MADONNA – VIRGIN TOUR LIVE: PORTLAND & L.A. 1985 (2 CD)

Description

This is the first live archives release documenting Madonna’s first “The Virgin Tour” in 1985! This highly anticipated live compilation includes every track recorded on stereo soundboards, as well as sound check and rehearsal recordings! [Direct import of the original overseas pressing]

Madonna’s first concert tour, “The Virgin Tour,” took place at the height of her popularity following the phenomenal worldwide sales of her album “Like a Virgin.” Although a world tour was initially planned, it was realized as a North American tour limited to the United States and Canada from April to May 1985. Featuring the Beastie Boys as the opening act, every show sold out, creating a sensational live debut that sent audiences across the US into a frenzy. A video of the Detroit performance from this tour was later released, but it was an edited version that omitted three songs rather than the entire concert. The setlist, which truly embodied Madonna’s early career, included hit singles from both albums as well as “Crazy for You” and “Gambler,” both from the soundtrack of the film “Vision Quest.” While the setlist was generally the same for each show, the live performances featured entirely live vocals and instruments, with variations in solo parts and stage progressions, making for a uniquely live performance experience. While most previously available recordings were incomplete or degraded mono versions, these live archives are recorded from the highest quality stereo soundboard sources, newly restored and edited from the raw masters, offering the best possible sound quality. In addition to the complete recordings of each show, bonus tracks include sound checks and tour rehearsals, capturing the artist’s dedication to live performance. This is a rare archive recording of Madonna’s first full-scale concert debut, marking her first arena tour, after previously only performing live in clubs and on TV. Compared to the more polished shows she’s produced since her seven-year world tour, this remarkable compilation captures the unique charm of her 1980s “The Virgin Tour,” showcasing her freshness, coquettishness, and dedication.

The first live anthology of “The Virgin Tour,” “First Virgin,” features two shows: the April 15, 1985, show in Portland, Oregon, and the April 28, 1985, show at the Universal Amphitheater in Los Angeles, California, recorded in full on stereo soundboard. The Portland show, which follows the tour opening Seattle performance, offers a unique look at the early stages of the tour, with differences in the MC and concert progression. Bonus tracks include “Dress You Up” and “Lucky Star.” The Los Angeles Universal Amphitheater performance is also a complete recording with the latest remastered and upgraded sound source. Bonus tracks include “Burning Up” and “Borderline” from rehearsals at the same venue.

CD1
LIVE IN PORTLAND : April 15th 1985
01. Opening / DRESS YOU UP
02. HOLIDAY
03. INTO THE GROOVE
04. EVERYBODY
05. ANGEL
06. Keyboards Solo / GAMBLER / BORDERLINE
07. LUCKY STAR
08. CRAZY FOR YOU
09. OVER AND OVER
10. BURNING UP
11. Drum Solo / LIKE A VIRGIN (excerpt BILLIE JEAN)
12. Film Opening / MATERIAL GIRL
Live at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, Portland, OR, USA April 15th 1985

BONUS TRAX
13. DRESS YOU UP I (Soundcheck)
14. LUCKY STAR (Soundcheck)

CD2
LIVE IN LOS ANGELES : April 28th 1985
01. Opening / DRESS YOU UP
02. HOLIDAY
03. INTO THE GROOVE
04. EVERYBODY
05. ANGEL
06. Keyboards Solo / GAMBLER
07. BORDERLINE
08. LUCKY STAR
09. CRAZY FOR YOU
10. OVER AND OVER
11. BURNING UP
12. Drum Solo / LIKE A VIRGIN (excerpt BILLIE JEAN)
13. Band Opening / MATERIAL GIRL
Live at Universal Amphitheatre, Universal City, Los Angeles, CA, USA April 28th 1985

BONUS TRAX
14. BURNING UP (LA Rehearsal)
15. BORDERLINE (LA Rehearsal)