INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 02: Singer Madonna looks on on during a press conference for the … [+]
In about a month, Madonna will officially kick off The Celebration Tour, a series of shows that has been described as a celebration of her historic back catalog—hence the name. As she gears up to take the show on the road, Madonna might want to think about taking a page out of Taylor Swift’s playbook in order to ensure that all her fans get a taste of their favorite songs, even the ones that weren’t chart-topping hits.
Currently, Madonna is not promoting any new album, which means she can fully focus on performing the smashes that the public knows best. However, with such an extensive discography, it is impossible to include every hit in one tour. She’d have a tough time featuring every top 10 hit she’s ever charted, let alone some beloved tracks that didn’t even rise that high.
Some fans are bound to be disappointed if they don’t hear their favorite songs. That’s where Taylor Swift’s approach to her ongoing The Eras Tour can offer some inspiration.
Swift’s The Eras Tour has become the most sought-after ticket in music today. It is expected to end 2023 as the highest-grossing tour and has even extended into 2024 with additional shows. While Swift primarily sticks to her predetermined setlist like most musicians, she also brings something different and special each night. During a small window in the show, she performs two different tracks, mixing things up by including fan favorites and lesser-known tunes from her past albums. Every night is different, and she will rarely—if ever—repeat. This approach keeps the concert experience fresh and exhilarating for her super fans while also providing promotional opportunities.
Madonna could adopt a similar strategy to address the challenge of her extensive repertoire. By performing one or two extra tunes per night not usually included in the setlist, she would give many of her lesser-known hits a chance to shine and appease fans who have been eagerly waiting to hear their favorites.
In today’s world, where social media rules and everyone has a cellphone, the impact of performing a song just once can be massive. Fans who weren’t there can see the videos and know that the single they love wasn’t overlooked…even if they don’t get to see it live. These clips also have the potential to go viral, generating media attention that spills over into headlines in the music press. This publicity would not only boost ticket sales but also increase streams and sales of Madonna’s songs.
Furthermore, by letting fans know that the setlist will change slightly, Madonna would encourage them to return to the show. Super fans, in particular, may be motivated to buy tickets to more than one concert, hoping to hear that one forgotten hit they love the most. This could result in increased ticket sales and further elevate the excitement surrounding the tour.
Although she has been rehearsing for months and the tour is imminent, incorporating such a fun element would not only make the tour more enjoyable for the musicians and Madonna herself, but it would also go a long way in keeping her die-hard supporters happy.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/hughmcintyre/2023/06/21/madonna-might-want-to-copy-one-aspect-of-taylor-swifts-the-eras-tour/