Lady Gaga’s Mayhem Ball – A Hometown Show at Madison Square Garden in NYC
I made the trip to NYC on March 20th to see the Mayhem Ball at Madison Square Garden — I couldn’t make the Miami shows in 2025 when the tour started, and with the tour coming to an end on April 13th, I knew seeing it at the Garden would be special. And it was. Simply, amazingly stunning.
A huge undertaking for Lady Gaga (Stefani Germanotta) as both director and star, I can honestly say this is one of the most creative, theatrical, and incredible concerts I have ever experienced. The Mistress of Mayhem is the character who grapples with the chaos of fame and inner demons — but the show also carries a powerful message of positivity, loving and being yourself.
Photo: Vicky Sullivan for The Suncoast Post
The Show: Four Acts, a Finale, and Pure Spectacle
Yes, it is part gothic darkness, life and death, and it certainly nods to Phantom of the Opera in many ways. It is the human fight of good vs. evil told in four acts and a finale — with songs from the Mayhem album woven in alongside her greatest hits. The main stage is a colosseum opera house, serving as a backdrop not just for Gaga but for her large group of 32 dancers, choreographed by Parris Goebel, who has choreographed several Super Bowls.
The costuming is extraordinary — 15 changes throughout the show, with designs by Saint Laurent and by stylist Natali Germanotta, Gaga’s younger sister. It was a sold-out show, and Gaga was visibly emotional about being in her hometown. She talked to the audience often about growing up in NYC, becoming part of the city’s music scene, and how much the city means to her.
Photo: Vicky Sullivan for The Suncoast Post
Energy, Emotion, and the Little Monsters
She was in great voice and danced from one song to the next — an incredible feat in a show that ran over 2½ hours. The fans (Little Monsters) sang every lyric, yelled when instructed by Mother Monster, and kept the Garden at an electric pitch. Battery-operated lighted bracelets were given to everyone as they entered, and throughout the night the arena glowed in different colors, adding another layer of drama to each song and dance number.
The setlist embodied Lady Gaga’s entire career — from her first hit in 2008, Just Dance, to her latest duet with Bruno Mars, Die With A Smile, which appears on the Mayhem album. Abracadabra from Mayhem also won a Grammy for Best Dance Pop Recording in 2026. Lighting, graphics, and pyrotechnics are all a stellar part of the production.
Photo: Vicky Sullivan for The Suncoast Post
One Small Complaint — and a Spectacular Encore
The only complaint: a large string of electrical cords hanging from the ceiling to the floor, right in the middle of the full view of the stage. It was a distraction from getting a clear view or good photos from the second level, and fans on the upper level were not happy — though they took it in stride to see their idol.
The encore brought a phenomenal production number of Bad Romance that had everyone up dancing. Gaga and the dancers then made their way back to the stage for the second encore to thank the audience.
It is a show I will never forget. Gaga has raised the bar for theatrical concert-going. View the full setlist from the March 20th show at Madison Square Garden, and check out YouTube for videos from various tour dates if you want a preview of the spectacle.
Photo: Vicky Sullivan for The Suncoast Post
Vicky Sullivan Photos for The Suncoast Post. Vicky Sullivan has been The Suncoast Post’s photographer for over a decade, covering concerts from Sarasota to Madison Square Garden and beyond.