm. Retrieved 2009-11-06. 
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 20.3 20.4 20.5 Slomowicz, DJ Ron (2008-07-09). "Madonna's "Sticky and Sweet" Mashups". About.com. The New York Times Company. http://dancemusic.about.com/od/artistshomepages/tp/StickySweetMashups.htm. Retrieved 2009-11-10. 
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 Cinquemani, Sal (2008-09-10). "Madonna: Live in Chicago". Slant Magazine. http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/features/stickyandsweet.asp. Retrieved 2009-11-10. 
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 22.2 Guerra, Joey (2008-11-17). "Madonna revs up Minute Maid crowd". Houston Chronicle (Hearst Corporation). http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ent/music/6117424.html. Retrieved 2009-11-06. 
  23. ↑ Thompson, Haven (2009-07-02). "Marilyn Minter & Madge, destined to be BFs". W (Condé Nast Publications). http://www.wmagazine.com/w/blogs/editorsblog/2009/07/02/marilyn-minter.htm. Retrieved 2009-07-05. 
  24. ↑ Bumpus, Jessica (2009-07-03). "Givenchy On Stage". Vogue (Condé Nast Publications). http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/daily/090703-givenchys-madonna-costume.aspx. Retrieved 2009-07-05. 
  25. ↑ Reporter, SF (2009-07-06). "Madonna's emotional tribute to Jackson". San Francisco Chronicle (Hearst Corporation). http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/dailydish/detail?blogid=7&entry_id=43096. Retrieved 2009-07-05. 
  26. ↑ Briggs, Caroline (2009-07-05). "Madonna in Jackson stage tribute". BBC (BBC Online). http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8134586.stm. Retrieved 2009-11-06. 
  27. ↑ Brown, Helen (2008-08-25). "Madonna: the mother of reinvention". The Daily Telegraph (Telegraph Media Group). http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/rockandjazzmusic/3559140/Madonna-the-mother-of-reinvention.html. Retrieved 2009-11-06. 
  28. ↑ Farber, Jim (2008-08-24). "Madonna rocks hard, wears little in Sticky and Sweet start". New York Daily News (Mortimer Zuckerman). http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music/2008/08/23/2008-08-23_madonna_rocks_hard_wears_little_in_stick.html. Retrieved 2009-11-06. 
  29. ↑ Kot, Greg (2008-10-27). "Grins all around: Madonna's a dancing fool". Chicago Tribune (Tribune Company). http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com/turn_it_up/2008/10/grins-all-aroun.html. Retrieved 2009-11-06. 
  30. ↑ Thrills, Adrian (2008-08-26). "Raunchier than ever...Madonna on stage at 50". Daily Mail (Associated Newspapers). http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/reviews/article-1048834/FIRST-NIGHT-REVIEW-Raunchier--Madonna-stage-50.html. Retrieved 2009-11-06. 
  31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 Ganz, Caryn (2008-10-07). "Madonna’s Sticky & Sweet Tour Rolls Into New York With Reworked Hits, Virtual Britney". Rolling Stone (Jann Wenner). http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2008/10/07/madonnas-sticky-sweet-tour-rolls-into-new-york-with-reworked-hits-virtual-britney/. Retrieved 2009-11-06. 
  32. ↑ Petridis, Alexis (2008-08-15). "U2, Wembley Stadium". The Guardian (Guardian News Media). http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2009/aug/15/u2-live-review. Retrieved 2009-10-27. 
  33. ↑ 33.0 33.1 33.2 Reporter, Press (2008-05-27). "More 'Sweet' Sales for Madonna's Sticky & Sweet Tour! Stadiums and Arenas Sell Out in Record Time". Reuters (Thomson Reuters). http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS164312+27-May-2008+PRN20080527. Retrieved 2009-03-10. 
  34. ↑ Reporter, Press (2008-09-25). "Tiny Montenegro town gears up for Madonna's big gig". Reuters (Thomson Reuters). http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE48O7EP20080925. Retrieved 2008-09-26. 
  35. ↑ Reporter, Press (2009-01-30). "Madonna's 'Sticky & Sweet' tour goes back on the road summer 2009". Reuters (Thomson Reuters). http://www.reuters.com/article/idUS93595+30-Jan-2009+PRN20090130. Retrieved 2009-11-06. 
