Madonna's Free Concert in Brazil #MusicMonday

Source: Madonna

Over the weekend, Madonna held a free concert at the Copacabana beach in Rio de Janiero where the sand, bay, streets, and overlooking hotel and apartment windows were all filled with over 1.6 million people. Evidently the largest stand-alone concert attendance by any artist ever. But then again, this is Rio and this is Madonna.

The show capped the end to her Celebration tour which started in October in London. Much like what’s been reported on Taylor Swift’s shows, the economic impact to the area has been massive for the airlines, hotels, merchants, restaurants and bars who served the incoming fans. This makes Madonna, and others like her, a force.

For forty years, Madonna has been her own brand, reinventing herself all along the way with each new album release. This concert was meant to be a celebration of those forty years and every step along with way.

I have not seen the concert, but all of my friends point to the most moving moment in the show when Madonna dedicates “Live to Tell” to all those we’ve lost to HIV/AIDS. Indeed.

Thank you, Madonna. “Crazy for You” is one of my personal favorites and holds particular meaning for me from my college days.

And then the song that got me hooked, “Holiday.”

Congratulations, Madonna, on yet another milestone with the largest concert ever. Just one of many for you through your career. And thank you for all you do to give back to us.

What’s your experience? JIM