SHORT TAKES : Madonna’s Garb, Act Stirs Hot Italian Blood, and It’s Negative
Rock star Madonna’s “Blond Ambition” tour arrived in Italy to a less-than-sellout crowd after weeks of protests against her by Roman Catholic organizations.
And she canceled a second planned performance in Rome because of low ticket sales and a threatened general strike by labor unions.
The show has angered the church and pro-family groups that object to the lingerie-clad Madonna using a crucifix and other Christian symbols during her sexually suggestive performance.
Madonna, an Italian-American, tried to win over the concert crowd Tuesday night by donning the No. 15 jersey of Italian soccer star Roberto Baggio and by occasionally speaking Italian during the show.
Scalpers sold tickets at cost or less. Police estimate there were 30,000 people at Flaminio stadium, which has a capacity of 32,000. “The controversy has gravely damaged the take,” said David Zard, Madonna’s promoter in Italy.
The state-run RAI television network dropped plans to record the concert for future broadcast.
“My blood boils when I am misunderstood and judged unfairly for my convictions,” Madonna said before the concert.
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