  36. ↑ "Top 25 Boxscores". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc.. 2008-12-11. http://www.billboard.biz. Retrieved 2008-12-15. 
  37. ↑ DeVault, Ryan (2008-12-11). "Bon Jovi Scores 2008's Top Grossing Tour". Billboard (Nielsen Business Media, Inc.). http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/bon-jovi-scores-2008-s-top-grossing-tour-1003921575.story. Retrieved 2008-12-13. 
  38. ↑ Reporter, Press (2008-12-30). "Madonna biggest 2008 North American tour attraction". Reuters (Thomson Reuters). http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE4BS4ZM20081230. Retrieved 2008-12-31. 
  39. ↑ Reporter, BBC (2008-12-01). "Madonna 'to set solo tour record'". BBC (BBC Online). http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7758025.stm. Retrieved 2009-11-06. 
  40. ↑ Kaufman, Gil (2009-09-03). "Madonna Breaks Her Own Solo-Tour Record With Sticky & Sweet". MTV (MTV Networks). http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1620700/20090903/madonna.jhtml. Retrieved 2009-11-09. 
  41. ↑ 41.0 41.1 Waddell, Ray (2009-09-02). "Madonna Closes Tour In Tel Aviv; 2nd Highest Grossing Trek Of All Time". Billboard (Nielsen Business Media, Inc). http://www.billboard.com/features/news/madonna-closes-tour-in-tel-aviv-2nd-highest-1004008911.story. Retrieved 2009-11-09. 
  42. ↑ Reporter, Press (2009-02-29). "Sticky & Sweet & Hot, Hot, Hot MADONNA Summer Shows Sell out in Minutes!". Reuters (Thompson Reuters). http://www.reuters.com/article/idUS252013+09-Feb-2009+PRN20090209. Retrieved 2009-11-09. 
  43. ↑ Reporter, Press (2009-03-09). "Agotadas en 24 horas las 70.300 entradas del concierto de Madonna en Tallin" (in Spanish). Lavanguardia.es. http://www.rpp.com.pe/2009-03-06-agotadas-en-24-horas-las-70-300-entradas-del-show-de-madonna-en-tallin-noticia_168549.html. Retrieved 2009-03-10. 
  44. ↑ Reporter, Icon (2009-06-11). "Second Tel Aviv Show Announced!". Icon: The Official Madonna Website (Madonna.com). http://www.madonna.com/news/title/second-tel-aviv-show-announced. Retrieved 2009-11-09. 
  45. ↑ Waddell, Ray (2009-11-05). "Madonna Takes Top Honors At Billboard Touring Awards". Billboard (Nielsen Business Media, Inc). http://www.billboard.com/events/madonna-takes-top-honors-at-billboard-touring-1004039818.story. Retrieved 2009-11-09. 
  46. ↑ "Top 25 Tours of 2009". Billboard (Nielsen Business Media, Inc). http://www.billboard.com/#/features/top-25-tours-of-2009-1004053062.story. Retrieved 2009-12-23. 
  47. ↑ Waddell, Ray (2009-12-21). "U2, Madonna lead list of 2009's top music tours". Canwest News Service (Canwest). http://www.canada.com/entertainment/celebrity/Madonna+lead+list+2009+music+tours/2366847/story.html. Retrieved 2009-12-23. 
  48. ↑ Reporter, CBC (2008-08-25). "McCain camp calls Madonna concert segment 'outrageous, unacceptable'". CBC.ca (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation). http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2008/08/25/mccain-madonna-concert.html?ref=rss. Retrieved 2008-08-27. 
  49. ↑ Raddle, Joe (2008-11-04). "Madonna, Oprah, others react to Obama win". MSNBC (NBC Universal). http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27557276/ns/entertainment-celebrities/. Retrieved 2009-11-09. 
  50. ↑ Reporter, Fox (2008-10-07). "Madonna: 'Palin Can't Come to My Show'". Fox News Channel (News Corporation). http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,433825,00.html. Retrieved 2009-11-09. 
