CYNDI LAUPER’S ‘GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN FAREWELL TOUR’ LIGHTS UP MADISON SQUARE GARDEN

A Night of Music and Unity

Cyndi Lauper took center stage at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday, marking her “farewell tour” stop in New York City. Addressing the crowd, she shared a message of love and healing, hoping to clear the air after a recent political rally at the same venue.

First Time at the Garden

Despite her long and storied career, this was Lauper’s first headlining performance at the iconic Madison Square Garden. The 71-year-old star captivated the audience with powerful vocals, boundless energy, and signature humor.

Homecoming Magic

Returning to her hometown, Lauper brought a mix of her greatest hits and new anecdotes to her hometown crowd, charming them with her wit and charisma. The sold-out arena was filled with nostalgia and celebration.

Addressing Hate with Humor and Dance

Lauper addressed the weekend’s controversial rally: “We need a lot of love here tonight to dissipate much of the hate that was here.” Earlier, she posted a lighthearted video, dancing to restore positive energy in the space.

The New York State of Mind

Reflecting on her journey, Lauper shared a favorite quote from her early days walking past Eighth Avenue’s post office: “Neither rain nor snow nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.” Her resilience resonated with fans before she launched into another song.

Nostalgia and Iconic Moments

For “The Goonies ‘R’ Good Enough,” she recalled a recent conversation with actor Andrew Garfield about their mutual love for the film. 1980s music videos played behind her as she performed, taking the audience on a nostalgic trip.

Trailblazing Inspiration

During a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Lauper expressed excitement about the tour, reflecting on her journey in a male-dominated industry. “I’m excited to have so many fantastic young women on tour with me,” she said, challenging outdated beliefs about women in music.

Belting Out the Classics

From Prince’s “When You Were Mine” to her hits, Lauper’s voice shone as she filled the arena with cherished tunes, proving her vocal talent has only grown over the years.

A High-Tech Performance

In a nod to the original “I Drove All Night” video, Lauper projected visuals onto her outfit, adding a new twist. Following the song, she humorously admitted, “I still can’t parallel park for shit.”

Embracing Uniqueness

Lauper shared her philosophy on staying authentic, remarking, “Strong and wrong, right? You go wrong; stay strong.” Her message of self-acceptance resonated with the crowd.

Dressed to Impress

With a flair for drama, Lauper wore a tuxedo-like dress designed by Christian Siriano, who insisted, “The gays need glamour.” She changed costumes throughout the night, balancing theatrics with storytelling.

A Song for Tough Times

She sang “Sally’s Pigeons” in tribute to a friend from her youth, highlighting women’s healthcare rights. Wearing her wig cap, she told the crowd, “Glamour takes a second, guys. It’s not just glamour; it’s art.”

Time After Time with Sam Smith

Sam Smith joined her for a moving rendition of “Time After Time.” As fans held up their cellphone lights, the arena glowed in tribute to this timeless song.

Show-Stopping Performance

From energetic moves to singing with her band, Lauper kept the energy high during “Money Changes Everything,” reminding the audience of her versatility.

A Tribute to Art

Lauper performed “True Colors” with a vibrant scarf, merging her love of art and music in a visually stunning performance.

Advocating for Women’s Rights

She spoke about her Girls Just Want to Have Fundamental Rights Fund, which supports women’s healthcare. She urged the women in the crowd to vote and take action for their rights.

Final Encore with a Message

Closing with “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” Lauper and her band, dressed in Yayoi Kusama-inspired polka dots, ended the night on a high, spreading a message of joy and empowerment.

By Alice M. Clark,
Senior Reporter, The Midtown Times

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