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Written by: E. George
Published November 13, 2024 @ 1:20 PM ET
FULTON COUNTY, Ga. – At 71, Cyndi Lauper is defying expectations with her first tour in a decade, bringing her distinctive voice, unparalleled energy, and a blend of theatrical flair and musical talent to fans across North America and Europe. In what she has called a “farewell run,” Lauper delivered a nearly sold-out concert at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on November 10, 2024, where she revisited some of her biggest hits, shared emotional personal stories, and honored the loyal fans who have supported her for over 40 years.
Lauper’s career has always been about doing things her way, and this concert was no exception. From the opening moments, it was clear that she wasn’t just delivering a typical greatest hits show but rather offering a heartfelt tribute to her musical journey.
The stage was a spectacle in itself, with massive video screens projecting kinetic imagery, a seven-piece backup band that brought the energy to life, and multiple costume changes throughout the night.
Her fashion choices were a nod to her early punk-rock roots as well as her ability to reinvent herself, showcasing a variety of iconic looks that spanned her career. She opened in a space-age-inspired jacket with pewter tights, a bold look that set the tone for the night.
At one point, she wore a dramatic red jacket with yellow sleeve covers and a literal washboard over her chest as part of her playful rendition of “Iko Iko.” The quirky outfit was as much a part of the performance as her voice, combining humor and art in typical Cyndi Lauper fashion.
Later, for “Sisters of Avalon,” she donned a cream-colored suit jacket with a black lace bra and garter printed on the front and back, further underlining her signature approach to glamor and individuality.
The concert was a journey through Lauper’s diverse musical landscape, from her early 80s pop hits to her more recent ventures into blues, Broadway, and torch songs. Though she opened the night a little stiffly, both vocally and physically, Lauper quickly found her groove, and her energy grew as the night went on.
The crowd was treated to a powerful rendition of “I Drove All Night,” where Lauper’s voice soared with emotion, and “Shine,” a torch song that displayed her incredible vocal control and vulnerability.
She also delved into the punk-rock aesthetic that defined much of her early career, bringing a raw intensity to songs like “Change of Heart” and her propulsive cover of Atlanta-based band The Brains’ “Money Changes Everything.” The latter was a high-energy showstopper, with Lauper jumping and dancing across the stage with abandon, exuding the spirit of punk rock that has always been central to her persona.
One of the evening’s vocal highlights was Lauper’s hauntingly powerful cover of Gene Pitney’s 1964 hit “I’m Gonna Be Strong,” a song she first recorded in 1980 with the band Blue Angel before her breakthrough with She’s So Unusual in 1983. The song’s emotional weight, coupled with Lauper’s commanding delivery, made it a standout moment of the night.
Lauper’s stage presence is not just about music—it’s also about her connection with the audience. She shared personal anecdotes between songs, sprinkled with her signature sardonic humor.
“We played a film,” she joked, referring to a retrospective video shown during the concert, “in case you walked into the wrong concert.” She also made it clear that this tour was her way of thanking the fans who supported her over the years and acknowledging her career’s many twists and turns.
Reflecting on her rise to fame in the early 80s, Lauper spoke candidly about how her career “hit the skids” after her initial success. Yet, rather than being defined by that period, she chose to embrace the lessons of her experiences.
As she recounted, the Details magazine founder Annie Flanders had advised her: “There are many chapters in your life. You can’t let one thing define who you are. You learn and grow and experience real life.”
Lauper took this to heart and went on to release her 1993 album Hatful of Stars, which, while not a commercial smash, was critically acclaimed and embraced by her most loyal fans. She treated the Atlanta crowd to two gems from that album, “Who Let in the Rain” and the poignant “Sally’s Pigeons,” a song about a childhood friend who died after a backdoor abortion, a deeply personal narrative that resonated with Lauper’s broader political views.
Throughout her farewell tour, Lauper has invited various guests to join her on stage for a duet of her signature hit “Time After Time.” In Atlanta, R&B legend Chaka Khan made a surprise appearance, though their duet was a bit of a comedic mishap.
Khan, struggling with the lyrics and melody, seemed to be reading from a teleprompter in what could only be described as a karaoke-style performance. Despite the hiccups, the collaboration added to the night’s whimsical, unpredictable energy.
For the encore, Lauper’s performance of “True Colors” was one of the most visually stunning moments of the evening. Using an artistic installation created by Brooklyn artist Daniel Wertzel, Lauper maneuvered an oversized rainbow-colored scarf in the center of the arena, creating a mesmerizing visual effect as fans interacted with the fabric in a random, almost whimsical fashion. This ethereal moment embodied the hope, love, and acceptance that have always been central themes in her work.
Lauper’s final number, “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” was a celebratory, joyful conclusion to an unforgettable night. The performance was infused with a sense of exuberance as Lauper and her band wore matching outfits adorned with red dots, a nod to the work of renowned Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, whom Lauper cited as an inspiration.
“She was doing things that were off the charts,” Lauper said, referencing Kusama’s exploration of the universe through her distinctive dot patterns. It was a fitting tribute to a woman whose creativity and fearlessness have inspired generations.
As Lauper took her final bow, she left the audience with a sense of hope and excitement for whatever her next chapter may bring. “Take care,” she said, “See you in the next chapter.”
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