I actually got tickets for opening night at the Forum here in L.A. during the pre-sale that was offered to members of her fan club, Icon. (That's pretty much the only reason I joined; for the advance ticket offer, but the message board there is pretty fuckin' funny, I'll tell you that. I thought that *I* was a big Madonna fan. Sheesh, some of those queens--and lots of straight housewives too--are CRAZY in love with her. It's a mess! LOL!)

I also got tix for the 2nd night of the tour, May 23, also at the Forum in L.A. And I'm debating whether or not to check out the show a 3rd time when she comes BACK to L.A. for a date at the Staples Center. Those tickets have not been officially announced yet. That's the cool thing about being an entertainment journalist with inside connections.

Anyone who knows me knows that I am a major Madonna fan. Have been since I was 14 back in the early '80s, and always will be. A lot of people bust on her--including gay men--but no other artist has broken down the social boundaries surrounding sexuality, feminism and empowerment that she has. Year after year, her critics and detractors say that she is on her way out; that she is "over." And every time she proves them wrong. Her last record shot to No. 1 in 29 countries, and her tour is once again selling like mad--even though there was really no promotion for it, ticket prices are pretty high, and she just did the greatest hits tour 2 years ago! I would say those are hardly the accomplishments of someone whose career is "over."

Admittedly, she's incredibly pampered and spoiled rich, and has in the past come off as a bit of a total bitch, but she worked her ass off to get where she is, and I don't begrudge her any of it. Hell, if I had the money she had, I'd be pretty damn pampered too. We all would. There's a really cool interview that's going to be on April 15 on BBC America, and it's a great show for any Madonna fan to check out.

What I love about seeing a Madonna concert is the feeling in that stadium when she's onstage performing. She has such power over her audience, and to share in that with thousands of people is pretty frickin' cool. Music really does bring the people together.