MUSICALADY GAGA IN RIO: Chaos calculated from a show that entered the story that a show, the show of the singer in Copacabana was a collective ritual of affection, identity and celebration for millions of fans from around the world newsroom

What kind of artist can gather 2.1 million people in a single show? Was it just the effect of a free event or are we talking about something bigger – about the weight of an artist who has already redefined the limits between music, performance and cultural activism? Lady Gagawith his futuristic opera outdoors, he proved that what we saw in the Coachella – One of the most exclusive festivals in the world – was not the apex, but just a rehearsal. And this apex happened here, in Brazil.

The “Manifesto Mayhem”Landed in Rio de Janeiro in full force: more monumental, symbolic and collective. It was more than a show – it was a planetary pop ritual. Gaga He delivered impeccable vocals, flame pianos, very sharp choreographies, and, above all, a clear message: this moment is ours. And it was really. From start to finish, Brazil proved not only one of the most passionate countries with music, but also one of the most competent in holding gigantic events with structure, safety and, especially, a sense of communion.

Because such an event is only possible here too: by the way the Brazilian lives the moment. It was a collective celebration, a meeting of people willing to share space, heat, tiredness and euphoria to be together. And who is Lady Gagaif not the voice of all who have already been repressed? Gays, women, yesterday’s and today’s “differences”. She speaks to who was excluded – and this audience responded with love, surrender and presence.

It’s been almost a week of the show and I don’t know anyone from VIP to the fifth big screen, which is not yet ecstatic. People arrived early, others in the afternoon, faced hours under the sun. Despite the tiredness, the mood prevailed. The fans – the second biggest attraction of the event – gave the rhythm between one song and another. From the subway to the beach, the mood was party, from community. Can you see the stage? Not always. But the bid was different: singing together, jumping, jumping, vibrating. If it was just to watch, we watched on TV. Being there was to live, disconnect from the online world and remember what it is to feel music and be part of something bigger. Perrengue is, of course – and everyone agreed to pay this price with taste.

It is curious to think that a show of this size may not be the same success in other parts of the world. Brazil has know-how: hosted World cup, Olympicsreceives the largest carnivals on the planet and has attracted international artists for decades. The “eat to brazilIt turned meme for a reason.

Months ago, in a chat with a British friend, I commented on the rumor of the free show of Gaga. His answer was straightforward: “That would never work in the United Kingdom.” Not for lack of fans, but for lack of preparation – both audiences and state – to deal with a crowd of this size. The idea of ​​chaos was automatic. And you can’t say that it was completely wrong: in many countries in Europe and the US, the combination of crowd, alcohol and security is a time bomb.

Here, it works differently. We know moving in chaos. Safety was robust: magazine in specific areas, cameras everywhere, drones with facial recognition and active police acting. This does not eliminate risks, but proves that we do have technology, structure and execution capacity.

The biggest stumble, ironically, came later: the subway station SIQUEIRA CAMPOSthe only one at all times signaled to use after the event, became an unbearable funnel, with traffic still working and street vendors crossing with strollers in the crowd. It was necessary to close it temporarily to contain the flow. A logistical bottleneck that has not spoiled the night but needs to be reviewed.

We also know that the investment in the event generated concrete return to the city. Tourism was driven, the hotel chain worked with maximum occupation, the trade remained warm for days and even those who have never heard a song from Gaga found a way to profit. The creative economy, in this case, went beyond the expected: there were people selling the meat look VMA Recreated in blouses, shorts and caps. He had a personalized range and even sand bag was marketed – for those who wanted to climb the wall and have a “privileged view” of the show. This, my dears, only Brazil does. Creative economy you call?

Another highlight impossible to ignore: the band and the dancers of Lady Gaga. In every corner of the stage there was a detail, a parallel performance, a living window inside the mounted opera. The pianist on a 360º keyboard, created by his own, the 24 -year -old drummer detonating with each beat, the dancers delivering everything every second. It was a separate show – a show inside the show.

What makes tonight even more emblematic is its power to cross generations. My father, who rarely ends a sleepless episode, watched everything. The next day I told me: “I just didn’t like that second act, kind of heavy, a lot of dead people… but the show was great!” I created one Little Monster At home unintentionally?

Compare with the Madonna In the same place a year earlier is inevitable, but perhaps unfair. Like itself Gaga said, while Madonna Sing and dance, she sings, produces, plays instruments. Gaga Was it more contained in the looks? Yes. But containment also communicates. She doesn’t need exaggeration to be revolutionary. Madonna It’s mocking. Gaga It is chaos and control at the same time.

In the midst of all this, Rio de Janeiro is repositioned on the global map as the capital of live music. Eduardo Paes He understood that and bet loudly – and won. Now the world looks here with other eyes. Lady Gaga He made history in Brazil, and we made history with her.

+++ Read more: the 4 historical shows that had a larger audience than Lady Gaga in Rio