  51. ↑ Parker, Eloise (2008-10-08). "Madonna to Sarah Palin: 'Get off my street!'". New York Daily News (Mortimer Zuckerman). http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music/2008/10/08/2008-10-08_madonna_to_sarah_palin_get_off_my_street.html. Retrieved 2009-11-09. 
  52. ↑ Babington, Deepa; Boulton; Ralph (2008-09-07). "Madonna dedicates "Like a Virgin" to pope". Reuters (Thomson Reuters). http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSPAR75048420080907. Retrieved 2009-11-09. 
  53. ↑ 53.0 53.1 Siddique, Haroon (2009-08-28). "Romanian fans boo Madonna for supporting Gypsies". The Guardian (Guardian News Media). http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2009/aug/28/madonna-booed-at-romania-concert. Retrieved 2009-11-09. 
  54. ↑ Reporter, Associated Press (2010-01-06). "Roma people to give Madonna gold plaque". Google News (Associated Press). http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hwysSXG60a8oenVuH6bZHL-6s51w. Retrieved 2010-01-06. 
  55. ↑ Reporter, BBC (2009-07-16). "Madonna concert stage collapses". BBC (BBC Online). http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8154643.stm. Retrieved 2009-07-16. 
  56. ↑ 56.0 56.1 Reporter, BBC (2009-07-17). "Madonna stage accident kills two". BBC (BBC Online). http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8154643.stm. Retrieved 2009-11-09. 
  57. ↑ Everett, Christina (2009-07-19). "Madonna pays respect to workers injured in her concert stage accident". New York Daily News (Mortimer Zuckerman). http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2009/07/20/2009-07-20_madonna_pays_respect_to_workers_injured_in_her_concert_stage_accident.html. Retrieved 2009-11-09. 
  58. ↑ Reporte, En (2008-12-03). "Madonna suspende primer show en Buenos Aires por problemas técnicos" (in Spanish). La Nación (Bartolomé Mitre). http://www.lanacion.com.py/noticias_um-216703.htm. Retrieved 2008-12-05. 
  59. ↑ Reporter, Sun (2009-06-15). "Madonna lands Sky deal". The Sun (News Corporation). http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/2481174/Madonna-lands-Sky-deal.html. Retrieved 2009-11-08. 
  60. ↑ "Madonna Sticky & Sweet Tour". CityVibe. http://www.moviecitypack.com/?id=1125. Retrieved 2009-11-09. 
  61. ↑ Reporter, Press (2009-10-06). "Madonna`s "Sticky & Sweet" Concert to Premiere on EPIX". Reuters (Thomson Reuters). http://www.reuters.com/article/idUS179012+06-Oct-2009+BW20091006. Retrieved 2009-11-09. 
  62. ↑ Reporter, Icon (2010-01-12). "Madonna’s 'Sticky & Sweet' Concert To Be Released March 30th On DVD, Blu-Ray And CD". Icon: Official Madonna website (Madonna.com). http://www.madonna.com/news/title/madonnas-sticky--sweet-concert-to-be-released-march-30th-on-dvd-bluray-and-cd. Retrieved 2010-01-12. 
  63. ↑ Reporter, Icon (2010-01-12). "'Madonna: Sticky + Sweet' Book". Icon: Official Madonna website (Madonna.com). http://www.madonna.com/news/title/madonna-sticky--sweet-book. Retrieved 2010-01-25. 
  64. ↑ Geoghegan, Kev (2008-06-17). "Madonna European support revealed". BBC (BBC Online). http://news.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/hi/music/newsid_7459000/7459051.stm. Retrieved 2009-11-09. 
  65. ↑ Reporter, Icon (2008-05-09). "Benny Benassi to support Madonna's Sticky & Sweet Tour". Icon: Madonna's Official Website. Madonna.com. http://www.madonna.com/news/title/benny-benassi-to-support-madonnas-sticky-and-sweet-tour. Retrieved 2008-07-11. 
  66. ↑ Stevenson, Nick (2008-06-24). "Oakenfold to open for Madonna at Wembley". Mixmag. http://www.mixmag.net/content/oakenfold-open-madonna-wembley. Retrieved 2008-06-27. 
