I last saw Lady Gaga over two and a half years ago, at Twickenham on her Born this Way Ball tour. So it was well overdue for me to see her again. Not least because I needed some rejuvenation and magic in my life. I wanted to feel brave again.
I knew that Tony Bennet and Lady Gaga at the Royal Albert Hall would be a very different affair compared to Lady Gaga's concert tours, but it would still be beautiful and quintessentially Gaga. Cheek to Cheek has been out for a long time now, so I has plenty of time to getto know the songs. Although Jazz is not my usual music, I definitely enjoy listening to Cheek to Cheek. There is a lot of talent, passion and love in that album.
Knowing that this would be a classy affair, I decided to wear my ivory Jumperskirt by Moi-même-Moitie, paired with a faux fur cape, lace tights and heels, with my hair in a princess-like updo. I felt safe wearing brand lolita clothes because I knew the venue would be seated and it wasn't likely that my clothes would get dirtied.
The Royal Albert Hall was easy to get to on the tube - it was a little walk from the platform to the venue, but well signposted, so it wasn't much trouble.
My mummy and I arrived about a couple of hours before the show was about to start and stopped to take some pictures in front of the lovely architecture. We had dinner at the Itailan restaurant in the Royal Albert Hall.
I spent some time admiring what other fans were wearing. It seemed that so many people were wearing their best for the show. It made me happy to see such elegant fans.
I think it was about 20 minutes before the show when Mummy and I went to our seats. Our seats were quite high up (second row from the back) and towards the front of the circle, so we had a somewhat restricted view of the stage. We had This didn't turn out to be much of a problem however. The inside of the Royal Wlvert Hall was very rand ~ the perfect venue for such a show. I knew this was going to be a special night.
Before I went in I purchased the Cheek to Cheek Blu-Ray.
When it came to seven o'clock, there was an announcement to welcome Prince Harry. It came as a surprise to me. There was a spotlight on the box where I presume he had entered, but from where I was I could not tell him apart from anyone else. After, the musicians came out and filled their seats at the back of the stage.
Tony was announced and came out on stage first. He made a lovely welcome for Lady Gaga and then she appeared in a glittering gown. Most of her costumes consisted of long, flowing dresses with numerous rhinestones and pearls, just right for a lady. Apart from one considerably raunchier number of a see-through red outfit complete with feather boa which she showcased about half way through the performance.
There was a elegant atmosphere to the whole show. No fancy props or staging, just gorgeous music performed by very talented artists with lovely voices. Although the venue itself was gorgeous. I remember admiring the ceiling a lot before the show started.
Of course Lady Gaga performed beautifully because she is obviously in love with this style of music. You can tell that she sings from the heart. Gaga really gave it her all that night. I was also pleasantly surprised by how well Tony sang, given his age. Their voices sound lovely together. Some say that it is an unexpected combination, but given their talents and the passion they share, it seemed to me quite natural.
The set list was a combination of duets and some solo songs, so both fanbases had a chance to see their favoured artist perform alone. Tony stuck to his suit, but Gaga went through various costume changes and danced around the stage, often teasing the band.
There was one point when Lady was on stage on her own and acted a bit less Lady and a bit more Gaga. "(We)Love you Stefani!" one fan shouted.
"Don't call me Stefani," Gaga replied, "Stefani died a long time ago. You think I'm a mess; She's more f***** up than I am." Oh Stefani, I still love you.
It was mostly a very enjoyable and elegant evening. However, there were some 'fans' acting somewhat disrespectfully through out Tony's solo performance and paid more attention to their phones than the show. They left before the half-way point. I can't say that I missed them.
One of my favourite songs performed that night was La Vie en Rose - sung solo by Lady Gaga. Stefani wore a pink dress designed by her sister, Natali. Her French might have been a little off, but that did not matter so much as she sung that song so well. She put so much wondrous passion in her voice. And by God did she sing it. Wow, it was lovely. I felt like a brave Princess again.
Of course, one of the songs I was waiting for was 'The Lady is a Tramp.' The first Jazz song that I heard Lady Gaga sing and one of my favourites. I was not disappointed. That song was so fun and just the right amount of Gaga magic I needed. I think it was the last song performed, but I might be wrong.
All in all it was a fabulous night. I can't wait to see Lady gaga again. <3
