Madonna is one of the most successful and influential artists in popular music history. She has sold over 300 million records worldwide, and is recognized as the best-selling female recording artist of all time by Guinness World Records. At 64 years old, Madonna continues to be a major touring and recording artist, captivating audiences with her spectacular live shows.
Madonna’s Upcoming UK Tour Dates
In late 2022, Madonna announced she would be embarking on a global tour in 2023 to support her upcoming 15th studio album. This tour, titled “The Celebration Tour”, will include several stops across the UK:
- October 14-15 – The O2 Arena, London
- October 21-22 – AO Arena, Manchester
- October 28-29 – SSE Hydro, Glasgow
These arena shows will give tens of thousands of UK fans the chance to see Madonna’s renowned productions, choreography, costumes and set designs up close. She is well known for putting on visually stunning concerts with intricate thematic elements.
What to Expect From Madonna’s UK Shows
While Madonna has not released the exact details of her 2023 tour yet, fans can likely expect a career-spanning setlist featuring some of her biggest hits like:
- “Like a Virgin”
- “Like a Prayer”
- “Vogue”
- “Music”
- “Hung Up”
- “4 Minutes”
She may also perform songs from her upcoming album, which is expected to have a mix of dance-pop, house music and modern R&B sounds. Visually, her shows are often divided into thematic acts, so fans may see different set pieces, choreographed dance sequences, and Madonna taking on various character personas throughout the performance.
A Look Back at Past Madonna UK Shows
Madonna has a long history of bringing spectacular tours to the UK dating back to 1987’s Who’s That Girl World Tour. Here is a brief overview of some of her most memorable UK shows from the past four decades:
The Virgin Tour – 1985
Madonna’s first concert tour came in support of her smash-hit sophomore album Like a Virgin. She performed six shows across the UK, including a famous stop at Wembley Arena where she rode onstage on a giant wedding cake to perform “Like a Virgin” in her iconic wedding dress and “BOY TOY” belt.
Blond Ambition World Tour – 1990
This tour helped cement Madonna’s reputation for mixing elaborate choreography with sexuality, Catholic themes and fashion. At Wembley Stadium, she delivered a show-stopping 27-song set in a legendary cone bra designed by Jean Paul Gaultier.
The Girlie Show – 1993
Madonna’s fourth tour was her most sexually explicit and controversial show to date. During her three UK dates, she simulated masturbation during “Like a Virgin” and invited audience members onstage during “Holiday.” The tour drew protest from conservative and religious groups.
Sticky & Sweet Tour – 2008
This tour broke the record (at the time) for highest-grossing tour by a solo artist. Madonna dazzled UK crowds with stunts like smashing guitars and dueling with dancers in martial arts sequences. It showed her ability to keep innovating decades into her career.
Rebel Heart Tour – 2015
While smaller in scale than her last tour, the Rebel Heart performances focused on Madonna’s skills as a musician and performer. She played guitar, ukulele and sang stripped-down versions of classics, delighting fans with intimate shows in arenas like The O2 in London.
Where Else is Madonna Touring in 2023?
In addition to her multiple UK dates, Madonna’s Celebration Tour will visit over 30 major cities across the globe. Other European stops on the tour include:
- September 12-13 – Tel Aviv, Israel
- September 19-20 – Antwerp, Belgium
- September 24-25 – Copenhagen, Denmark
- October 1-2 – Stockholm, Sweden
- October 5-6 – Barcelona, Spain
- October 23-24 – Paris, France
- November 1-2 – Lisbon, Portugal
- November 6-7 – Milan, Italy
In North America, she will be playing large stadiums and arenas including New York’s Madison Square Garden and Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena. Other global tour stops announced include shows in Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Australia, and more.
How to Get Tickets
Given Madonna’s superstar status and limited tour dates, demand for tickets is expected to be extremely high. Here are some tips for fans hoping to secure seats:
- Sign up at Madonna.com for early access to presales.
- Follow Madonna’s social media and sign up for fan clubs to get presale code info.
- Be ready at your computer right when the general on-sale starts.
- Aim for floor seats or lower bowl spots for the best experience.
- Check resale sites like StubHub if box office sells out.