  67. ↑ Reporter, Icon (2008-05-09). "Madonna & Bob Sinclar get Sticky & Sweet". Icon: Madonna's Official Website. Madonna.com. http://www.madonna.com/news/title/madonna-and-bob-sinclar-get-sticky-and-sweet. Retrieved 2008-07-16. 
  68. ↑ 68.0 68.1 Reporter, Press (2008-05-08). "Madonna's Yummy 'Sticky & Sweet Tour Itinerary Unwrapped for Fans for the Very First...". Reuters. Thomson Reuters. http://www.reuters.com/article/idUS75671+08-May-2008+PRN20080508. Retrieved 2008-06-02. 
  69. ↑ Reporter, Icon. "Madonna's Sticky and Sweet Tour Confirms Final Show In Israel On September 01 Hayarkon Park". icon: Official Madonna Website (Madonna.com). http://www.madonna.com/news/title/madonnas-sticky-and-sweet-tour-confirms-final-show-in-israel-on-september-01-hayarkon-park. Retrieved 2009-06-01. 
  70. ↑ Hand, John (2008-10-12). "Rapper Williams joins Madonna gig". BBC (BBC Online). http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7666012.stm. Retrieved 2009-11-06. 
  71. ↑ Kaufman, Gil (2008-11-07). "Britney Spears And Justin Timberlake Appear Onstage With Madonna". MTV (MTV Networks). http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1598804/20081107/madonna.jhtml. Retrieved 2009-11-09. 
  72. ↑ Daley, Dan (2009-01-01). "When Disaster Strikes". FOHOnline. http://fohonline.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2156&Itemid=1. Retrieved 2010-01-01. 
  73. ↑ "Madonna - Sticky & Sweet Tour with Pharrell". Yahoo!. http://video.yahoo.com/watch/3704808/10190897. Retrieved 2009-11-09. 
  74. ↑ "Happy Birthday Rocco, love Madonna". Marie Claire. Hearst Corporation. 2009-08-12. http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/news/celebrity/386873/happy-birthday-rocco-love-madonna.html. Retrieved 2009-11-09. 
  75. ↑ Reporter, Daily Mail (2009-09-02). "Madonna's mini-me: Lourdes recreates her mother's famous Like A Virgin pose". Daily Mail (Associated Newspapers). http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1210686/Madonnas-mini-Lourdes-recreates-mothers-famous-Like-A-Virgin-pose.html. Retrieved 2009-11-09. 
  76. ↑ Reporter, Daily Mail (2009-09-03). "Madonna, why are you turning your little girl Lourdes into a pouting clone". Daily Mail (Associated Newspapers). http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1210856/Madonna-turning-little-girl-Lourdes-pouting-clone.html. Retrieved 2009-11-09. 
  77. ↑ 77.00 77.01 77.02 77.03 77.04 77.05 77.06 77.07 77.08 77.09 77.10 77.11 77.12 77.13 77.14 77.15 "Billboard Boxscore". Billboard (New York City: Nielsen Business Media, Inc.). 2008-10-04. ISSN 0006-2510. http://www.billboard.biz. Retrieved 2008-10-02 
  78. ↑ 78.0 78.1 78.2 78.3 78.4 78.5 78.6 78.7 "Billboard Boxscore". Billboard (New York City: Nielsen Business Media, Inc.). 2008-11-22. ISSN 0006-2510. http://www.billboard.biz. Retrieved 2008-11-13 
  79. ↑ 79.0 79.1 79.2 79.3 "Billboard Boxscore". Billboard (New York City: Nielsen Business Media, Inc.). 2008-11-29. ISSN 0006-2510. http://www.billboard.biz. Retrieved 2008-11-26 
  80. ↑ 80.0 80.1 80.2 80.3 80.4 80.5 "Billboard Boxscore". Billboard (New York City: Nielsen Business Media, Inc.). 2008-12-13. ISSN 0006-2510. http://www.billboard.biz. Retrieved 2008-10-02 
  81. ↑ 81.0 81.1 81.2 "Billboard Boxscore". Billboard (New York City: Nielsen Business Media, Inc.). 2009-01-03. ISSN 0006-2510. http://www.billboard.biz. Retrieved 2008-12-31 
