Fans go GaGa for GaGa

Birmingham LG Arena

words and pictures by James Watkins

Jetset superstar Lady Gaga brought the biggest stage show of the year to the West Midlands as a 14,000-strong army of 'Little Monsters' descended on the LG Arena for her Monster Ball World Tour.

Thousands of Gaga look-a-likes, all glammed up in outrageous outfits, blonde wigs and black eyeliner, created a frenzied atmosphere, long before the show started. Naturally, diva that she is, Gaga kept the crowd waiting... and waiting.... and waiting. Then, an hour later than scheduled, she took to the stage for Friday's colossal, mind-blowing show.

Before the onslaught, however, came Danish pop outfit Alphabeat.

Their five-song set, including their ludicrously infectious hit Fasciation, was warmly received. Truth be told, the fans wanted them to stay much longer. And, given the quality and intelligence of their musicianship, it's a shame that they weren't given more time.

The night, however, was about the world's foremost diva. Lady Gaga is more than just a pop star, she's a phenomenon. Opening with Dance in the Dark, she's an icon to a small army of 'Little Monsters'. She delivered a tight and well-crafted performance that dazzled.

The bar was lifted with Just Dance, during which Gaga donned a striking leotard not dissimilar to Madonna's infamous Reborn outfit. The show had it all; musical cars, subway trains, abandoned forests and even a flaming piano.

Playing a staggering two-hour show with multiple costume changes ranging from the bizarre - a spark-throwing leotard - to the ridiculous - a giant ball of hair, resembling cousin It from the Adams family - Lady Gaga showed the Midlands what the world has been talking these past few months.

Climaxing in a battle with a giant 100ft monster during Paparazzi, the show ended with the stunning Bad Romance. Love or hate her, Lady Gaga is taking the music world by storm.