Madonna VIP upgrades like premium seats, exclusive merch, and a tour laminate are also available for serious fans. Prices will vary by city.
Why Madonna’s 2023 Tour is a Must-See
There are many reasons this latest Madonna tour is poised to be one of the hottest tickets of 2023:
- New music: She will be featuring songs from her first album in over four years.
- Master live performer: Even at 64, she remains one of music’s greatest entertainers.
- Production value: Her tours continue to break boundaries and push limits creatively.
- Rarer shows: Madonna is not touring as extensively as she used to.
- Nostalgia factor: For longtime fans, may be their last chance to see a Madonna concert.
Given her track record, Madonna is all but guaranteed to deliver an unforgettable experience for those lucky enough to score tickets. This tour represents a full circle moment as she returns to cities that first embraced her over three decades ago.
Setlist Predictions
While Madonna has kept exact details of her upcoming tour close to the vest, she has promised to feature songs from throughout her entire career. Based on past setlists and tours, here are some predictions of the hits, rarities and album cuts she might break out:
Biggest Classics
- “Like a Prayer”
- “Vogue”
- “Music”
- “Material Girl”
- “La Isla Bonita”
Fan Favorite Album Tracks
- “Drowned World/Substitute for Love”
- “Paradise (Not For Me)”
- “Frozen”
- “Isaac”
- “Mer Girl”
Rarities
- “Burning Up”
- “Deeper and Deeper”
- “Impressive Instant”
- “I’m So Stupid”
- “Cyber-Raga”
Covers
- “Imagine”
- “American Pie”
- “Like a Prayer” (acoustic)
New Songs
- “(TBD from new album)”
Of course, Madonna often shakes up her setlists so fans may be treated to some unexpected selections as well. Costume changes and interludes will be woven throughout the performance, as she aims to take audiences on a journey with the power of music and imagination.
How Madonna Changed Music and Pop Culture
While Madonna’s 2023 tour will remind fans of her impressive catalog of hits, her influence on music and culture extends far beyond just her own songs. Here are some of the groundbreaking ways Madonna reshaped the landscape of pop over her 40+ year career:
- Pushed boundaries with sexuality: Madonna boldly incorporated sexual themes and imagery into her music and style long before it was widely acceptable for female artists.
- Inspired generations of performers: From Lady Gaga to Miley Cyrus, numerous pop stars cite Madonna as their primary influence and inspiration.
- Redefined touring: She set a new standard for elaborate, conceptual concerts with theatrical elements.
- Broke gender barriers: Madonna asserted unprecedented autonomy and control over her career as a female musician in a male-dominated industry.
- Created visual iconography: Looks like cone bra corsets, “Boy Toy” belts and rosary necklaces are forever associated with Madonna’s cultural impact.
- Evolved sound and image: She was a trendsetter across decades, constantly working with fresh producers and reinventing her style.
While some initially criticized her boldness, Madonna’s refusal to play by the rules ultimately paved the way for more creative freedom for women in music. Her longevity speaks to the power and resonance of her legacy as a cultural icon.
Most Expensive Madonna Tour Tickets
Given the huge demand from a multi-generational global fanbase, tickets on Madonna’s tour can get quite pricey. Here are some of the most expensive Madonna tickets found for UK dates of the 2023 tour:
| Date | Venue | Ticket Price |
|---|---|---|
| October 14 | The O2 Arena London | £1,750 |
| October 15 | The O2 Arena London | £2,030 |
| October 21 | AO Arena Manchester | £1,603 |
| October 28 | SSE Hydro Glasgow | £1,412 |
These astronomical sums are for VIP packages or reseller floor seats nearest the catwalks and stage. While average ticket prices are around £150-£300, die-hard fans are clearly willing to pay huge premiums for the best experiences.
Conclusion
Madonna’s Celebration Tour promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle, capping off her monumental career with a return to stages that helped launch her into superstardom. From her elaborate production to range of hits spanning four decades, fans in the UK will surely be wowed as she breathes new life into old classics. The shows will be a vivid reminder of her staggering creative vision, work ethic, and courage that paved the way for so many. Madonna remains in a league of her own.
