One of my best last minute decisions ever landed me at the Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett concert last Saturday night. I’d been eager to see the show – especially after Gaga’s amazing “Lush Life” and “Bang Bang” performances – but the tickets sold out long ago before I even found out about the event. Luckily, I happened to be in the city Saturday and decided to try out buying last minute tickets on Stub Hub. For those who don’t know, Stub Hub is a website for people to resell concert tickets they can’t use. On the day of show, ticket prices will either skyrocket if there’s few left – or drop if there are many left. Usually, they drop, and I was lucky enough to score orchestra tickets for the show, $40 under face value.
Needless to say, I was in there, perched in my seat waiting for Gaga and Bennett to slay me; and slay they did. First, I must note that I was impressed how the pair performed a lengthy, 32-song set. I didn’t count solos, but it seemed like Tony had more (and rightfully so; he is a legend) but both were respectably impressive. While I’ve always known both could sang, I was floored by the vocal performances of both artists. Notably, when Tony put his microphone down and sang half of “Fly Me To the Moon” using the natural acoustics of Radio City. Or, when Gaga sang in French Amazing.
Video Credit: brandonxgaga
It was a show with numerous highlights indeed, from the solos to the adorable collaborations between the two. While Gaga’s numerous outfit changes were ravishing and show-stopping, unlike her solo tours it did not overpower the main focus, here: the music and the vocals. I’ve never seen Gaga live on her own; this was my first time seeing her live, ever. Why? Because I’m a bit put off by all the unnecessary “artsy” (read: weird) crap she does. I am a fan, but first and foremost for her voice, talent, and musicality. So, the Cheek to Cheek Tour was the perfect setting for me to see Lady Gaga live for the first time.
It’s interesting to see Gaga take such an unexpected foray from her pop superstardom at what most would call the primetime of her career. And, one must wonder what will come next. Will the pair do another album, and tour? Will Gaga go back to business as usual? Or will she do both? Hopefully, Gaga can find a happy medium (perhaps, doing a Broadway musical?). However, one thing is for certain: Mr. Tony Bennett, at 88 years old, is an unbreakable legend who will be just fine whether or not he is cheek to cheek with Ms. Stefani Germanotta.
If you weren’t able to see the duo live on the Cheek to Cheek Tour, I would highly recommend ordering their live concert DVD. It is not as lengthy as the actual tour, but it gets the job done.