Madonna kicked off her much anticipated Celebration World Tour at the London O2 Arena on Saturday night.
It was the first of six sold out shows, in which the queen of pop played more than 40 hits, including era-defining anthems like Ray Of Light, Like A Prayer and Holiday to the delight of fans.
The singer had a health scare this summer which saw her rushed to hospital and meant some of her Celebration tour shows were postponed. It was confirmed her London shows would still go ahead as planned in August.
Madonna took the captivated audience on an emotional journey through some of her biggest hits, including songs she has not performed on stage in decades.
With nods to her beginnings as a struggling artist living in New York City, to her meteoric success, through personal and professional lows to spiritual awakening; the show captures Madonna’s past while looking to the future.
The star also took a moment to express her sorrow over the situation in Israel and Gaza.
"It’s so painful to witness," she said. "It breaks my heart to see children suffering, teenagers suffering, elderly people suffering. I’m sure you agree."
The colossal 78 date tour will move across Europe before landing in Madonna’s adopted hometown of New York City in December to begin the North American leg.
The celebration will move over the US and Canada throughout spring of 2024; concluding with 4 sold out shows in Mexico City next April.
The next dates for Madonna’s London shows are October 15,17,18 and December 5 and 6.
1. Madonna performs during opening night of The Celebration Tour at The O2 Arena on October 14, 2023 in London.
The show incorporated dozens of dancers.
2. The performance was the first of six sold out shows in London
Madonna took the captivated audience on an emotional journey through some of her biggest hits, including songs she has not performed on stage in decades.
3. The opening night of the tour was postponed by three months after Madonna fell ill
“I didn’t think I would make it - and my doctors didn’t either”, the 65-year-old singer told fans
4. There were 17 archive costumes recreated for the Celebration tour
The show is directed by long-time collaborator Jamie King and the musical direction of Stuart Price