Lady Gaga kicked off night one of four of her highly anticipated The Mayhem Ball Tour on Monday (July 28) at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles, and it’s undeniably the most unforgettable live show of the year.
“This is my first arena tour since 2018,” Gaga told fans during the tour announcement.
“There’s something electric about a stadium, and I love every moment of those shows. But with The Mayhem Ball, I wanted to create a different kind of experience. Something more intimate, closer, more connected, that lends itself to the live theatrical art I love to create.”
She delivered on that vision in every way.
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From the opening moment featuring a cinematic video of Gaga in a vibrant red puff-sleeve top writing with an oversized feather pen to the raw and barefaced final scene where she offered fans a behind-the-scenes look, the four-act show unfolded like a visual love letter to art, performance, and connection.
Gaga reimagined many of her classics with bold theatrical remixes that gave longtime hits a fresh new spark. She also paid tribute to her own pop legacy, revisiting her Paparazzi era with the iconic metallic helmet and crutches look. This time she elevated it with a white stage-length cape that shimmered and moved like a living work of art.
Choreography played a massive role in the night’s energy, with Parris Goebel bringing her signature intensity and edge. The dancers were all on point, with Shea Evans standing out in particular, serving precision and cunt all night long. The costume design was equally unforgettable. Each look was a statement, delivering pure drama and high fashion with every reveal.
A powerful highlight came when Gaga danced across the stage holding a Progress Pride flag, honoring LGBTQ+ people of color and the transgender community with joy, visibility, and unapologetic pride. And for the superfans in the crowd, she delivered a deep-cut surprise by performing “Summerboy” from her 2008 debut The Fame, a rare gem that had Little Monsters screaming.
Click here for the full set list.
It’s hard to encapsulate a show this grand in scope while still feeling as close and connected as it did inside an arena. Vocally, physically, and creatively, Gaga was firing on all cylinders. The Mayhem Ball is not just a concert. It is a full-on immersive experience that blends performance art, personal expression, and pure pop spectacle.
This tour cements its place as a defining moment in Gaga’s live show legacy.