Thanks to M-Triber Donato for sharing his fan review of his experience at the “Confessions Tour” in Philadelphia.

“Way back in the summer of 2001, the long-awaited Madonna concert I had dreamt about ever since I was old enough to think for myself had finally arrived. Unfortunately, for me, the dismal, yet visually stunning Drowned World Tour left a bitter-sweet taste. I had left each of the three concerts I attended wondering why my idol looked so uncomfortable on stage.

Then in 2004, in support of her poorly-received, most artistic album American Life, Madonna embarked on what would be – for me – a visual masterpiece in which she finally embraced her massive back catalogue of hits. The Re-Invention Tour was breathtaking and in my opinion the best stage show I will ever see. I mean, did we ever think she would be smart enough to open a show with mega-hit “Vogue“?? – I sure didn’t. It was a perfect balance between the then and now and it blew me away. There were still moments, however, where I was left wondering why she wasn’t smiling. To be honest, I often wonder if she truly enjoys what it is she does, or at 47, does she feel forced by middle age and an overbearing record company to do it all now? Let’s face it: we live in a society splattered with un-talented, broken beauties. As a concerned fan I often wonder if Madonna fears the inevitable or if she truly believes she will defy gravity until the end of time.

All of this was laid to rest the moment Madonna appeared on stage to begin a two-night stint at the Wachovia Center. This is Madonna’s seventh headlining tour and it’s title “Confessions” is an obvious attempt to warn concert goers that the set list would be dominated by 2005’s Confessions On A Dance Floor, an album that brought Madonna the commercial success she was always used to.

The provocative diva transformed and transpired all the tricks – she dressed the stage in a song drenched in desire so potent once can only surmise is the result of an intense practice of perfectionism. “Come with me“, she whispered, during the opening number “Future Lovers” (a highlight from the ”Confessions” CD) after emerging from a giant disco ball that descended onto center stage. Dressed in full equestrian regalia, Madonna commanded attention from the very start. The four male dancers, strapped in harnesses were very much in tune with the opening theme – they and the audience were the subjects and Madonna was our ruler, a true queen.

“Get Together“, another “Confessions” track began almost immediately after – leaving our queen to stroll up and down the catwalk purring with perfection the haunting lyrics “this is all an illusion“. It was at that moment when I noticed her smile illuminating the arena far brighter than I have ever been witness. Was this an illusion or could it be our Maddy was actually having a good time? If you looked closely enough the look in her eyes expressed no fear. Madonna had certainly arrived – this was her show and she was in perfect control.

The rest of the show was dazzling – to say the least – with Madonna strutting her stuff to old classics like “Lucky Star“, “La Isla Bonita” and the crowd favorite “Like A Virgin“. She performed an acoustic version of “Drowned World” and even rocked out on the guitar for “I Love New York” and “Ray of Light“. She ended the show with an extended version of her mega hit “Hung Up“. No Encores, but can you blame her? The show was nearly 2 hours long and she gave us her all – captivating us in an energy so infectious we as an audience had no choice but to surrender wholeheartedly.”

Donato