  82. ↑ 82.0 82.1 "Billboard Boxscore". Billboard (New York City: Nielsen Business Media, Inc.). 2009-02-07. ISSN 0006-2510. http://www.billboard.biz. Retrieved 2009-02-04 
  83. ↑ 83.0 83.1 83.2 83.3 "Billboard Boxscore". Billboard (New York City: Nielsen Business Media, Inc.). 2009-07-18. ISSN 0006-2510. http://www.billboard.biz. Retrieved 2009-07-15 
  84. ↑ 84.0 84.1 84.2 84.3 84.4 "Billboard Boxscore". Billboard (New York City: Nielsen Business Media, Inc.). 2009-08-15. ISSN 0006-2510. http://www.billboard.biz. Retrieved 2009-08-05 
  85. ↑ 85.0 85.1 85.2 "Billboard Boxscore". Billboard (New York City: Nielsen Business Media, Inc.). 2009-08-22. ISSN 0006-2510. http://www.billboard.biz. Retrieved 2009-08-12 
  86. ↑ 86.0 86.1 86.2 86.3 86.4 "Billboard Boxscore". Billboard (New York City: Nielsen Business Media, Inc.). 2009-08-29. ISSN 0006-2510. http://www.billboard.biz. Retrieved 2009-08-19 
  87. ↑ 87.0 87.1 87.2 87.3 "Billboard Boxscore". Billboard (New York City: Nielsen Business Media, Inc.). 2009-09-12. ISSN 0006-2510. http://www.billboard.biz. Retrieved 2009-09-02 
  88. ↑ 88.0 88.1 "Billboard Boxscore". Billboard (New York City: Nielsen Business Media, Inc.). 2009-09-26. ISSN 0006-2510. http://www.billboard.biz. Retrieved 2009-09-16 

External links

Madonna
Albums · Singles · Videos · Unreleased songs · Tours · Films · Books · Awards and nominations
Studio albums
Compilations
You Can Dance · The Immaculate Collection · Something to Remember · GHV2 · Remixed & Revisited · Celebration
Soundtracks
Who's That Girl · I'm Breathless · Evita
Extended plays
Remixed Prayers · Madonna 1983–1989 · The Holiday Collection
Video compilations
Madonna · The Immaculate Collection · The Video Collection 93:99 · The Madonna Collection · Celebration: The Video Collection
Video singles
"Justify My Love" · "Ray of Light" · "Music" · "What It Feels Like for a Girl"
Live releases
Live – The Virgin Tour · Ciao, Italia! – Live from Italy · Live! – Blond Ambition World Tour 90 · Truth or Dare · The Girlie Show – Live Down Under · Drowned World Tour 2001 · I'm Going to Tell You a Secret · The Confessions Tour · Sticky & Sweet Tour
Concert tours
The Virgin Tour · Who's That Girl World Tour · Blond Ambition World Tour · The Girlie Show World Tour · Drowned World Tour · Re-Invention World Tour · Confessions Tour · Sticky & Sweet Tour
Motion pictures
A Certain Sacrifice · Vision Quest · Desperately Seeking Susan · Shanghai Surprise · Who's That Girl · Bloodhounds of Broadway · Dick Tracy · Shadows and Fog · A League of Their Own · Body of Evidence · Dangerous Game · Four Rooms · Girl 6 · Evita · The Next Best Thing · Swept Away · Die Another Day · Arthur and the Invisibles · Filth and Wisdom · W.E.
Documentaries
Truth or Dare · I'm Going to Tell You a Secret  · I Am Because We Are
Books
Sex · The English Roses
Related companies
Live Nation · Warner Bros. Records · Maverick · Maverick Records · Maverick Films · Semtex Films · Sire Records · Warner Music Group
Related articles
Madonna as gay icon · Madonna wannabe · Madonna Studies · Madonna on Late Show with David Letterman · Madonna: An Intimate Biography · "Dolls and Dolls" · "The Power of Madonna" (EP) · Raising Malawi · X-STaTIC Pro=CeSS · Breakfast Club · Sean Penn · Guy Ritchie · Christopher Ciccone · Ashcombe House, Wiltshire · 15 Films About Madonna · Pre-Madonna
Wikipedia book Book · Category Category · Portal Portal · WikiProject WikiProject