The show that has been touted as the “most revolutionary stage experience of the past two decades” and has become the hottest ticket in town has finally arrived.
Kanye West’s Glow in the Dark tour featuring Rihanna, Lupe Fiasco and N.E.R.D., invaded the LA Live Nokia Center on April 21st with a completely sold-out crowd. Among celeb fans in attendance included Jaime Foxx, Pete Wentz, newly-pregnant Ashley Simpson, and Gwen Stefani.
The concert offers more than just a performance of songs, but instead, creates a storyline with the music. Think: hip-hopera… in space!
Confused? Here’s the jist…
Kanye is sent on a mission to space to bring creativity back to Earth. He’s been gone for over a year. All of the crew on his ship are dead, leaving Jane, the on-board computer system, as Kanye’s only companion.
His ship crashes on an unknown planet. As Kanye begins to explore the unfamiliar surroundings, he is greeted by a female alien. Um, do alien’s have sexes? Anyway…
Kanye asks, “Do you know who I am?”
“Of course we know who you are. You are the biggest star in the Universe!,” replies the femalien.
Wow, biggest star in the Universe? Must be difficult for you to play this part, huh Kanye?
The Glow in the Dark tour follows a tough emotional journey of the singer. Kanye’s mother and main inspiration, Donda West, passed away late last year. A tragedy that would have paralyzed many, provided Kanye the inspiration he needed to produce, arguably, the best work of his career.
The show is pure candy for the eyes. Many screens, big and small, showed scenes of whirling galaxies and cataclysmic weather. In collaboration with elaborate lighting, special pyrotechnics and interactive stage pieces, the show elevated from mere concert to grand entertainment spectacle.
Kanye uses his lyrics to narrate the adventure. As his ship is hit by meteor debris, causing it to begin losing altitude, West begins singing the hit “All Falls Down.” After being away from Earth and stranded out in space for so long, he pleads for someone to help him. “Jesus Walks,” representing his faith, provides him the energy to keep going.
While the show is a feast for the eyes, the most memorable period of the night comes when the lights go off. Kanye gave a heart-breakingly emotional performance of “Hey Mama.” The crowd was swept over with silence and tears. Kanye, at his most vulnerable, finds it hard to get through the song. It is at this moment, fans watch a teary-eyed Kanye stop being the heroic astronaut and “arrogant asshole” he is made out to be and come back down to Earth.
Glow in the Dark is an emotional rollercoaster and an musical experience unlike any other. Kanye West has once again outdone himself. It’s a must see.
Unfortunately, the remaining dates of the concert are sold-out, but you can always try your luck with scalpers and eBay.