Andrew Lloyd Webber Praises Lady Gaga’s London ‘Mayhem Ball’ Show as “Absolutely Fabulous”

Andrew Lloyd Webber hails Lady Gaga’s ‘Mayhem Ball’ performance in London as a stunning live spectacle with theatrical flair and star power.

A Night to Remember at the O2: When Gaga Meets Broadway Royalty

There’s something magical about seeing a pop superstar who truly sings live—and when that powerhouse is Lady Gaga, it’s a moment that even a legend like Andrew Lloyd Webber can’t help but applaud. The renowned composer didn't hold back his praise after catching one of Gaga’s recent shows in London during the ‘Mayhem Ball’ residency at the O2 Arena.

Gaga played a series of four electrifying shows, promoting her latest album Mayhem, which impressively became her seventh consecutive Number One album. And trust me, seeing her live? The energy is off the charts.

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Take: A Nod to Opera and Theatrics

In a heartfelt video posted on Instagram, Webber gushed, “I loved the Lady Gaga concert. It was really fabulous. She really knows how to handle an audience. And it was a great evening.” The musical theatre titan was especially taken by a theatrical highlight: Gaga performing ‘Shallow’ while floating serenely in a rowing boat across the venue—a clever wink to his iconic Phantom of the Opera production.

“I was really, really pleased to see an opera house on stage, and even more pleased to see a boat with her in it being rowed across the big auditorium, that is O2,” Webber said. “It reminded me of something that I might have had a little involvement with.”

What a perfect blend of pop concert and stagecraft! Gaga’s spectacular use of visual storytelling is what makes her shows feel like more than just a gig—they’re immersive theatrical events.

Authenticity Shines: Live Singing in a Lip-Sync Era

One aspect that truly struck Webber was Gaga’s commitment to singing live. “It was so wonderful, actually, to see somebody really singing live, rather than, as we know, some artists who are really miming to a pre-recorded track. And there was nothing of that,” he noted. In an age where spectacular visuals sometimes overshadow vocal authenticity, Gaga’s live vocals remind us why she’s a star.

It’s a rare treat to find a performer who can balance showmanship, vocal power, and genuine musicianship—and Gaga’s ‘Mayhem Ball’ does just that.

Lady Gaga’s Response: A Dream Realized

The admiration was mutual. Gaga herself responded to Webber’s glowing comments in a TikTok video, describing his praise as “a dream come true.” Considering the stature of Webber in musical theatre and Gaga’s own theatrical flair, this mutual respect feels like a beautiful meeting of creative worlds.

Dive Into Gaga’s World: ‘The Dead Dance’ Official Video

For those eager to dive deeper into Gaga’s latest sonic and visual artistry, here’s the official music video for "The Dead Dance" from her Mayhem album—full of dramatic flair and haunting beauty.

Critics Echo the Praise: A Flawless Fusion of Camp and Power

Critics at the London shows were just as enchanted. In a five-star review, one wrote, “Then, flames begin to flicker on top of the opera house behind her and she leaves the stage for the encore, returning make-up free, in a simple black outfit and beanie over the hair that’s been covered by countless wigs tonight. It’s a nod to the real person behind this artful masterpiece, but also another performance. Like every other that has come before it, though, it’s just perfect.”

This glimpse behind the glam adds layers to Gaga’s performance—it’s camp, but it’s also deeply personal, a reminder that beneath the spectacle is an artist baring her soul.

The Mayhem Ball Tour Rolls On

For fans who missed the London residency, the Mayhem Ball tour is steaming ahead across Europe. If the O2 show is any indication, these concerts are must-sees, packing theatrical surprises and powerhouse vocals into every night.

The Album Behind the Magic: Why ‘Mayhem’ Is a Gaga Classic

Beyond the live show, Gaga’s Mayhem album is a playful, vibrant record that keeps her legacy fresh. A four-star review praised it as “a great Gaga album because it’s just so much fun… At times, it’s a bit like reconnecting with an old friend who makes sense even when they seem to be chatting nonsense.”

With lines like “river in my eyes, I’ve got a poem in my throat” from the track ‘LoveDrug,’ Gaga continues to blend dramatic lyricism with infectious pop hooks, proving why she’s “pop’s foremost agent of impeccably crafted chaos”—seventeen years and counting since her breakthrough hit ‘Just Dance.’

Final Thoughts: A Pop Icon Meets a Theatre Legend

Watching Andrew Lloyd Webber praise Lady Gaga’s Mayhem Ball residency felt like witnessing a symbolic passing of the torch—an iconic composer recognizing a pop superstar who’s rewritten the rules of performance art. Gaga’s fusion of music, drama, and spectacle makes her shows not just concerts, but theatrical experiences worthy of Broadway’s finest stages.

Have you caught the Mayhem Ball tour yet? What was your favorite moment from Lady Gaga’s theatrical pop extravaganza? Share your thoughts!

FAQ

• What did Andrew Lloyd Webber say about Lady Gaga’s Mayhem Ball show?
  He described it as “absolutely fabulous,” praising her live singing and the theatrical elements, especially the boat scene reminiscent of Phantom of the Opera.
• Where did Lady Gaga perform her Mayhem Ball residency?
  She played four shows at the O2 Arena in London as part of her 2025 tour.
• What makes Lady Gaga’s live performances stand out?
  Gaga sings live with full vocal authenticity, blending theatrical staging with powerful musicianship.
• How has the Mayhem album been received by critics?
  It has garnered positive reviews, praised for being fun, emotionally expressive, and a strong addition to Gaga’s discography.
• Is the Mayhem Ball tour continuing after London?
  Yes, the tour is ongoing across Europe with more dates announced.

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