The Monster Ball

READER BEWARE: Opinions Expressed Below

Well now here comes the moment of truth. My sister and I took a little trip to the American Airlines Center yesterday (July 23rd) to Lady Gaga's Monster Ball sponsored by Virgin Mobile. I, of course, am a fan of Gaga, but my sister (who wasn't) was a little weary, skeptic and scared about what was going to happen (and more concerned about seeing Kidd Kraddick). Well what did happen?

We arrived at the American Airlines Center, thanks to Jeanine (our GPS), safe and sound at around 6 p.m. to claim a front row parking spot in VIP Blue parking. As we were preparing to get out of the car, and informing both of our parents that we were safe, THEY appeared. Who is they? As Lady Gaga calls them: "Little Monsters". First off, an elderly couple starting sucking face in the parking lot right in front of us. But they weren't the "monsters". The monsters awaited us near the North Entrance. It was simply fascinating to see and a little shocking what some girls and guys would wear. Seriously, there was a guy in 10 inch red heels and red tape covered his exposed nipples where leather didn't. And then, Lady Gaga appeared right in front of me, and then another one did, and then another, and another, and...well you get the picture.

I must admit that I was a little weary myself of coming to this concert because I didn't have front row seats...but I thank God that I didn't! Because the front row didn't even have seats. So a mosh pit crowd of about 500+ people had to stand for three hours in high heels! Ha! Me and my sister did have some seats that were high up...but to be honest...we still had a really great view of everything.

SEMI PRECIOUS WEAPONS (Opening Act)

Watching this band play was like watching a XXX movie live and in person. I have never been more shocked! The lead singer Justin Tranter wore only a pair of glittery high heels, see through skin colored tights held up by garters and a shirt with a straitjacket on top. So it's easy to say, he was more than willing to moon the entire audience and drop expletives that would make your mom faint. You should have seen the look on my sister's face!!! You should have seen the look on my face when the first song SPW belts out is "I Can't Pay My Rent, but I'm [Explicative]ing Gorgeous". I hate to break his heart, but he has the looks that only a mother could love. The funny story is that Gaga used to be the opening act for SPW at a New York Bar where only two people showed up. And now look how things have changed!!! Luckily, Tranter did put on more clothes later on during his 30 minute performance.

Lady Gaga

2 hours, 14 costume changes (it took several short intermissions) and 1 talented singer makes for one heck of a show!!! Gaga started off with "Dance in the Dark" and she never let up. This was not just any ordinary concert...this was a performance...a party...a liberation (as Gaga would say). And boy does she say a lot! I think someone should hire her as a motivational speaker because she can boost anyone's self esteem aside from possessing brilliant dry humor. She made it clear that The Monster Ball was made just for her fans who didn't quite "fit in" and who were "picked on" because they weren't very pretty, because they weren't very skinny, because they weren't talented, because they couldn't sing, because of sexual orientation and just everything. Gaga made everyone feel comfortable...made them feel like a family...made them feel special. I could have sworn there were some points where she was on the verge of crying from wanting to save everyone from some form of torment.

As far as the whole music/performance presentation is concerned, it was simply amazing (and blushingly dirty). It was bright, colorful, fun, enthralling and the singing was great too. What a concept!!! As far as outfits, my favorite would have to be her angelic fairy outfit. I don't know how she did it, but her dress/headgear moved and she spread wings and just...it just had to be seen to be believed. Favorite performance of the night was "Paparazzi" when she slayed a large "Fame Monster" fish on stage with flashing lights from cameras and a sparking bra (seen to believe again). However, all of her performances were great and powerful.

There were four big surprises of the night. Firstly, Gaga played a new song called "You and I" that she premiered at an Elton John event a couple of weeks back. Secondly, she donated money from ticket sales to her favorite charity for homeless people. Thirdly, she called an audience member during the middle of the concert and gave them front row seats. Fourthly, Gaga's mother was there.

All in all, Lady Gaga didn't disappoint and was well worth every penny! Her message of love, harmony and tolerance was heard loud and clear. My sister literally left raving about Lady Gaga (even though she doesn't agree with some of her standpoints). I think the words, "best show I have ever seen" slipped past her tongue. She was so excited that she felt the urge to run up to the most outrageous "Little Monsters" and get pictures with them (while I snapped a few others by themselves). SEE BELOW...

Little Monsters

Lady Gaga (pictures taken that night from various Facebook sources)