Appreciation Thread: The Monster Ball Tour (Theater Version)

[LADYGAGA10MONSTER 3,196]

When most people think of Lady Gaga’s big tours, the Monster Ball or the Born This Way Ball often come to mind. However, when we talk about the Monster Ball Tour (MBT), the conversation naturally leans toward the arena version. But here’s the thing—doesn’t the theater version deserve more love?

 

Sure, the theater iteration of MBT was put together in three weeks (which is iconic in itself, if you ask me). While it wasn’t as extravagant as the arena version, I feel the 1.0 variation of the tour captured the The Fame Monster album’s aesthetic more authentically than the 2.0 version.

 

It had this intimate yet theatrical vibe that felt like a perfect representation of Gaga’s artistic vision at the time. Don’t get me wrong, the arena shows were groundbreaking in their own right, but there’s something about the stripped-down, raw energy of the theater version that deserves more appreciation.

 

What are your thoughts? Did the theater version resonate with you, or do you feel the arena tour eclipses it completely? Let’s hear it!

 

— Discuss below.

Edited January 11, 2025 by LADYGAGA10MONSTER

[LADYGAGA10MONSTER 3,196]

Man… yall must prefer the arena version better 

 

lol

[SS77 2,067]

42 minutes ago, LADYGAGA10MONSTER said:

 I feel the 1.0 variation of the tour captured the The Fame Monster album’s aesthetic more authentically than the 2.0 version.

I’ve been saying exactly this for years! 

It’s so true. While 2.0 was the more extravagant version yes, it was almost too colorful. 1.0 had a metallic, monochromatic vibe that better matched the original TFM visuals. 

A reverse Chromatica Ball experience, if you will 

[LADYGAGA10MONSTER 3,196]

1 minute ago, SS77 said:

I’ve been saying exactly this for years! 

It’s so true. While 2.0 was the more extravagant version yes, it was almost too colorful. 1.0 had a metallic, monochromatic vibe that better matched the original TFM visuals. 

A reverse Chromatica Ball experience, if you will 

Yesssss

 

I feel like the arena version was more of what she wanted to do with the original version but when you put the album to the tour, the 2.0 version just doesn’t match up while the 1.0 does

[Borislshere 53,138]

The monster ball 1.0 felt like a celebration of the fame monster whereas 2.0 felt like a celebration of her career (at that point). Love both for their own reasons though! 

[TimotheeChalamet 6,329]

I think the show didn't showcase her potential at the time imo, whereas the arena version was powerful enough. The theater version had some weird sound mixing and didn't do justice to her vocals